Page 17 of A Cowboy's Halloween

“Heather, let’s start by taking a closer look at your wrist,” the doctor said professionally. “I’m going to conduct a thorough examination to evaluate the extent of the injury.”

Heather extended her wrist as the doctor carefully inspected it, noting any visible signs of swelling, bruising, or tenderness. Dr. Anderson gently palpated the area around the wrist joint, asking Heather to describe any pain or discomfort she felt during the examination.

“It’s tender right here, and I’ve been experiencing a persistent ache.”

Dr. Anderson listened attentively to Heather’s description and continued the examination, testing the range of motion in her wrist and assessing its stability. To gain a more detailed understanding of the injury, Dr. Anderson recommended additional tests and scans.

“Heather, I’d like to perform some imaging tests, an X-ray and possibly an MRI, to get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your wrist. This will help us identify any fractures, ligament damage, or other issues that may be contributing to your pain.”

Heather agreed to the suggested tests, recognizing the importance of an accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Dr. Anderson and the medical team promptly arranged for the necessary imaging studies, ensuring that Heather’s wrist injury would be thoroughly evaluated.

Throughout the examination and diagnostic process, Dr. Anderson’s expertise and commitment to Heather’s well-being were evident. He aimed to provide her with the most accurate and tailored care plan to support her recovery and enable her to resume her creative work on the Haunted Harvest project.

“Will I have to wait a week for the results of the X-Ray?” Heather asked when the doctor returned after the imaging had been taken care of.

“I know that waiting for test results can be challenging, Heather, especially when you have commitments.”

She flushed. He had overheard her talking to the nurse about her involvement in the Haunted Harvest project.

“Given the importance of your wrist’s condition,” the doctor continued, “I’m going to expedite the X-ray reading so we can discuss the findings together.”

“Thank you so much.”

Heather appreciated the doctor’s consideration and watched as Dr. Anderson retrieved the X-ray images. With a trained eye, he examined the X-ray to assess any visible abnormalities or fractures in her wrist.

“Let’s take a look here. Ah, yes, I see it.” As he studied the X-ray, Dr. Anderson carefully explained his observations to Heather. “Heather, it appears that you have a small hairline fracture in one of the wrist bones. This is likely the source of your pain and discomfort.”

Heather listened attentively, relieved to have a clear diagnosis.

“It doesn’t seem to have worsened from when the injury first occurred. However, it is possible that you have inflammation and tenderness because of overdoing it.”

“That’s certainly possible,” Heather murmured.

“Now that we have a better understanding of your condition, we can discuss our next steps and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.”

“Great!”

“Heather, I understand how important your work on the Haunted Harvest project is to you,” he said, his kind nature shining through. “Let’s discuss your treatment options while keeping your commitments in mind.”

“Thank you, Dr. Anderson. I really want to contribute to the project, but I also want to heal properly.”

Dr. Anderson explained the treatment options available to Heather. He suggested wearing a wrist brace or splint to provide support and limit the movement of the injured wrist. This would help prevent further damage while allowing her to use her hand for less strenuous tasks. The doctor recommended physical therapy sessions to promote healing, strengthen the wrist, and improve mobility. He emphasized that a skilled therapist could tailor exercises to Heather’s needs and work on minimizing any impact on her project involvement.

To address pain and discomfort, the doctor discussed pain management strategies such as over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed medications.

“Be sure to take regular breaks,” he added, “and avoid activities that put excessive strain on your wrist.”

Dr. Anderson also suggested modifying her tasks or responsibilities for the project, focusing on areas that were less physically demanding while her wrist healed.

Heather appreciated the doctor’s guidance and recognized the importance of prioritizing her health. She knew that by following the recommended treatment plan and making necessary adjustments, she could contribute her creative talents to the Haunted Harvest while allowing her wrist to heal effectively.

“I’ll follow your recommendations, Dr. Anderson,” she said, determined, “and work closely with the project team to find ways to contribute without overexerting my wrist.”

“Good. We’ll monitor your progress, and I’m here to provide guidance and support throughout your recovery. Your health is our top priority.”

“I appreciate that,” she said. “My mom wanted me to tell you ‘hi,’ by the way.”

“Oh, tell both of your parents that I asked about them. They are doing well?”

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