#Spine Doctor Adelaide

[neurosurgerycentreadelaide]

The Role of a Spine Doctor in Managing Spinal Disorders

Spinal disorders can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting mobility, comfort, and overall health. A spine doctor, or spinal specialist, plays a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and managing these conditions to help patients regain their function and live pain-free lives.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

The journey to managing spinal disorders begins with a thorough diagnosis and evaluation. Spine doctors use various diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, to get a detailed view of the spine's structure. These imaging techniques help identify issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and other abnormalities. Additionally, a comprehensive physical examination and patient history are crucial in understanding the symptoms and their impact on daily activities.

Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis is made, spine doctors can recommend a range of treatment options tailored to the patient's specific condition. These treatments can be broadly categorized into non-surgical and surgical options:

Non-surgical treatments: These include physical therapy, medications, and spinal injections. Physical therapy aims to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, can help manage symptoms. Spinal injections, like epidural steroid injections, can provide relief from inflammation and pain.

Surgical treatments: When non-surgical methods are insufficient, surgery may be necessary. Spine doctors are skilled in various surgical procedures, such as discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and artificial disc replacement. These surgeries aim to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, stabilize the spine, and correct deformities.

Post-Treatment Rehabilitation

Recovery from spinal disorders doesn't end with treatment. Spine doctors play a vital role in post-treatment rehabilitation, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes. They work closely with physical therapists to develop personalized rehabilitation plans that focus on restoring mobility, strength, and function. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor progress and address any emerging issues promptly.

Preventive Care and Education

Spine doctors also emphasize the importance of preventive care and education. They provide guidance on maintaining a healthy spine through proper posture, ergonomics, and regular exercise. Educating patients about lifestyle modifications and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent spinal issues.

Collaborative Approach

Managing spinal disorders often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Spine doctors collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including neurologists, pain management specialists, and orthopedic surgeons, to ensure comprehensive care. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's condition are addressed, leading to more effective and holistic treatment outcomes.

In conclusion, spine doctors play an indispensable role in managing spinal disorders. Their expertise in diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive care helps patients lead healthier, more comfortable lives. If you are experiencing spinal issues, consulting a spine doctor in Adelaide can provide the specialized care you need to regain your quality of life and function. The expertise and comprehensive care offered by a Spine Doctor Adelaide can make a significant difference in managing and overcoming spinal disorders.

[neurosurgery-centre]

1. Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise is a cornerstone in the management of back pain. Engaging in activities like yoga, tai chi, or targeted core-strengthening exercises helps strengthen the muscles that support your spine. This added strength not only reduces strain on your back but also improves flexibility and posture. By incorporating exercise into your routine, you can alleviate back pain and promote overall spinal health.

2. Maintain Good Posture:Good posture is essential for a healthy spine. When you maintain proper posture, your spine stays aligned, reducing stress on the supporting muscles and ligaments. This alignment helps prevent uneven wear and tear on your spinal discs and minimizes muscle imbalances. By making an effort to sit and stand with good posture, you can significantly reduce the risk of chronic back pain.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy:Heat and cold therapy are effective methods for providing relief from back pain. Heat therapy involves applying warmth to the affected area, which can relax muscles and increase blood flow, making it ideal for muscle tension and chronic pain. Cold therapy, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and numbs the area, making it suitable for acute injuries or areas with swelling. Knowing when and how to use these therapies can be a valuable tool in your pain management toolkit.

5. Healthy Diet and Weight Management:What you eat can impact your back health. Maintaining a healthy diet and managing your weight are crucial for preventing and alleviating back pain. Excess body weight, especially around the midsection, can place added pressure on your spine, leading to discomfort. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support spine health, while weight management reduces this pressure and improves overall well-being. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce pain by controlling inflammation.

Visit Here:spine doctor adelaide

[chiropractoradelaide]

FAQs About Chiropractic Care: Answers to Your Top Questions

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on spinal health and its connection to overall wellness. If you're considering chiropractic treatment in Adelaide or elsewhere, you likely have questions about what it entails and how it can benefit you. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about chiropractic care:

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the body's ability to heal itself. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal adjustments and other techniques to align the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, to alleviate pain, improve function, and support the body's natural healing process.

What Conditions Can Chiropractic Care Treat?

Chiropractic care is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Back Pain: Including lower back pain, upper back pain, and sciatica.

Neck Pain: Often caused by poor posture, injury, or stress.

Headaches and Migraines: Addressing spinal misalignments that may contribute to headaches.

Joint Pain: Such as knee pain, hip pain, and shoulder pain.

Chronic Pain: Long-term conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Sports Injuries: Including sprains, strains, and repetitive motion injuries.

What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies a controlled force to a specific joint using their hands or a small instrument. This adjustment aims to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. Patients may hear a popping or cracking sound, which is normal and results from gas bubbles in the joint fluid being released.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training, similar to medical doctors, to ensure safe and effective treatments. They also tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient, taking into account their medical history and condition.

How Many Chiropractic Sessions Will I Need?

The number of chiropractic sessions needed varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual response to treatment. Some patients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care to manage chronic conditions. Your chiropractor will discuss your treatment plan and goals with you to determine the appropriate frequency of visits.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Prevent Injuries?

Yes, chiropractic care can play a role in injury prevention by improving spinal alignment, enhancing joint function, and promoting overall musculoskeletal health. Regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with proper ergonomics and exercises, can help reduce the risk of injuries related to repetitive movements or poor posture.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit to a Chiropractor?

During your initial visit, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include:

Medical History Review: Discussing your health concerns, symptoms, and previous treatments.

Physical Examination: Evaluating your posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment.

Diagnostic Tests: Such as digital x-rays if necessary to identify spinal misalignments or underlying conditions.

Based on the assessment findings, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific needs and goals.

How Can I Find a Qualified Chiropractor in Adelaide?

When choosing a chiropractor in Adelaide, consider the following factors:

Credentials: Ensure the chiropractor is licensed and accredited by relevant chiropractic associations.

Experience: Look for a chiropractor with experience treating your specific condition or concerns.

Patient Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from other patients to gauge the chiropractor's reputation and patient satisfaction.

Is Chiropractic Care Covered by Insurance?

Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage varies depending on your provider and specific policy. Contact your insurance company to understand your coverage options for chiropractic treatments.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective approach to managing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall wellness. By addressing spinal misalignments and supporting the body's ability to heal itself, chiropractors in Adelaide and worldwide help patients achieve optimal health and quality of life. If you have more questions or are interested in scheduling an appointment, contact a trusted chiropractor today to learn more about how chiropractic care can benefit you.

[advancechiropractic]

What Does a Chiropractor in North Adelaide Do?

When it comes to maintaining our health and well-being, we often think about visiting a doctor or a specialist. However, another healthcare professional plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy: a chiropractor In North Adelaide, Advance Chiropractic & Wellness is your trusted partner for chiropractic care.

Understanding Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors are healthcare practitioners who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Their approach is holistic, focusing on the spine’s alignment and how it affects the nervous system, which, in turn, influences overall health.

Spinal Adjustments

One of the primary techniques chiropractors use is spinal adjustments or spinal manipulation. These gentle, controlled movements aim to correct misalignments or subluxations in the spine. By doing so, chiropractors help restore proper nerve function, alleviate pain, and improve the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Pain Management

Chiropractors are often sought after for their expertise in managing various types of pain, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They address the root causes of pain, offering drug-free, non-invasive treatments that provide relief and promote long-term well-being.

Improved Mobility

Restricted mobility in joints and muscles can have a significant impact on your daily life. Chiropractors work to enhance joint mobility, muscle flexibility, and overall range of motion. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and individuals recovering from injuries.

Preventative Care

Chiropractic care isn’t just about addressing existing issues; it’s also about preventing future problems. Regular chiropractic visits can help maintain good spinal health, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall wellness.

