We just got home from seeing the doctor. In my opinion, the evaluation was acceptable at this point (although Pete tried all he could to convince the doctor to let him go back to work). There is no such thing as light duty at the Police Station and signing off for Pete to go back to work... well, the doctor was hesitant. He wants to make sure that when Pete goes back that he is able to perform all of his duties without question. That would include even apprehending a suspect if need be. The doctor said that Pete would have to ask himself if he was ready for that... "Well, duh!" I thought. "Don't ask Mr. Male Macheezmo that question! Of course he'll say he's ready to go back." BUT, that's why I went.
The wound is looking better with each passing day. It is still oozing and bleeding. Nothing abnormal so far according to the doctor. The doctor commented about the extensive bruising that now encompasses about a 4" radius around the wound. He said that is also normal. It will still stay as an open wound and will eventually heal. He said that it would not "scab" as we would think it would...it'll just eventually heal up. He also told Pete that the average healing time for this type of wound is a month! Yeah, and Pete thinks he's ready to go back in just a week's time???? NO WAY!
I was sure to also tell the doctor that I wasn't happy that his nose/head wasn't evaluated, how he is repeating himself and that I feel his cognitive powers are not up to par, and that he is NOT ready to return to duty. He said that when Pete came into the ER that he didn't realize there was a head trauma as well. He told me to watch him and make sure it isn't getting worse. If I still have concerns in a week, then they will schedule a CAT Scan on his head. Hopefully today's visit with the chiropractor will help some of that. He goes to that appointment after lunch. I known when I had a concussion following a car accident in 2000, a chiropractic adjustment did wonders for clearing up my head. It took some time, but eventually I was OK. The doctor agreed that he should not be going to work either if his mind was cloudy!
So, the bottom line is that he will be re-evaluated in a week! He is also still restricted from driving until further evaluation. I don't think it's wise to throw caution to the wind. As much as Pete pouted on the way home or as upset as he may be with me... I'm the one who has taken care of him all week and I know his limitations. I told him on the way home that before he goes to the doctor next week and says how great he feels, I'm going to make him put on ALL his gear, his bullet proof vest, etc. and make him get in and out of the van several times as well as run a short distance! He'll have to prove to me that he is ready before I'll put my seal of endorsement on his return to duty.
On a good note, I dropped him off at the station for a little while on the way home and one of the Supervisors told him that he could come back the end of next week and work around the office. I told Pete that would be fine with me, but like I said, going back to patrol is another thing altogether!
So, pray for me as I try my best to keep him "handled". He's getting antsy to do things, but he still needs time to heal. He's pretty big to have to wrestle, but if I have to... I will!!!!!
It's reportedly the biggest collection of Pre-Civil War artifacts in the world!
One good thing about the sinking, there were no human casualties. There was a donkey that had been tied to one of the hulls that perished. His bones are also on exhibit. His name was Lawrence. I get a kick out of that... "Lawrence of Arabia??"
Paul and Ashely PAID for us to go with them (to help celebrate the kid's birthdays). We had a great time there. If you're ever in KC and looking for something to do... I would recommend the Steam Boat Arabia exhibit!
One last note about our friends, they only get to visit the states about once every 3 years, but when they are here... they stay for about 3 months. They get to see friends as well as raise money for their ministry. They alternate coming to the states with going to Singapore (where Ashley is from). That's a long time to not see them, but when they are in the states, they go from coast to coast. She said they are always busy going from here to there... it never stops. We sure do love them!
Have a blessed day! If I get a chance to post more pictures from our adventure at the museum, I will!
