CMO's checkup

Posted on Fri Aug 12th, 2016 @ 12:49am by Lieutenant Ryan Rose

Mission: Zero Week
Location: Counselor's Office
Timeline: Mission Day 5, 0900 Hours

ON:

Ryan wasn't sure exactly what Cameron had meant by pineapple, but figured pineapple chunks were the safest bet, so he brought a container filled with them to his meeting with the Counselor. He sounded the chime, making sure he had the needed PaDD as he waited.

Cameron looked up from his desk and the reports he needed to sign off on when he heard the chime, closing them out, he rose from his chair and waited in front of the door. Exhaling slightly, he clasped his hands in front of himself. "Come in." he said quickly, his face reddening.

Ryan opened the door, immediately taking a step back before he even consciously registered that the Counselor was standing right at the door. He recovered quickly and offered the man a smile. "Hello. I didn't actually bring a whole pineapple. I hope chunks are ok."

Grinning from ear to ear, he took the container. "That smells amazing. I've been craving pineapple since I got here but the replicated stuff just doesn't cut it." he said, popping a chunk into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully, savoring the sweetness and the sour tang that followed. "Mmmm." Stopping for a moment, he swallowed the pineapple slowly and motioned over to his couch. "Did you want to go over that report that we talked about earlier?" Cameron asked as he took a seat in the chair across from his couch.

Ryan nodded and headed towards the couch. He reached into his labcoat for the PaDD he'd brought with him. "Petty Officer Quinn's case." He said by way of a reminder.

Cameron reached over and took it. Popping another pineapple chunk into his mouth, he chewed for another few moments as he read the report. " So Petty Officer Quinn has been having sudden onset anxiety and panic attacks when placed under stress and you've prescribed periodic dosages of a miligram of regular release Alprazolam." Continuing to read the treatment history, Cameron placed the PADD down on his lap. "So you know Petty Officer Quinn best, when did he start having these attacks? What are they characterized by? Does he have a tell that precludes the attacks themselves?" he asked, firing off rapid questions.

Ryan gave Cameron the details on Quinn's case. "I just don't want to continue medicating without him being evaluated by you. Though he's tolerating the Alprazolam well. I've scheduled him to see you." Ryan double checked the timing. "Tomorrow morning."

Cameron nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Bring him in at 0800 and begin tapering off of the Alprazolam to avoid any withdrawals that may occur because we'll need to cut him off soon before he develops an actual dependency." he said, thinking of the potential that it could have on any non psychiatric treatments. "Also, can we place him on leave for a day or two? It might help him de-stress a little bit."

Ryan ran a hand through his hair with a small sigh. "I think that might just make it worse, if he feels useless or like a burden he may just become more stressed. He seems to have that type of personality. I haven't actually brought it up though. I can if you want, or you could discuss it with him?" Ryan offered. There was a reason he preferred not to treat PTSD cases. He could remain objective, but it was a real struggle. It was difficult to take the necessary step back to provide unbiased care.

Cameron's hair was now extremely unruly as he had run his hands through it more than once as he read the file. "Okay, let him come in tomorrow but let's not make it sound like an order or he's going to shut me out faster than a Tendarian Mining Bear." Looking over to Ryan, who looked slightly nervous, Cameron smiled. "Don't beat yourself up over this, you did what you could and you were right to bring it to me. We're going to be a great team in this and I'm going to need you, so keep that chin up." he said quickly.

Ryan nodded. "I just wish I could do more for him. I avoid PTSD cases whenever I can, but he was an early arrival like myself, and I couldn't just let him suffer and wait. He seemed fine with coming in tomorrow to see you, so hopefully no Tendarian Mining Bear." Ryan cracked a grin. "Whatever that is."

Raising his hands wide, Cameron launched into an explanation. "Imagine a massive, armored, and pissed off Polar Bear with sharp shovels on it's claws and the ability to spit acid." Spearing another chunk of pineapple, Cameron chewed quickly and swallowed. "They use them on Tendar IV in their quartz mines. Trust me, not something you want to encounter on your way to breakfast." he said quickly, a glint in his eye. He had the displeasure of meeting one when he was stationed at the mining station on Tendar. Ryan was clearly as nervous as Cameron was and it was showing but Cameron forced himself to project a slight air of indifference. "I'll keep you updated on Petty Officer Quinn's case as best I can. In the meantime, if you have anything else, please let me know." he said, getting back down to business.

Ryan took a breath and steadied himself, he couldn't put this off any longer. "Actually can you put me on your rotation. I'm not picky about the time, whatever works for you."

Cameron was slightly surprised. He had read over Ryan's previous records and had noted that he had been seeing a therapist but didn't think he would attempt to utilize his services so soon. "Uh, sure. If you want, we can have a session at 0700 before your duty shift starts and go from there, sound good?" Cameron asked, his voice uncertain.

Ryan nodded. He'd have to get up early to make time for the gym, but that was fine. "Yes, thank you. I'll see you in the morning."

Cameron nodded. "Very good. I'll see you then." Turning back to the report on Petty Officer Quinn, he thoughtfully speared the last piece of pineapple in the bowl and twirled it on his fork.

: OFF