CHAPTER 23
Catherine finishedthe schedules and went about the units, posting them. She stopped twice to answer questions and returned to her office, expecting Kassie any minute.
Her head throbbed, and she weaved as she sat on the couch. The dizzy spell hit her all at once, and she lay down, hoping to stave it off.
“Catherine?” Kassie said, peeking inside. When she saw her friend lying down, she knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“I feel weak, and my head keeps pounding. We might have to skip lunch,” she admitted. “I’m not feeling good.”
Kassie rose and picked up the phone.
“Hi, Rosemary. It’s Kassie. Can you please page Dr. Green to Catherine’s office? Thanks.”
“I don’t need a doctor. It’s a headache,” she argued.
“When’s the last time you checked your blood pressure?” Kassie asked.
“Yesterday with Dr. Greene. It’s elevated, but not too bad,” she said, closing her eyes.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and Kassie called, “Come in.”
“Hello, Catherine. What’s the matter?” Dr. Greene asked as Kassie moved out of the way and went to fetch a cool cloth for her head.
“I’ve suffered a headache all morning. It’s progressively getting worse. I’m almost dizzy.”
Kassie passed Dr. Greene a blood pressure cuff, and the doctor wrapped it over her arm.
“Any nausea?” she asked.
“Yes,” Catherine told her as the cuff tightened while Dr. Greene listened.
“Kassie, we’ll need a room and a wheelchair. Let’s order another blood panel, and I’ll put in the order for some medications. Have you taken anything for your head?” Dr. Greene asked.
“No. I drank my water, hoping it’d ease up while I hung the schedules,” she said, as Kassie placed the cloth on her forehead.
“Will we admit her?” Kassie asked as one of the aides entered, pushing a wheelchair.
“Yes. I’ll keep her for observation. We need to get the blood pressure under control. You, young lady, must rest. I know Leo left this morning, but it’s important to keep the stress down,” Dr. Greene informed her. “If you can possibly place her near the nurses’ unit. If she’s anything like you, we’ll have to keep an eye on her.”
“I can’t. What about the kids? Melody has her school project due. Grace has an eye doctor appointment. We’re not sure if she’s squinting because Leo taught her how to use night vision or if she’s got a problem with her eyesight.”
Dr. Greene laughed. “Your husband needs his head checked. Before we know it, little Grace will be a SEAL running her own team.”
“It’s his dream,” Catherine sighed. “I think he’s given up on Derrick following in his footsteps since he’s attached to my boob.”
Kassie laughed. “Give him time.”
“Can’t you start me on meds and check on me throughout the day?” Catherine asked, hopefully.
“No,” Dr. Greene shut her down. “Until we get you under control, you’re staying put.”
“Victoria will bring Melody home with Emma. Avie has Grace and Derrick. She’ll bring him down for his next feeding. I’ll grab you a few things from the cafeteria, and we’ll have lunch together,” Kassie said, trying to make her feel better.
They wheeled her down the hall, putting her across from the nurse’s station. Kassie brought up lunch and sat beside her while they ate.
“Do you feel anxious about something?” Kassie asked. “You’ve never dealt with this problem in your last pregnancies.”
“Leo acted weird this morning. He fed Derrick, finished all the laundry, unloaded the dishwasher, and pre-packed snacks for me for work. Each one has a note attached. He’s never done it before,” she admitted.