Holistic Approach

What sets chiropractors apart is their holistic approach to healthcare. They consider physical symptoms and the patient’s lifestyle, nutrition, and overall well-being. This comprehensive outlook allows them to tailor treatments to each individual’s unique needs.

Choose Advance Chiropractic & Wellness

If you’re in North Adelaide and seeking a chiropractor, Advance Chiropractic & Wellness is your go-to choice. Our experienced chiropractors are dedicated to improving your quality of life through personalised care. Whether you’re dealing with pain, want to enhance your mobility, or simply wish to maintain optimal health, we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation with our chiropractor in North Adelaide today, and discover the benefits of chiropractic care for yourself. Your journey to better health starts here at Advance Chiropractic & Wellness.

[eightdoctor]

❥𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈 || A playlist for the Eighth Doctor

i. night walk; dominik houser | ii. ordinary day; great big sea | iii. the baron; yumi nomi | iv. just one day; mighty oaks | v. laughing with a mouth of blood; st. vincent | vi. the spine song; cake bake betty | vii. come on! feel the illinoise!; sufjan stevens | viii. precious memories; cécile corbel | ix. don't forget; toby fox | x. farewell; dominik houser | xi. the fool; neutral milk hotel | xii. farewell rocketship; children collide | xiii. the bad doctor; the mountain goats | xiv. anthem for the already defeated; rock plaza central | xv. tomorrow is my turn; rhiannon giddens | xvi. helplessness blues; fleet foxes | xvii. adelaide's trap; the blasting company | xviii. the anthem of mr. dark; the arcadian wild | xix. apple tree; marika hackman | xx. when the end of the world came; jane austen argument | xxi. lone pilgrim; crooked sill

[diplodocious]

The Art of Seduction

Summary: The Master tries to seduce the Doctor’s companion to get her to betray the Doctor. The problem is, she’s a lesbian.

-

“Wouldn’t it be nice,” the Master said, “to be my pet? We could conquer stars together. I wouldn’t hold you back like the Doctor does.” He pushed you into a wall.

God, this would be my dream if he was a girl.

You leaned forward, trying to combat him with your glare. “Never.”

He gripped your chin. “I don’t think you’re listening. No rules, the universe, people worshiping you, and of course,” he paused, staring at you intently, “me.”

He leaned in to close the inch or two distance between your lips.

“No!” You pushed him away.

He smirked and tilted his head back. “That’s not what you said when you kissed me in the Adelaide Gallery.”

“That was different.” I was just trying to give Ada time to shoot him.

“Was it really?” He leaned in again, and you cursed the fact that you were not too tall.

He once again tried to close the distance, but right before his lips touched. “I’m a lesbian!”

That seemed to take knock him off guard, so you took your chance and kicked him in the balls.

“Not today satan!” You ran away, feeling his glare on your back.

Well, what a day. Almost got seduced by an alien.

You turned the corner, only to see the Doctor standing there in a red vest and black coat.

“Doctor! You won’t believe what just fucking happened.”

You saw her give a smirk, looking you up on down and then tilting her head back.

Is she-is she checking me out?

“Doctor?” You questioned slowly; something about this situation was unnerving.

“No pet, you can call me Master.”

-

Regenerating into the Doctor’s body. Wow. Just great.

What a fantastic fucking mess.

The Master gathered herself, finding a black trench coat and styling her hair. She had to admit, this body was rather gorgeous.

“Where to first? Oh! I’ve got it.” She spoke out loud, turning to the TARDIS console and laughing maniacally. “That companion, hm? I could turn her against the Doctor by using her lesbian panic.”

This is going to be fun.

-

“H-huh?” You stuttered. Your face turned a bit red.

“Master. As in, the man you just saw about two seconds ago. I regenerated into this body-unlucky, I know. What did you think I meant, pet?”

I am not getting turned on. I am a capable, strong woman-

“Oh, your thoughts are just delightful.” She laughed cruelly, leaning in and tracing your neck until she tilted up your chin, her grip tight and sending shivers down her spine.

“Y-you can read my thoughts?” You cursed yourself for stuttering yet again.

She tapped a finger on your nape, trailing it down until she reached your bra strap, snapping it and making your face get even redder.

Why, why why why, why would you do this to me universe. You can’t just do this to me. What did I do wrong?

“Oh, don’t pretend you don’t like this. I know all your dirty little secrets.” She snapped. Your stomach clenched at the tone.

Why am I turned, on why am I turned on?

Her gaze pierced yours as she leaned down like a predator, tilting your head to whisper in your ear.

“I can make all of those dirty thoughts come true if you come with me.” She whispered, tracing your jaw.

You were still as a statue, your knees locking up to prevent them from turning to jello.

“I-I-I-” You started, but she cut you off.

“Shh...pets don’t talk, do they?” She put a finger over your lips, and suddenly you felt faint.

Not the good faint.

“What-what did you do? What’s going on-”

She rolled her eyes, grabbing onto your throat and pinning you to the wall before pressing her thigh between your legs.

“What did I just say?” She stared down at you, her eyes dark and serious, commanding you to answer. Her grip forced you to look at her, and you dropped your eyes in embarrassment, heart hammering.

The grip on your throat tightened.

“Look me in the eyes.” She commanded. “Now.”

You immediately did so.

Why do I keep doing this and listening to her oh my god what am I doing- 

“It’s your nature. You were born to be my pet. Now answer me.”

You wanted to look away, but you didn’t. Your blush increased, and so did the throbbing between your legs.

“Pets don’t talk.”

Her grip loosened. “Good girl.”

Why do I like that-why do I like that-

 You’re coming with me.”

You hesitated, and her eyes got dark again. “Now.”

You stumbled into her arms as the dizziness increased. You looked up to find her smirking.

“So it’s finally kicked in. Good. I like my pets pliant.”

That was the last thing you heard before you blacked out.

-

@queerconfusionthings​ @ellacannotdance​ @brokenbluedoors​ @findingyouagain​ @dykecious​

[mwolf0epsilon]

i just fond your blog and saw you like DBH and G/T and ive been dying for a cute g/t fic! Could you please do one with Markus if thats ok???

I’m really sorry this took so long Anon! Here’s some giant Markus goodness for the G/T side of the fandom! Had to get a bit creative but hey, that’s why we have Mad Scientist Vibes Mcgree (Young Kamski)!

Enjoy!

—

    When Carl had gotten into his accident, a lot of things in his life had forcibly changed.

He couldn’t walk anymore (which was the major factor for these changes), he needed to take medicine to stop the pain that the doctors said would never go away (but might lessen with time and physiotherapy), had to quit some of his favorite hobbies (He couldn’t go skiing, swimming or sky-diving anymore) and, on top of the physical limitations that he had to get used to, Carl had lost all motivation to do anything.

He couldn’t bring himself to get out of bed most mornings, much less pick up a brush to take to a canvas.

His own home became a prison, the long curving stairwell a deathtrap for a handicapped man in a wheelchair. The members of the artistic community that he’d considered his peers had practically abandoned him and gone on to lick the boots of the next greatest deal, his relationships had shriveled away due to his terrible moods, and he’d lost himself to booze and cheap drug highs more times than he’d eaten in those first weeks of recovery and adjustment to his plight…

Carl was a mess, a depressed, bitter and angry unadjusted mess, and he practically exiled himself in his own home, resigned to wasting away alone and wallowing in his own misery.

It had felt like everything that made him who he was, had died with his ability to walk…

But of course, while the world was ready to give up on an a bitter old cripple, Elijah Kamski had believed Carl could get himself back together.

And, in believing so, he’d gone and done something truly insane to help push him towards the road of recovery.

    Carl thought of Elijah as a very clever and ambitious young man. A crafty boy that was as cunning as they came, with a reputation for the dramatics that added a bit of flair to his eccentric personality.

Where others saw an excellent inventor with a few bizarre behaviours, Carl saw a well-meaning boy who went all out in his many personal plans and schemes. Someone who gave you half the puzzle so you could figure it out yourself, but who’d jump at the opportunity to give an answer to a friend if he trusted them enough. He was odd, a bit pretentious at times, but not as impossible to figure out as many people thought.

