A Broken Heart - Part 3

[DrDMatthews 0]

By Debbie and Shamor.....      

 

 

 

      J'untar was resting quietly. If he was experiencing any discomfort, he didn't show it. Debbie placed her hand lightly on his shoulder and he slowly opened his eyes.

 

      "J'untar," she began softly. "We have a big problem."

      Shamor blinked his eyes and nodded. "How big?

      "Big enough," replied Debbie. "It's nothing we can't fix but...."

      "But what?"

      "But you must do exactly as you're told. I know how your are, J'untar. This time around, you've got to cooperate and follow doctor's orders to the letter."

      Shamor closed his eyes. "I always cooperate," he quipped.

      Debbie didn't say a word. She stood quietly, staring at her patient until he opened one eye and grinned.

      The CMO couldn't help smiling. "I'm not joking, J'untar. You must promise me you'll behave yourself. There's a lot at stake here."

 

      Her patient drew a deep breath and nodded. "You have my word."

      "And I'm holding you to it," answered Debbie. "Now here's what's going on."

 

      "I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you to learn you've suffered a heart attack. One artery to the right heart is completely blocked. There are blockages in two other arteries but they're not as serious. There is some damage to your right heart. I think that damage can be reversed. Are you with me so far?"

 

      Shamor nodded.

 

      "The left heart is okay.  There are minor blockages in a couple of arteries to the left heart but nothing of consequence. At the moment, your left heart is under a lot of stress because the right heart is no longer pumping at full capacity. That's okay for now but we can't allow the additional stress to continue for more than a couple of days."

 

      "What is your plan, Doctor," asked Shamor, now all business.

      "We're going to start you off with the least invasive therapy and work our way up if need be. You're going on three different drugs. One will start dissolving those blockages in all of the affected arteries. The second one will work on building new and healthy tissue in that damaged ventricle. The third will help your healthy heart handle the extra work load."

 

      J'untar nodded his approval.  

 

      "There is something you must understand" continued Debbie solemnly. "The Camulin, the medication to assist your healthy heart, is a heavy duty steroid. Humans can have it for about twenty-four hours. You can take it for no more than three days. If those blockages haven't dissolved by then, we'll have to go with Plan B. That means inserting a stint into your artery."

 

      "When will you know if you must resort to Plan B?"

      "We'll have a good idea how it's going within forty-eight hours. The meds will be delivered  through the IV so you won't feel a thing. We'll be getting started in a couple of minutes."

      The Security Chief nodded and closed his eyes.

      Debbie squeezed J'untar's shoulder.  "In the meantime, you need to sleep. That's when your body does it's best healing.  Do you think you can do that on your own or would you like something to help you along?"

      "I am in no mood for sleeping, " replied Shamor. He opened his eyes and looked directly at Matthews. "But I shall try. I did promise to.....cooperate."