With Determination and Honor

by: Ginny

Pairing(s):Jed/Abbey
Category(s):General
Rating: YTEEN
Disclaimer: The usual.
Summary: Something is wrong with Gov. Jed Bartlet.
Feedback: Feedback is greatly appreciated.
Author's Note:Thanks to Becky who boosted my self esteem more than once and to Janie, our medical advisor.

Part 5

Saturday afternoon

Massachusetts General Hospital was a massive maze of corridors and elevators. Jed was glad Abbey was leading the way. He was lost after the first 3 turns. They got to Tom's office at exactly 3:00. He was waiting for them.

The formalities and introductions were short. Abbey and Jed just talked to Tom for over an hour. Abbey shared her notes and her feelings. Jed answered all of Tom's questions but otherwise was unusually quiet.

Tom did a thorough neurological exam and then handed them a checklist of symptoms to look at.

"Governor.."

"Please, call me Jed."

"OK, Jed, I want you to take a look at this list, make a check next to the symptoms you've been experiencing, even if they have only occurred once. I can't stress the importance of being totally honest"

Jed took the list and read it. Fear and panic started to rise up as he checked off symptom after symptom. He handed the list to Abbey and got up to walk over to the window. He could feel his breathing starting to get fast and shallow. "Josiah Thomas," he thought to himself, "now is not the time to hyperventilate"

Abbey read the list quietly. She wasn't surprised at most of the things he had checked off. She had observed most of the symptoms herself. She handed the list back to Tom who took it and went out of the office to make some arrangements and to give Jed and Abbey a moment alone.

Abbey crossed to room to Jed and wrapped her arms around him from behind, putting her head on his shoulder. She could feel him breathing a little too rapidly.

"Jed, take a deep breath and hold it...Good, do it again...again."

It took him a couple of tries but together they got things under control before Tom came back with some forms to fill out.

"So, what's next?" Jed asked in his typical fashion.

"I'd like to get an MRI and a Spinal Tap. Abbey would you like to explain the procedures or do you..."

"Tom, I'd really just prefer to be Jed's wife for the moment. I'll leave the doctoring up to you. Go ahead and explain everything, please."

"I understand. Jed the MRI will show if there is areas of plaque or scarring in the brain. The procedure is painless but can be a bit unnerving, especially if you are claustrophobic" explained Tom.

"Well, I am, a little, you should also know I've been known to hyperventilate." confessed Jed with a weak smile.

"Don't worry, we can give you something to calm you down. The spinal tap is a little uncomfortable. A needle is inserted in you back and we draw out some spinal fluid for analysis. Many people experience a headache afterwards. It's usually not severe but it can be. There are things we can to do help if the pain is severe. The most important thing is to rest for the 24 hours following the procedure. I know this is all sudden and you do have a state to run so if you need to schedule the spinal tap for another day I understand. But I do suggest that you make time to have it done soon. Do you have any questions?"

"No, not right now. Could we have a few minutes to talk. I also need to make some calls to Concord."

"Not a problem, should I go ahead and make arrangements for the MRI?"

Abbey glanced at Jed who nodded, yes.

"Take your time, feel free to use the phone. I'll be back in a little while. There is some paperwork on the desk that I need one of you to fill out" Tom left the room and Abbey took the papers and a pen from the desk.

"Jed, I'm going to go to the waiting room to fill these out. Make your calls, I really want to get both tests done today. Do you think you can work that out?"

"Yeah, I can make arrangements. I'm going to have to put some kind of spin on things. I don't want the whole population of New Hampshire thinking I'm dying or anything. I should also get a security team down here. Something small and discreet. I'll make some calls and get things settled." said Jed as he sat in a chair and reached for the phone.

Abbey kissed the top of his head and went to tackle the paperwork.

Half an hour later Tom rejoined Abbey and Jed in his office. Jed had been able to reach the Lt. Governor and make arrangements to stay away from Concord until at least Monday evening. The small security detail that had come with them to Manchester was on its way to Boston.

"Well, what did you decide to do, Jed?" asked Tom

"Let's go ahead and do both tests"

"Good, I've arranged for a private room for you. Since it is already so late in the day I would like you to spend the night here. By the time we are done with both tests it is likely to be late this evening and we usually like to observe patients who have had a spinal tap for a few hours after the procedure. Is that OK with you?"

"Fine."

"I can get the security team to bring some things from the house." offered Abbey, "Do you think they left yet, Jed"

"No, they should still be there."

Abbey went off to make the call while Tom and Jed waited.

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

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