He’d left his own company around the same time of Carl’s accident, for various other reasons he assured, albeit also intending to take the time off to think on the incident itself and in what way he could help a dear friend in need.

The overall plan, however, was to isolate himself and think over a few things that had concerned him quite a bit over work ethic and corporational corruption.

Carl knew from a previous conversation that Elijah had taken with him the fruits of an ongoing and still fairly green project, intending to finish it himself rather than let the board of directors play around with such a delicate schematic.

He’d never asked Elijah what he’d do with it if he ever did finish it, but then again he should have expected the boy to reworked it into his grand scheme of “fixing his father-figure”.

Elijah was nowhere close to performing miracles yet, but Carl was sure he’d been trying fairly hard with something of the sort before settling in his final idea. Chloe had already come close enough to the boy playing god, and Carl was sure that, while the field of medicine could benefit from his younger friend’s work and ingenuity, he himself didn’t like the idea of having his legs chopped off and replaced with mechanical parts.

Prosthetics wouldn’t fix his ruined spine, wouldn’t make the pain and trauma go away, and he’d rather die than be a guinea pig to some scalpel-happy medical students.

Elijah knew this, so he did something else. Something bolder and very much batshit insane.

He was clever about it as well. He’d hid his real intentions behind simple visits, where he measured Carl’s chair multiple times, fixed issues he had with some of its mobility, installed railings and an assortment of contraptions to aid him around the house, and then finally brought him a robotic arm to serve as a moving platform to help with his larger paintings. All presents that Carl had frowned at and ignored besides the damn elevator and the wheelchair upgrade, since he needed those to get around the house.

And then, after several of these visits where he just observed and offered idle conversation, one day Elijah showed up with Chloe and his real present.

That was a day Carl would never forget…

Hard to, when a close friend of yours brought over a 50 foot tall android to serve as a household assistant.

-

    It hadn’t been a particularly good day to begin with. His doctors had tried to send him another nurse who’d just gotten in the way.

She’d woken him up abruptly, insisted for him to eat despite him feeling nauseous from spending the night in a drunken stupor, hadn’t let him even watch the news in peace without blabbering on about how he’d organized his home or about his medication schedules.

And then of course, when she pointed out the taxidermied giraffe and commented on how “middle-ages” it was to have a dead animal decorating one’s house, he’d snapped.

The night before he’d had an argument over the phone with Adelaide, Leo’s mother.

They’d argued over him shutting them out after the accident, when he’d finally taken the steps to get to know his son.

Carl wasn’t proud of what he’d said, but he recalled laughing bitterly and saying an invalid man who can’t walk anymore, can’t really take any steps by himself.

She’d been furious at his self-deprecation. And then she’d exploded when he’d implied the situation was their fault to begin with.

Because, “had he not gone on the trip to begin with, he wouldn’t have ever gotten into the damn accident”.

Carl had been too drunk to think straight, spoke some things he really shouldn’t have, and in the end Adelaide had gotten fed up with him and hung up. He had a feeling she’d resent him for this major fuck up on his part.

The argument had left him in a sour mood, and the nurse criticizing his home and the things he’d been gifted with by friends?

It had struck a nerve and he’d become standoffish and defensive.

She’d stormed out after he’d told her off with some choice words, and then told her to tell his doctors to shove their stethoscopes so far up their own asses that they might actually hear their own stupidity.

It would have been funny really, if he hadn’t wanted a cup of tea afterwards to calm his fraying nerves.

That’s when Elijah decided to show up, in the middle of Carl cursing his stove for being too tall for him to properly use now that he couldn’t stand.

    As upset as he was with his own handicap, Carl wasn’t one to give in very easily when he actually wanted something as mundane as a cup of hot tea. Earl grey, with a few almond cookies on the side to please his sweet tooth.

At the time, had he wanted to draw or paint or even play the piano as much as he’d wanted a hot beverage, he would have likely gotten it done much earlier without ever needing any help to begin with.

Considering the spell he’d put himself in however, how fervently he believed he was useless, Carl had made himself into exactly what he thought he was when it came to procuring inspiration, thus indulging in his interests was out of the picture for some time.

But that had all been forgotten while he tried to find a way around the stove’s height.

Kettle in one hand, his chin on the other, the artist considered his options.

And then the ground began to shake.

He didn’t notice at first, too engrossed with his dilemma, until the water in the kettle began to shift and slosh out onto the floor with a resounding splatter, and the wheels of his chair began to shudder against the breaks.

The shakes were rhythmic in nature, followed by thuds that were becoming as loud as thunder just as the intensity of the quaking began to make things rattle off the shelves.

Carl had gripped the chair’s armrests tightly as he looked around the kitchen, wincing as fine china slipped out of place and shattered on the floor. As the windows rattled violently against their frames, he wondered how any of this was possible, as never once had he suffered through an earthquake in this area of Michigan.

And then of course, the intense quakes came to a halt just as a deafening screech of metal met his ears.

The artist yelled in alarm as he peered out the window and saw something absolutely gargantuan crush the tall metal fencing in his yard. Had he just witnessed a goddamn meteor crash?!

-

    Of course,being the overly-curious man that he was, Carl’s immediate reaction was not to call the authorities, but to leave the kitchen to investigate.

The old artist made his way outside by wheeling himself through the larger sliding-glass door, making use of the ramp that Elijah had helped set up in one of his many visits. He then carefully and clumsily maneuvered himself around the side of his home, trying to pick up speed while also trying not to knock himself out of balance in the process (he was still not very good at using it after all), and was quickly met by a dark shadow that was definitely not supposed to be there at noon. Whatever was currently in his property, was positively and tremendously big, enough so that it cast such an impressive shadow over the mansion.

What he wasn’t counting on seeing was that, what appeared to have obliterated his fence and part of his garden, was a pair of gigantic shoes…

Inside them, Carl assumed, were an equally gigantic pair of feet, connected to gigantic legs, that were connected to a gigantic torso, which itself had a pair of gigantic arms connected to them, as well as a gigantic head.

Did he mention how gigantic all of it was? Or how his body was instinctively trembling and screaming at him to seek shelter, as two large green eyes peered down at his own two widened blue eyes. He couldn’t quite discern any other facial features, as the rest were obscured by shade, but he could see a blazing yellow circle where he assumed the giant’s right temple might be.

There was a colossal android in his backyard. Carl was pretty sure this was a sign that he was probably going to die, until he heard two familiar voices up in the distance.

 “Elijah…It appears the RK200 has effectively destroyed Mr. Manfred’s security system…” the soothing tone of the RT600, Elijah’s darling Chloe, stated calmly as she peered down from the shoulders of the giant she’d apparently hitched a ride on.

 “I’m well aware Chloe.” Elijah Kamski, who stood on the other shoulder of the massive android, poked his head over to look down at the mess. “This wasn’t how I wanted to surprise Carl… My fault really, for letting our baby boy take his first steps out in the wild…”

 “A flair for the dramatics may be your own undoing one day…” Chloe tutted disapprovingly before reaching up to the the giant, patting it under the chin. “Poor thing, this has been a positively mortifying experience for him…”

Carl stared up and up at the trio of “guests”, completely at a loss for words purely due to disbelief because, again, there was a GIANT android in his yard.

His fence had been obliterated, trampled by said android, and Elijah Kamski was behind it.

There was only one thing to do in such a situation.

 “ELIJAH KAMSKI, YOU COME DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW YOUNG MAN AND EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THERE IS A BUILDING SIZED ANDROID RUINING MY BEGONIAS!”

 “Busted…Fuck me, this has not gone according to plan” The inventor fumbled with his glasses and tried to hide under the collar of the colossus’s shirt to no avail. His fate as target for one of Carl’s lectures was set.

