What Are The Alternatives...

I walked into the hospital mid evening, not happy that I have become a regular visitor here. As the doctors and nurses passed by they greeted me. I'll not be surprised that it was because of the Incident that some of them knew who the owner was, I hardly come here before.

All administrative reporting was done by my staff, and Dr. Robert being the medical director was doing a great job.

As we walked into her room; Me, Dr. Robert and a younger doctor also attending to her. I noticed how her skin has changed color and she was looking better than before although still pale but better. She has lost a lot of weight compared to when she was first brought in.

Why is she looking so skinny? I asked concerned.

You know, it cannot be the same. Nourishing the unconscious person requires bypassing the normal chewing and swallowing process. A nasogastric tube bypasses mouth and esophagus to deliver liquid nutrition directly to the stomach Dr.Robert answered.

Because patients who are in a coma can't eat or drink on their own, we ensure they receive nutrients and liquids through a vein or feeding tube so that they don't starve or dehydrate. She also receive electrolytes -- salt and other substances that help regulate body processes the younger doctor added.

I signed as I stood by her bed looking down at her, so no improvement or sign she is waking up soon I asked.

No, the younger doctor replied but she is stable, all we are doing now is concentrating on keeping her as healthy as possible. Coma patients are susceptible to pneumonia and other infections so we're always alert.

But is there nothing else we can do? I mean no treatment or medication; "What are the alternatives"? I asked feeling helpless.

Dr. Robert looked at me with understanding, as if he gets how I feel. Mr. Crown, right now all we can do is to keep her as comfortable as possible.

How long does she have have to stay here? With the attempt being made on her life, it's frustrating. It's not safe for her and other patients, I don't want anybody getting injured because of her. "What are the alternatives"? I asked again.

Many comatose patients stay in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), where doctors and nurses can continually monitor them. People who are in a coma for a long time may receive physical therapy to prevent long-term muscle damage.

Our nurses also move her periodically to prevent bedsores -- painful skin wounds caused by lying in one position for too long. o she is in good hands.

Unless you want to move her to her family, I'm assuming you've found them ? or is it to your house? Dr. Robert asked pointedly.

I looked at him wondering how he knew what I was thinking. I have being thinking about it but I don't know how my mother will take it. Although it's my house but she lives there for now according to her so I want give her the respect of asking her first if it was something I had to do.

We have not located her family yet not wanting to say more on the matter. Can it be done ? I mean moving her to my house I asked looking at the two doctors.

Yes, Dr Robert answered with a full medical team on standby, a nurse and doctor with her 24 hours, it can be done.

The younger doctor didn't look convinced Mr. Crown. The care of patients in vegetative state at home is difficult because they need continuous medical interventions and extensive care he said.

I have asked for alternatives, what else can we do? Because I'm very concerned for her safety here, you don't know when she coming out of it, and you both just told me she is stable I added.

Sir...another alternative is, she can be taken to medical treatment home where cases like this are handled.

No ..no no I was shaking my head. what about the security issues I asked

Both of them just looked on not saying anything else, realising I was right.

One of the doctor's pager went off and I turned to both of them, you can both go. I will stay here for a while.

As they left I sat down on the chair close to her bed and held her hand. why are you not waking up? I asked her

Sunshine is growing everyday, her cheeks her getting so chubby and she eats alot I said smiling. you've missed her two months of her life, come on wake up I said. I'm sure she misses you.

We had to give her baby formula since you cannot breastfeed her, she misses that too I know.

I looked at her breasts they looked small, they were much fuller before.I'm sure it was because of the breast milk. What are you doing Eric? looking at her like that ...

I got up and walked to the hospital window, as I was there staring out, I noticed that there was a man standing down starting up the hospital with a telescope. He was looking up at the window and in short looking at me.

When he caught sight of me, he back off and behaved as if he was a pedestrian.He just walked on until he was out of sight.

I stood there for about a five minutes after that incident, asking myself if it was a coincidence and what about if...if it was not?

I suddenly knew what I had to do, I called Dr.Robert immediately. Prepare a medical team, I'm taking her home.

Now? Dr, Robert asked surprised.

Yes right now, we need to get her out of this hospital now!

Mr. Crown, can we wait till tomorrow so we can have time to arrange for the medical team.

Dr. Robert, we don't have that luxury I replied.

Now, I need to call my mother!