"Morning Rounds," A Poetry Post

Good morning, uh, Mr. ---.

Good morning.

So you're still having pain in that leg?

Yeah. It's a hot pain. I don't know.

Well I'd better order a scan.

What about the pain? Can I have something for the pain?

I'll see about that. Maybe that's the problem.

Yeah... it's a lot of pain. 

I mean the pills, Mr. ---. You may be addicted to the pills.

Say what?

I don't think there is a pain, I'm saying, but I'll run a scan and talk to the nurse.

...

The doctor says I'm addicted to oxycodone. 

He doesn't believe me.

He's treating me like

I came in with

tracks in my arms.

He's running a test.

...

So, it turns out your leg is broken.

It's broken? How is it broken?

Well, we're not sure exactly.

Is it necrotic?

I can't say yet. We'll have a deeper scan.

...

So, it's a fracture on the ---.

It's not broken?

No, it's just a fracture. Wear the immobilizer and complete rehab.

How long is the rehab?

I'll send in a consultant.

...

Hello Mr. ---. My name is ---.

We just need to complete this

questionnaire for

pre-approval with

your insurance company.

...

How long is it?

Seven days.

In a facility?

It's seven to ten days.

To do what now?

To heal the leg and practice walking on it.

Outpatient?

No. Inside for a week, direct from the hospital.

It's already been seven days.

The doctor is sending over PT. They want me to prove I can handle myself at home.

...

I'm coming home tomorrow.

You should.

We have always rehabbed at home.

I know. 

At home, I am treated better, I can rest, and I can heal. 
I need to be home.

I know. 


-T. D. James-Moss