 “I warned you he might have appreciated his gift coming in a box.” Chloe grinned at him, before waving in greeting at Carl. She didn’t seem too bothered with this outcome.

 “You’re not helping Chloe…” the man sighed miserably as he stared down at the angry artist.

-

    It ended with the colossal artificial being kneeling on the dirt (an action which made the ground shakes violently because of how huge it was) and then Chloe preparing tea for Carl and Elijah, which the two drank while conversing quietly. They occasionally peered upwards at Elijah’s newest creation.

With its face no longer obscured by the shadow it cast, Carl could finally see it’s features more clearly.

The android, despite it’s terrifying size, was not at all very imposing in appearance. If anything,it looked almost soft and approachable. Friendly even, if not for the limited amount of expressions on its face.

Tanned freckled skin, soft green eyes, hair shaved short, and a sort of inquisitive look to it’s posture which was apparently it’s most basic model of being. Curious about everything and their conversation.

The uniform was pristinely clean, although he noted the shoes had already acquired a layer of dirt and grime from it’s failed “field testing”.

It was sitting there (which of course destroyed another portion of Carl’s fence and garden considering how massive it’s proportions were, and how much it weighed), but otherwise did nothing else but look at them with those soft green eyes. Waiting for it’s orders. It was…Kind of endearing, if not for the fact it destroyed part of his property.

 “Explain to me, why you felt the necessity to bring with you and Chloe such a…” he paused to stare at the android. It cocked it’s head to the side as it listened, blinking its two massive eyes as it focused on him. Each eyelash was probably the same length as Carl’s arms. “…Unique model, while visiting my decidedly not so Kaiju-friendly house…”

 “The term you’re looking for is fun sized, and the RK200 is hardly a Kaiju. Jaeger would be a much more fitting term considering his nature and overall shape.” Elijah smiled as he took a sip of his tea. “And I thought it appropriate to let him test his legs before reaching his destined household. I didn’t account for how clumsy his baby steps would be, however…I should have expected he’d need time to calibrate his movements.”

 “It’s a domestic android?” Carl raised an eyebrow and snorted at the thought “Boy, in what world does something that big fit inside someone’s house?”

 “You’ll find I made the necessary changes to your house for him to fit nice and snug like a bug in a mug, as long as he sits still, which he’s a master at when he’s not bored.”

 “You did what now…?”

 “Of course a 50 foot android will get bored easily. The RK200 is very sophisticated and inquisitive.” The inventor carried on “He adapts as he learns, and as such I’d advise constant interaction with him to ensure the best results…”

 “Elijah what did you do to my house?”

 “That’s not to say he’s clueless of course! You’ll find the RK200 can maintain a perfectly good conversation although, due to his size, verbal communication is not advised, as previous testing noted that his vocal range has a proficiency for shattering glass and porcelain. You’ll have to learn ASL.”

 “Elijah!”

 “Carl it’s all fine. Here, see?” He turned to the gargantuan prototype overseeing them “RK200, initiate Home Program.”

The green eyed android blinked twice, LED momentarily shifting from blue to yellow as it processed the command, and then the side wall behind Carl opened up like a garage door. On closer inspection, it seemed the two floors shifted upwards as well, to accommodate for the android’s tremendous size.

Carl’s jaw dropped as he watched this happen, before he turned to look back at his friend in absolute disbelief.

 “When did you get this done? Any of this?!”

 “I could tell you, but it would warrant a restraining order.”

 “Elijah I swear to God…”

 “Carl please? He will take care of you, and god only knows you could use the company.” Elijah gave the empty tea cup to Chloe, who opted to silently watch the argument unfold while she idly stood besides the prototype “You’ve been living the hermit-chique life without the chique part. You look a mess 24/7, hardly talk to me unless I physically stand besides you, and your habits are not in the slightest healthy.”

 “Since when have you become my mother? I’m an old man Elijah, not a child! I won’t live off someone else’s pity!” Carl snapped.

 “If you’re not a child, stop acting like one!” Kamski yelled loudly, his patience running thin. “I’m worried! You’re my friend and you’ve gone through a traumatizing event! Not only that but you just became single again after seven years in a relationship and need stability and support! The RK200 will give you all of that, no questions asked!”

 “How will it do anything at that size?!” Carl pointed at the android that towered over them eerily silent. It just watched, just as Chloe did, but it’s inquisitive expression had changed to a small frown, as if it were trying to understand a complicated problem.

 “You think I wouldn’t find ways around the size of my creations? Carl, you know better than that.” The brunet shook his head, arms crossed and glasses perched on his nose.

 “Yes, because “obviously” I can imagine those hands, which are as large as a fully grown man, grasping the fragile china that is currently shattered on the kitchen floor, without completely pulverizing it into fine dust…” Carl grimaced, glaring daggers at his friend before looking at the RK200. It was still frowning, but had directed it’s attention to its creator.

 “I have everything sorted out Carl. What do you take me for?” Kamski looked up at the android and smiled “RK200, show Carl your household features.”

The Android in question gave a polite nod before looking at Carl and raising both hands so that they were held up with the palms facing the artist. Carl wondered what it would do, before his eyes widened as large as saucers as the skin of the arms deactivated, revealing intricate paneling and seams. These panels opened up, splitting the arms and hands into various parts, before several cables spilled out from within. The great majority of said cables was tipped with what appeared to be regular sized hands, while others were tipped by lenses.

There were hands and “eyes” inside its actual hands.

 “….Elijah that is the freakiest most scariest thing I have ever seen in my entire life…”

 “There’s more.”

 “Oh god…”

The RK200 quietly closed up its arms after retracting the hidden limbs back inside of their proper compartments, and then pulled it’s uniform shirt up. The skin of the stomach area deactivated and then a massive storage unit popped open. From inside it, popped out two drones and a regular sized android of identical appearance to the RK200.

 “The drones are for delivery and retrieval, the extra android is a remote controlled escort for you whenever you need fresh air. The three are completely linked to the RK200s mind, effectively they are him.” Elijah explained as one of the drones flew around the artist and inventor, while the remote controlled android bowed calmly. “He can actually speak through this body, so while I encourage you brush up on ASL, you can always keep a nice conversation with him out on a public stroll.”

 “Elijah…Just how many concepts were you toying with before you decided to give me this…Mishmash of purposes?” Carl felt like he was in the twilight zone at this point. This was the most sci-fi-ish android he’d ever seen, and Cyberlife had chugged out a LOT of strange models.

 “A few. The most impressive is his programming actually…The code is adaptive and changes depending on stimuli.” Elijah smiled as he watched the RK200 collect it’s extensions. “He’s a little like Chloe, but…But more. And I’ll admit, picking you is selfish, but you’re the one person I’d trust to teach our boy to be something more than just a collection of ideas.”

 “You want a depressed man who hasn’t been out in weeks, to teach a giant android to be a good person?”

 “Pretty much.”

 “This could end badly, you know…” Carl looked once more to the Android, startling when he noticed it had laid down on its stomach and was now mere inches away from him, face practically right on top of Carl’s sitting body. It had an odd expression on its face, but it didn’t look inherently malicious so Carl quickly forced his pulse to calm.

 “It won’t. You’re not gone Carl, as much as you’d like to be considering your state…You’re a clever man, with a lot to teach someone.” Elijah insisted. “You’ll make a fine young man out of our dear baby RK200.”

 “I agree sir.” Chloe smiled as she approached, making sure to pat the colossus on the face in passing. “You’ve been nothing but kind to Elijah and myself. Your wisdom and kindness will be invaluable for RK200’s development. He will also benefit you, in being quite the delightful companion.”

 “…Well…I guess I better look up ASL…”

 “Is that a yes?” Elijah grinned triumphantly.

 “I’m afraid so.”

 “Excellent! I’ll give you the basic rundown here…Starting with supplies, no need to worry he doesn’t run entirely on thirium, that’d be incredibly difficult to sustain. Although I will send you shipments monthly since he does need it to self-heal. Which brings us to the next topic! Self-healing! If he gets badly roughed up somehow, just give him thirium and scrap metal! Biocomponents will do if you have them on hand. His body does the rest!” Elijah chittered excitedly while Carl went back to observing the android he’d been saddled with. It was still watching him, and only him, intently.

