The Logan Effect (Episode Two).

April 22, 2009 - Dr. Carlson’s new office is a decent upgrade from his old spot on the other side of the hospital complex. New staff, contemporary furniture, earthtone colors, flatscreen T.V. in a spacious waiting room and multiple examination rooms. The only setback is the walls are paper thin. Creepy kind of feeling listening to other patients divulge their most personal gastrointestinal secrets. What went through the person’s mind that may have overheard Dr. Carlson’s prognosis of my untimely death if my body didn’t respond to the treatment he administered two months ago.

 His New Balance sneakers squeaking down the hallway Dr. Carlson instructs his assistant on what to do with the paperwork for the patient in the observation room next to mine. As her footsteps head away from the door to my examination room I can sense I’m next to be seen. A rapid knock on the door as is swings open. “Good afternoon, Mr. Burnett.” Dr. Carlson says in his trademark clinical voice. He props himself on the stool and flops out his laptop, queuing it up for his next medical notation. “So, tell me your current condition.” He asks with an almost anticipatory look on his face as if he were expecting my condition not to have changed since my last visit. “Any abdominal pain, bleeding?” He asked. “Zero,” I replied with an arrogant smile. “No pain, no bleeding.” I said as I rared back in my chair and crossed my legs.

“Oh really?” He said with slight disbelief. “Are you still on the Prednisone?” He said as if to suggest that the Prednisone were the reason why I have no complaint of symptoms from my crohns. “Not only am I no longer on the prednisone, I’ve gained 35 pounds.” I stated as my smile grew wider. “How is that possible?” Dr. Carlson said, almost perplexed. “It’s only been two months since your first Remicade infusion.” The look of disbelief on his face as his brain, endowed with medical experience, tries to comprehend an almost supernatural occurrence.

“Prayers, vitamins, and training.” I told him as he searched through files of my medical history on his laptop. “I don’t recall telling you to step down off of the Prednisone.” Dr. Carlson stated as he makes the realization through his notes. “Four weeks was long enough to remain on full dosage before reducing the dosage.” I said with confidence as I had been on prednisone before several times in the past 15 years. “And there’s no abdominal pain?” He asked. “It’s like I never had crohns,” I replied. “I’m stronger than ever and I have an appetite like a horse.” Dr. Carlson’s expression changed from disbelief to a look of accomplishment. “That Remicade is some good stuff.” He said with a smile as he made the notion of my response to his query.

It’s quite ironic that of all the injuries, germs and diseases my body has healed from at seemingly a superhuman rate the only thing that was stopping me from recovering from crohns is my own immune system. Little did Dr. Carlson know that I had already done research on Remicade several years ago. I had searched tirelessly through two states for a gastroenterologist that would give me the treatment outright. It was the only alternative considering that my body had promptly developed a high tolerance to every prescription drug available to treat crohns. “Hop up on the table so I can examine your abdomen.” The doctor ordered. After performing a series of poking and prodding he nodded his head. “An amazing recovery.” He said with a wide smile. “I guess since you are no longer showing any symptoms I will only need to see you every six months.” He said as he made more notions on his laptop. “Of course you will have to continue having your Remicade infusions—forever.” He stated. “Or until medical technology catches up with me.” I stated as I walked out of the examination room.

Comments

[Zen]

Veng; WTF! sounds like you have some serious stuff happening in your daily. Good thing you are stronger than most!!! Maybe you should change your name to Wolverine!. GANBATTE! Best wishes from the Left Coast! Good to hear from You.