Part 1: Rusty is 18 and finally got the used car he wanted. Mom and dad bought it as a high school graduation gift. The car is a 1980 Chevy Malibu with low mileage in great condition. Rusty became more sociable having a car and started attending parties.
Rusty is a macho guy with a short haircut and is clean shaved. He met a few ladies from high school at a party one night. Rusty was making out with hot chicks for the first time. After a couple of weeks he came down with cold and flu symptoms.
“You have mononucleosis,” his adult doctor Ms. Hines said, “the kissing disease spread thru social contact.”
Rusty was feeling sick for a few days before mother took him to see a female doctor for adults. The official diagnosis is Mono or Mononucleosis caused by being exposed to the Epstein Barr Virus.
Symptoms:
· Fatigue
· Sore Throat
· Fever
· Swollen Glands
· Swollen Tonsils
· Headache
Rusty has all the classic symptoms but things could become worse. Mononucleosis can lead to more serious conditions such as liver disease, swollen spleen, and heart problems. Antibiotics don’t help a viral infection but Mono can lead to Strep Throat and other bacterial infections. Dr. Gloria Hines wants Rusty in the hospital for a while.
“I am admitting you for treatment and testing,” the doctor said.
Rusty lives with his parents Greg and Sara Johnson in Little Rock, Arkansas. A recent bus crash has led to Little Rock Hospital not having an extra room for Rusty in the adult wings. Dr. Gloria Hines did the only thing she could do. A few rooms are available in Pediatrics Ward so Rusty will be put in one of those.
Pediatrics is normally for children of all ages up to age 17. They have strict rules like all patients are to be in diapers. Patients must obey their nurses or they can get a spanking. The beds are more like a large crib than a hospital bed.
“Hello Mrs. Johnson, I have arranged for Rusty to be admitted at Little Rock Hospital immediately,” Dr. Hines said. “Sorry but the only room available is in the children’s pediatrics ward.”
“My son needs medical care so I appreciate any room you can get,” Sara replied. “I will bring him to the hospital shortly.”
Dr. Hines wants to get a treatment started and rule out any more serious complications. Since Rusty also developed Strep Throat a course of antibiotics is needed. Bed rest with lots of water and food is important. Blood tests will be done and a CT scan of his abdomen as a precaution.
Rusty’s improved social life led to catching the disease thru kissing and exchange of saliva. He is sick at home presently and in bed sleeping. He should get better in a couple of weeks.
“Rusty wake up and put on your bath robe,” mother said going to his room. “I am afraid you must be admitted to the hospital.”
“You’re kidding me?” Rusty replied, “I hope it is not too serious.”
“The doctor wants to make sure it does not become more serious,” mom said, “you need medications, tests, and plenty of bed rest with water and nutrition.”
Mother helps Rusty put on a robe and makes sure he uses the bathroom before they leave. It takes just 15 minutes to arrive at Little Rock Hospital. The family reports directly to admissions.
Rusty and his parents are new to the area and never had a need to use the hospital. A pretty young blond nurse named Missy puts Rusty in a wheel chair. Mother signs the admission papers first.
“As you know Mrs. Johnson the only rooms available are in the Pediatrics Ward,” Nurse Missy said. “I know Rusty is 18 and an adult but all the rules must be followed.”
“What does that mean mother?” Rusty said barely able to talk.
“No worries sweetie, just do as the nurses tell you,” mother said.
Soon Rusty is pushed into room 210 in Pediatrics Ward. Sara is asked to wait in the lobby while they get Rusty in a crib. He does not like seeing only a crib in the room to sleep in. Rusty sees a stack of cloth diapers but those can’t be for him.
“Let me take your robe and hang it in the closet,” Missy said, “I need you to undress completely.”
Nurse Missy helps Rusty with this since he is quite sick at this time. Rusty is laid on the bed on a plastic diaper mat. He wants to know what is going on but can barely talk.
“In the Pediatrics Ward all patients are kept in a diaper and confined to their crib,” Nurse Missy said.
Missy takes an appropriate sized cloth prefold diaper and spreads it open. She rolls Rusty on his side, puts the diaper in place, and rolls him on his back again. Rusty don’t like being diapered like a toddler but what can he do. Missy pulls the diaper up between Rusty’s legs up to his waist.