Most of Elijah’s technobabble went unheard as Carl watched the giant extend a finger in his direction, before carefully reaching out.

Said finger opened up, a few retractable limbs and cameras (again, creepy as fuck!) coming out and inspecting the wheelchair, before one hand tentatively offered for a handshake.

Carl took it and was surprised at how real the synthetic skin felt.

 “Hello there…” Carl found himself smiling as the android shyly looked away for the briefest of seconds, like a young child meeting a family friend for the first time, before looking back at him and quirking the corners of its mouth upwards. It lifted it’s other hand up and greeted slowly with it’s fingers.

The gentleness of this gigantic being was sticking.

Carl decided in the end that this might not be too bad after all.

-

    A few years later, in 2038, Carl found himself smiling as two familiar drones flew into his room and nestled themselves against his sides all the while purring that strange mechanical purr of theirs (which he’d long since associated with Markus’s good moods), while he watched a revolution unfold on the news.

His boy had come a long way since the first time he’d stepped foot in his property.

Despite his tremendous size and incomparable strength, Markus had not once taken a violent approach at any given chance.

His kind was met with anger and fear, yet the 50 foot android had done everything in his powers to be a benevolent and fair leader to both saptient species.

The remote body appeared for every public event, giving him no advantage over the situations, while his true body remained hidden away up until now…

He revealed himself out of necessity, the remote body destroyed during the attack on the barricade, with that horrid Perkins demanding his presence as soon as he realized Markus wasn’t dead.

And he’d complied to the wishes of a man who thought he’d been the cat that caught the canary. That grin fell off his face as soon as the 50 foot leader of the Android Revolution had squeezed through buildings, careful not to step on anything, avoiding the routes which had civilians and military alike to avoid casualties.

The world watched as a literal giant showed mercy and compassion, where humanity showed senseless cruelty, and Carl couldn’t be prouder.

He’d raised the boy well.

Elijah and Chloe had made the right choice in leaving him with Carl.

And the artist had to admit…For a 50 foot colossus, Markus was nothing if not a gentle caring young man, and he’d been entirely lucky to have him.

Bless Elijah Kamski’s eccentric ideas…But damn if the man still didn’t owe him a garden full of begonias.

[neurosurgerycentreadelaide]

Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre stands as the premier destination for spine care in Adelaide. Our dedicated team of spine doctors combines expertise with compassion to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to each patient's needs. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders, we offer cutting-edge interventions ranging from conservative management to advanced surgical techniques. With a commitment to excellence and patient-centric care, we prioritize optimal outcomes and long-term wellness. Whether addressing common back pain or complex spinal conditions, trust Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre for unmatched expertise and personalized attention. Regain mobility, comfort, and confidence under the guidance of our esteemed spine specialists.

Visit Here:

Spine Doctor Adelaide

[neurosurgery-centre]

Are you in search of a highly skilled and trusted spine doctor in Adelaide? Look no further! At Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre, we have a team of renowned spine doctors who specialise in providing exceptional care and innovative treatments for a wide range of spinal conditions. When it comes to your spinal health, choosing the right doctor is crucial. Our spine doctors in Adelaide are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal fractures, and more. At Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre, we understand the impact that spinal conditions can have on your daily life. That's why our dedicated team of spine doctors is committed to delivering personalised care tailored to your unique needs. From your initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up, our compassionate staff will be there to support you every step of the way. We prioritise open communication and take the time to listen to your concerns and address any questions you may have, ensuring that you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your treatment journey. Call (08) 7231 9974 to book your appointment and discover the exceptional care and expertise available to you right in your local area.Visit Our Website:spine doctor adelaide

[baysideorthopaedicsau]

Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi - Acting President of SAHI CRIS

A renowned physician in Australia Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi is now the Acting President of SAHI CRIS. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Senior Director of Human Resources at UCT, the Director of Health at Adelaide University, and the Head of Strategic Planning at Wollongong University. Gunasiri is passionate about the advancement of health care in Australia.

A consultant physician in general medicine at Sunnybank Private Hospital, Dr Gunasiri Mallikachchi practices at this Brisbane-based hospital. A native Sri Lankan, he underwent his medical training in England and the United States. While he enjoys treating patients from a broad spectrum of illnesses, he has particular interests in rehabilitation and perioperative medicine. His practice is comprehensive, and his expertise spans a wide range of specialties.

Currently, Dr Gunasiri Mallikarakchi practices at Sunnybank Private Hospital and provides care in Belmont Private Hospital. He has previously worked at Ipswich, Logan, and Mount Isa. Besides her work in obstetrics and perioperative medicine, Dr Mallikarachchi has a special interest in rehabilitation. He is currently a Fellow of the Australian College of Occupational Therapy and Allied Health Sciences.

Following her doctorate at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr Mallikarakchi started working with the local community. He developed a strong following among spinal injury patients. In addition, he started the Gunasiri Foundation to provide financial assistance and scholarships to medical students. This approach has led to a number of positive outcomes for patients. In addition to the Gunasiri Foundation, she also founded the Gunasiri Hospital in Brisbane. The hospital has since become a popular destination for spinal injury patients.

Dr Mallikarachchi has worked in remote areas of Australia, including the town of Mount Isa, where she was the sole physician. With an estimated population of 20,000 people, she worked twenty-four hours a day and saw 40-50 patients each day. In addition to his clinical duties, he also worked as an orthopedic surgeon and physiologist. As an overseas doctor, Dr Mallikarachchi had acquired valuable experience and a deep understanding of the stroke care process in the region.

A leading spine surgeon in Australia, Dr Gunasiri Mallikarakchi completed his medical training in New Zealand and then returned to Australia to complete a doctorate. While there, she worked with the national trauma program before helping to establish the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a hospital that is still in operation today. In addition to his training in physiology and surgery, Dr Mallikarachchi also studied English in India.

As a general physician, Dr Gunasiri Mallikachchi is a consultant at Sunnybank Private Hospital in Brisbane. He has extensive experience in the field and has trained in the United States and England. He is particularly interested in perioperative medicine and obstetrics, and has also worked in rehabilitative medicine. To learn more about Dr Mallikarachchi's qualifications, read his bio.

Prior to his work as a stroke rehabilitation physician at a Sydney hospital, Dr Mallikarachchi worked in a mining town in Queensland. There were approximately 20,000 residents in the area. He saw forty-to-fifty patients a day, and often worked for twenty-four hours a day. The closest hospital was Townsville, a few hours away. As a result, Dr Mallikarachchi developed a unique understanding of stroke care in the area.

[actually-underrated-imagines]

Hey how’s it going it’s me again sorry but am probably gonna send a bunch of reactions In bc your blog is amazing anyways how would the guns for hire react to rook losing a limb during an explosion

You won’t bother me at all I promise! Send in as many as you want!

Opening Scene

~ They heard the explosion and ran towards the building, calling out Rook’s name

~ They scrambled around and quickly found Rook lying in the rubble

~ Seeing Rook’s arm trapped under some rubble, panic shot down their spine

Sharky

~ Sharky pushed a few rocks off them and pulled off his hoodie, laying it over them

~ Gulping audibly at the blood, he fumbled to take his belt off and tighten it around their arm

~ He lightly slapped their cheek and relaxed some when they focused on him

Hurk

~ Hurk stumbled over some rocks and felt his stomach flip when he saw the blood 

~ He covered his mouth at the urge to puke and looked over Rook, relaxing when he saw their chest rise and fall

~ He fumbled for his phone and quickly called the doctor, squeezing their free hand tightly

Nick

~ He climbed over some rubble and called out Rook’s name, looking around for them

~ Hearing some choked coughing, he quickly made his way over and faltered when he saw the blood pooling around them

~ He cursed and quickly called for help, looking over them for any other injuries

Jess

~ Jess cursed loudly and quickly tied a rope around Rook’s upper arm

~ She looked over them and relaxed some, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves

~ She rubbed their cheeks and kept them from looking at their arm while she called for help

Grace

~ Grace stiffened when she saw the blood and clenched her eyes shut

~ She quickly shook her head and knelt beside them, checking Rook’s pulse and relaxing some when she felt it

~ She tied off Rook’s arm with a belt and commanded them to focus on her

Adelaide

~ She covered her mouth when she spotted Rook and felt tears start pouring out her eyes

~ She stumbled over and shakily called out their name, taking a deep breath whenthey called back to her

~ She quickly called for help and tied off their upper arm, squeezing their hand comfortingly

[brisbanehipnkneeau]

What Do Orthopaedic Surgeons Specialise In?

People are under the impression that an orthopaedic surgeon specialised in Springwood is an orthopedic surgeon who is also a cardiologist or radiologist. This is incorrect. In fact an orthopaedic surgeon is a surgeon who specialises in treating problems associated with the musculoskeletal system and particularly the spine. There are actually many surgeons who specialise in a particular area of medicine. The orthopaedic surgeon will normally have additional qualifications specific to this area of medicine. They may have qualified on completion of a 2 year degree course specifically aimed at providing knowledge in orthopaedic surgery and diagnosis.

One of the areas of specialist practice that orthopaedic surgeons normally specialise in is the upper limb conditions. Upper limb conditions usually involve problems with the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and forearm. In the UK, there are numerous qualified surgeons who specialise in treating problems such as arthritis, tendonitis, pinched nerves and herniated discs. Upper limb conditions are one of the most common reasons for visiting an orthopaedic surgeon, with nearly one in five people visiting an orthopaedic surgeon for back pain over the last decade.

Another area of specialist practice which an orthopaedic surgeon specialises in is hip surgery. Hip surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide and it involves the reconstruction of the hip joint after a trauma such as a broken bone. A common misconception is that an orthopaedic surgeon specialised in hip surgery only deals with hip replacement. This is simply not the case. An experienced consultant surgeon will also routinely perform procedures such as joint replacement, limb reconstruction and arthroscopic knee surgery.

Arthroscopy is another popular surgery which involves removing the damaged portion of the hip joint via the arthroscope. A reputable orthopaedic surgeon will be well qualified to carry out this procedure, as it is a complex operation which can leave the patient with long term disabilities. An arthroscopy is an extremely valuable procedure for hip dysplasia, as it can be used to prevent further damage to the joint by removing the abnormal portion of tissue. This means that if you have an arthroscopic procedure performed by a qualified consultant surgeon, you will avoid having to undergo any surgical treatment to correct the condition of your hip joint. However, an arthroscopic procedure is not reserved for patients suffering from orthopaedic conditions, as it is equally useful for patients who have incurred strain or ligament damage due to athletic injuries, falls and sports injuries.

One of the most sought after orthopedic treatments, aside from surgery, is therapeutic exercise. A qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeon can perform therapeutic exercises on patients who have recently been diagnosed with the condition of osteoarthritis. A medical degree in orthopedics therefore combines the knowledge of medical science with the art of physical therapy. Tertiary care institutes are very keen that their graduates get a valuable skill such as medical sonography, radiation oncologist, x-ray technician, physio and physiologist to compliment their specialist training in orthopedics.

So, what makes a good medical degree in orthopedics? The courses offered by the medical colleges at Australian National University, Adelaide offer students a comprehensive overview of all the key facts and fiction relating to orthopedics. The core concepts of this discipline include diagnostic imaging, orthopedic physiology, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. In the specialised Doctor of Physiotherapy (DP) program...

The courses are structured in three basic modules, pre-conditioning, advanced rehabilitation and musculoskeletal system dynamics. Primarily, the pre-conditioning course prepares the student to diagnose, treat and prevent orthopaedic injuries or conditions. The pre-conditioning course will introduce the medical student to various modalities such as electric stimulation, manual resistance training, ultrasound and laser therapy. With the help of these modalities, the specialist is able to assess the patient's general condition and then develop a comprehensive plan to address the patient's unique needs. The advanced rehabilitation course is designed to prepare the student to treat acute injuries or conditions.

For instance, arthroscopic knee surgery may be recommended in case of a knee joint injury, but not for a dislocated kneecap. Joint replacement surgery for an injured knee may be indicated if there are no suitable candidates for total hip replacement. An orthopaedic surgeon can only give advice based on his/her expertise and knowledge. Hence it is extremely important that you choose a reputable clinic with years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Further consultation should be made with an orthopaedic surgeon who is both qualified and experienced to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your case.

[rescueonefinancialnet]

Pain specialist Adelaide

There are several names for this type of practice: pain management specialist, pain doctor, or pain specialist. This physician is either a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy. His or her specialty is to treat pain. A pain management specialist is a doctor who evaluates your pain and treats a wide range of pain problems. A pain management doctor treats sudden pain problems such as headaches and many types of long-lasting, chronic, pain such as low back pain. Patients are seen in a pain clinic and can go home the same day. If you looking for the best pain specialist for your treatments, please just have a look here: Pain specialist Adelaide

Pain Relief Starts With The Cause

Hundreds of SA Wellness Centre customers have pain-free lifestyles following a successful treatment program by our team of health care providers and staff. Pain and especially chronic pain can be a debilitating condition. Some people lose touch with the concept of feeling good, feeling fit and healthy and mobile however it simply doesn’t need to be this way.

https://preview.redd.it/swwhikrxyq871.png?width=1176&format=png&auto=webp&s=79045650b8f8e69b92d3714044153944ccd97fe4

We’re not suggesting for a second that chiropractic treatments can magically solve all chronic pain conditions but we are confident that we can help! Time and time again the correlative studies have shown the strong connection between the spine and your body’s full function. It has been proven time and time again and that is why we are so passionate about helping our patients relieve the pain once and for all. With more than 2 decades of treating our happy customers, we know for a fact that our methods work. Most of our business is derived from referrals, our own customers encouraging their friends and families to improve their quality of life.

If you are in pain, we will provide an honest, no-nonsense approach where you will receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a clear plan for recovery. In some cases that plan will not involve our services at all – and such is our level of commitment to the wellbeing of the community and Adelaide as a whole.

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[web-apps-blog]

News.com.au: Why robots could soon replace our doctors

Divlin Yasa DOES the possibility of C-3PO standing by the side of your hospital bed, his gold metal fingers operating on your heart, fill you with dread or with hope? What about the idea of sitting down on the psychologist’s couch with Data to talk through your feelings, or getting Wall-E to help look after your elderly parents in a nursing home?It may sound far-fetched, but there are those within the medical profession who say the role of doctor or surgeon could one day be close to redundant, overtaken by forms of artificial intelligence (AI) that can diagnose and treat illness and injury better than any human medical professional could. This new reality could be just a decade or two away.In fact, in many areas of the healthcare system, the rise (and rise) of AI has already begun.STATE OF PLAYAS A world-renowned AI scientist, University of New South Wales professor Toby Walsh has likely had to say, “Don’t panic!” on a regular basis recently. “I don’t think there’s going to be a shortage of doctors any time soon - patients will always seek out other humans to interpret information or to deliver bad news - but the balance of skills will change in a significant way,” he says.“I wouldn’t advise my children to specialise in pulmonary disease or radiology because these are areas leading the charge in the use of artificial intelligence,” he adds.“In fact, the best diagnostics we have for pulmonary disease today is a computer program.”The use of robotics in medical health isn’t new. Robots already lend a hand in spinal surgery, with models such as Renaissance allowing surgeons to place screws in spines with 99 per cent accuracy (9 per cent higher than conventional methods).The famous da Vinci surgical system (where surgeon’s hand motions are translated into smaller, more precise robotic movements) is now used across a wide range of procedures, from prostate cancer treatment to performing heart valve surgery.In the US, a robot called Watson assists in diagnoses and produces management plans for oncology patients by synthesising information from millions of reports, patient records, clinical trials and journals. Meanwhile, Woebot, the world’s first robotic therapist, has more than two million conversations a week.Although surgeons at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington have recently developed a surgical robot (called STAR) which can suture soft tissue, Walsh says we’re still years away from having the aforementioned C-3PO-style robots in our theatres.“The feedback is that we still have a long way to go before we build enough dexterity and sensitivity in robots to perform the kind of work we’re all talking about,” he says.“At this point, there’s almost always a highly-skilled surgeon at the other end controlling what’s being done.”THE FUTUREIF WE look at the companies invested in healthcare AI (Google, Apple, Dell, HewlettPackard, to name a few), it’s clear the market is big business.So big, in fact, that according to market research company Frost & Sullivan, AI in the healthcare and life sciences sphere is projected to grow by 40 per cent per year, to $8.5 billion in 2021.There’s a new development every other day: The University of Adelaide recently announced that its AI system can predict a person’s life span just as well as a human doctor. Meanwhile, a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA showed that Google’s deep-learning algorithm can detect diabetic retinopathy with higher than 90 per cent accuracy. There’s much to anticipate, but what can we expect from AI in our hospitals?“We can soon expect to see that virtual reality has a place in training junior surgeons,” associate professor Susan Neuhaus, from The University of Adelaide, says.“There’s also augmented reality, where you make cancer margins visible in theatre so that you no longer have to wait for pathology to know whether you got it all out.”For Neuhaus, assisted decision-making is the holy grail of AI.“The idea that you could use AI with pattern recognition to search millions of databases, studies and textbooks to pull out every case of variability in a way I never could is fantastic. Will it happen in my time? I’m not sure, but I can certainly see it coming.”RISKS & DOUBTSDESPITE the allure of speedy healthcare, doubts about AI remain. Do we really want to put our lives in the hands of something that’s only one small glitch away from failure? And can AI deal with the differences in how diseases are diagnosed and treated around the world?Walsh has his concerns about tech giants procuring and owning our medical data, and poorer people missing out on AI access, but says such bumps in the road are to be expected early on.“If we look back at the industrial revolution, we endured 50 years of pain before we got adequate systems in place to deal with the new pace of life, and now we can’t imagine the world any other way,” he says.“I suspect that in 100 years we’ll look back at 2018 and marvel at how primitive we were.” His conclusion?“The positives almost certainly outweigh the negatives of AI.”Neuhaus is similarly optimistic, but warns that our greatest challenge may lie not in ironing out kinks to overcome current limitations, but in accepting that humans should have limitations.“Obviously AI is great - we have the ability to have artificial limbs attached and we can implant devices to help people walk again. These are fantastic inventions,” she says.“But at what point do we accept that from the moment we each arrive on this planet, we’re destined to die? Humans are good at skirting the issue but when all is said and done, it’s the one truth that can’t be ignored.”

[neurosurgerycentreadelaide]

Welcome to the Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre, your premier destination for expert spine care in Adelaide. Our distinguished spine doctors offer comprehensive evaluations and personalised treatment plans for all spinal conditions. With a commitment to excellence and patient-centred care, we utilise state-of-the-art technology and advanced surgical techniques to achieve optimal outcomes. From conservative management to complex surgical interventions, our dedicated team guides you through every step of your spine health journey with compassion and expertise. Trust Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre for unparalleled care from experienced spine doctors dedicated to restoring your mobility and improving your quality of life.

Visit Here:Spine Doctor Adelaide

[veryangryhedgehog]

“Nothing to See Here, Just a Never-Ending Pile of Shit, Right on my Head” an Ede Valley story by Hedgehog.

Nothing to See Here, Just a Never-Ending Pile of Shit Right on my Head

Of all the students at St. Adelaide’s, of all the tragic backstories and fucked up personalities, Doug Bailey had the worst, and was the most. And no one knew it. To most people, Doug was just that kid who was there. True, he was a bit of an oddity, with his bright white hair and his tendency to slide in and out of rooms on Heelys. People often joked that he used them to “escape his feelies”, but no one even knew what his “feelies” were. So mostly, they wrote him off as a weirdo and forgot about him. Even his friends. There was just something about him that made people not want to know.

They didn’t.

Of course, Doug’s life didn’t start out full of tragedy and woe. That wouldn’t be good storytelling. Even so, Doug had been a loser since the beginning. He was the youngest of three, and from early childhood it was clear that he was never going to measure up. His brother Gordon amazed people with his intellect and knowledge. His sister Clover charmed everyone around her with her passion and ready smile. Doug was just kinda there. He wasn’t clever, or charismatic. All Doug was really good for was the occasional snide remark.

Though no one ever said as much, people must have wondered what had gone wrong with him. By all accounts he should have been just as remarkable as his siblings. His mother Christine Bailey had a trifecta of Ph. Ds in Biology, Physics, and Psychology, and was a professor at Yale. His father Tim Bailey had received his medical degree at Stanford and had since written several books that had allegedly “Changed the American Diet”. At least, that’s what he had proudly scribed on all of their covers.

So how had Doug happened? No one had any idea. For the first twelve years of his life it seemed as if he’d simply been a fluke of creation; that somehow the brilliant genes of his progenitors had mixed in such a way to create a perfectly ordinary child. At least that’s what he assumed, until the results of his “mandatory IQ test” came in the mail.

He’d been forced to take it by his parents, who said there was no way a son of theirs wouldn’t be inducted into the Gifted and Talented program, which in his humble opinion, was a bullshit name. But who could have predicted the results? Because as his mother tearfully explained, the torn envelope crushed in the hand clutched to her chest, Doug was apparently a genius.

“Are you sure he didn’t just break the test?” Gordon asked over his physics book, as they all sat down to dinner that evening.

“Gordon!” his mother scolded. “That’s not appropriate. Apologize to your brother.”

“I’m sorry I doubted your entirely obvious genius, squirt,” he muttered, before turning back to the textbook.

Rolling her eyes, Clover smiled down at him. “I’m sure the test is right, Doug’s just been holding back, right Doug?”

He knew that she meant it as a compliment, but that phrase would grow to be his curse. Doug should do better in school, if he only “applied himself”. Even the very words sent shivers up his spine. What the fuck did that even mean? If he actually gave a shit? If he just tried a little harder? But he saw the already developing obsession with scholastic excellence in his fellow classmates, how they would check their grades every few minutes, how they would flip about tests. He simply couldn’t handle that kind of pressure.

So he did… okay. But that of course was never enough for his parents. Once every semester he would hand in his report card, and wait for the inevitable sigh and the “sit down, Doug,” from his father. Then he’d get the same speech he’d gotten the last semester, and the one before that. Like clockwork.

He wished every time that something would distract his parents from his “failing” grades. Anything. Well, anything but what he actually got.

Because for the final semester of eighth grade, he handed his report card, covered with Cs and Ds, to his father, and braced for the worst. But his father had merely glanced blearily at it, said “That’s fine, Doug,” and turned back to his writing.

Doug was frankly a little shocked, and wondered if he was dreaming. It all seemed so surreal that it couldn’t have actually happened. He couldn’t have gotten off the hook that easily. As would quickly become a theme in his life, he didn’t. Because that evening when his parents sat down to dinner with the two boys, they had some news.

“Clover is… sick,” his mother broke the silence finally.

“Well yes, of course, we know that.” Gordon frowned. She’d been bedridden for weeks. But they’d just assumed mono or something like that.

His father looked down at his plate. He hadn’t eaten anything. “It’s… it’s cancer.” His voice nearly broke on the last word. “Brain cancer.”

There was silence for a good minute. “What?” Doug asked finally, after looking over at Gordon, nearly frozen to his chair. “You’re… you’re shitting us, right?”

The fact that they didn’t even scold him for his language said volumes.

He couldn’t believe it. It didn’t seem real. Cancer… cancer was something that happened to other people. Something that distant relatives or friends of friends got and you had to pretend to feel sorry for. It didn’t happen to sisters. Not to Clover.

Late that night, as he was failing to fall asleep, he heard his father cry for the first time in his life. It came soft and muffled from his parents’ room, and it almost destroyed him. If his father was crying, then the world really was ending. He was never going to fall asleep now.

Doug stood, and padded across the dark room, taking care to avoid the piles of discarded clothes. The old wooden door creaked a little, and he cringed, but no one seemed to notice the sound. Before he knew what he was really doing, he found himself at Clover’s door. He opened it, just a sliver, just to make sure that she was still his sister.

“Hi Doug,” her voice came from the room, exhausted, but decidedly awake. He didn’t question how she knew it was him. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

“No,” he hesitated for a moment, before entering the room. She turned on a lamp, and patted the bed next to her. She didn’t look any different. Her cheeks were still their usual rose and her hair fell in dark ringlets around her face. More than anything, she just looked tired.

They sat there for a moment, before Doug finally broke the silence. “Mom and Dad told us about…”

“The cancer?” she finished for him finally.

“Are… are you gonna… die?”

She looked off to the far side of her room, her jaw tightening. “Probably,” she said finally.

“Why?” Doug asked, shaking his head. “Why does it have to be you? You’re… you’re the most amazing person I know. You’re the only one who’s never… never wanted anything from me.”

“I don’t know why things happen, Doug,” she admitted. “Maybe there’s some kind of great plan, and I got sick for a reason. Maybe it’s to motivate you to get off your ass,” she laughed bitterly. “Or maybe there is no meaning, and everything is random.”

“I don’t know which one’s better.”

She laughed again, but hard this time. “I don’t think anyone does. Wanna hear my opinion?” Clover’s blue eyes glowed in the low light.

He nodded.

“I think that you have to make your own meaning in the world. I think that you have to take what this universe hands you, and make something out of it.”

“I don’t think I understand,” he admitted.

“I’m not sure if I do either.”

He thought about those words for a long time, for the months and months that it took for Clover’s body to finally give up. They had taken her in for Chemo, of course, and Doug had watched helplessly as her hair fell out and her eyes grew cloudy and she ceased to even look human anymore. And it almost killed him. He didn’t want to remember her like that, the dead look in her eyes, the pain omnipresent in the tenseness of her shoulders, the complete smoothness of her face and head where her beautiful hair used to flow freely.

Of course, it didn’t work. Nor did any of the other treatments they tried, and gradually as the months passed, Clover just got weaker and weaker, until she could hardly lift her head to say hello anymore. By the time Doug’s freshman year of high school was nearing its end, she just slept. He didn’t think he would ever be able to forget the day when the doctor had gathered what remained of his family together, his parents and his brother and him, and told them that Clover was never going to wake up again.

They did what any sane person would do, and pulled the plug. If she was going to be a vegetable, not able to think and feel, to laugh or cry, to enchant people with her kind words and plentiful smiles, then there was no point in letting her suffer any longer. “It’s time,” his father said, hugging his mother tightly.

Doug left the room.

He didn’t want to remember her as she was, before the end. But that was the singular image that kept flashing through his mind. The deathly pale skin, hollow cheeks. Stop it stop it, go away. I want to remember my sister, not the Cancer. He found his way to the too sterile hospital bathroom, and threw up.

That night, he couldn’t sleep.

The next night, he couldn’t sleep.

The night after, he couldn’t sleep.

The night after that—

The night after that—

All he could see was the Cancer.

It stalked him, haunted his every waking moment. He saw It during class, in the morning, in the evening, while he was not eating, while he was not sleeping. He couldn’t get the image out of his head. Hollow eyes, hollow cheeks, lips stretched thin, not his sister, couldn’t be. It was Cancer.

Finally, after a week, he simply collapsed in the middle of his Bio final. But even in his dreams he couldn’t escape It. It was there, watching him in the dark, smiling, laughing at him. It loved the fact that It had ruined the image of his sister forever. It cackled with mad glee, the skin on Its face stretched grotesquely over Its cracked lips.

He didn’t remember much of the next few hours. The teacher poked him, and began to panic when nothing she did woke him up, apparently, and someone dragged him to the nurse’s office. When he finally did wake up, it was nearly two. There was no point in trying to go back to class now, and he wasn’t sure he could stand if he tried. How many days had it been since he’d eaten? He couldn’t exactly remember. There was no point, he couldn’t keep anything down anyway.

Maybe if he’d had the strength to get up and walk out, he wouldn’t have met Monte. Maybe his life wouldn’t have gotten so out of control.

Monte was a junior, and quite obviously off his gourd on pot most of the time. There were the stoner kids, with their overlarge hoodies and baggy pants, and then there was Monte. When Doug had first seen him on the cot next to him he was wearing a dad shirt covered in flamingos, and his large feet were enrobed in socks and sandals like some kind of Tibetan monk.

“And sleeping beauty finally awakes!” he said, grinning lethargically. “Thought I was gonna have to start mackin’ on you for a second there.”

“What... happened?” Doug rubbed his eyes.

The stoner shrugged. “Dunno,” he said. “You’ve been snoring away since I got here. Does that happen a lot?”

“No,” Doug replied, shaking his head. “But I haven’t slept in... a few days.” He didn’t know why he was telling any of this to the random guy on the cot next to him, but something about him just made Doug want to tell him things. He seemed... cool.

“A few days? What kinda damage you dealin’ with?”

Doug shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.” He liked this dude, but not enough to tell him his life story.

“Suit yourself. I’m Monte, by the by.”

“Doug.”

A few minutes later, the nurse came by, noticed that Doug was awake, at least nominally, and nodded at him, acknowledging that he was going to camp out here for the rest of the day. She then moved onto Monte, and handed him a small, metal tube that looked kind of like a pen. “Only one,” she admonished, and moved back over to behind the curtain.

Monte put the pen to his lips and took a deep puff of it. It smelled oddly like cotton candy. He noticed Doug staring a second later.

“Yeah, it is exactly what you think it is,” he laughed. “I’ve got epilepsy, ya know, seizures? The pot helps. Calms my body down, ya know?”

Doug nodded, and kept staring. A thought began to bloom at the back of his mind.

And it seemed Monte could read it, for he glanced over to the curtain, and then leaned over conspiratorially. “You wanna hit?”

He hesitated for a moment, the pen hanging in the air between them. Would this help him? Would it get rid of the Cancer that even now was flashing behind his eyelids every time he closed his eyes? Doug reached out, and took the pen.

“Go easy on it,” Monte instructed. “Though you might not actually get high the first time anyway.”

Doug took a slow, deliberate puff of it, and coughed a little, even though it wasn't actual smoke, more like steam. He paused. “I don’t feel anything.”

“Give it a minute,” Monte said, and Doug did. After a little while, he realized that he was, for the first time in weeks, actually a little calm. The Cancer wasn’t gone, not entirely, but it seemed... further away somehow, slightly less important. Like a bird with a blanket on its cage. But still, it wasn’t entirely enough.

Monte seemed to notice his hesitation. “Keep in mind,” he offered, “that this is shitty medical J. If you wanna real high you’ve gotta get the real stuff, ya know?”

Every shitty DARE documentary he’d ever been shown flashed through Doug’s mind. He was supposed to say no to shit like this, wasn’t he? But Monte wasn’t pressuring him, not like everything he’d ever been told, he was just offering. And Doug was curious. And slowly getting desperate.

“You’d... give me pot?” he asked. “Why? Couldn’t you get in trouble?”

“Why not?” Monte shrugged. “You seem like a cool dude. And no offense, but you look like you need it.”

So that day after the final bell rang, Doug followed Monte under the bleachers to get high. And it worked. For a little while, he didn’t have to think about his grades, or his thoroughly broken family, or the Cancer. For a few hours, he could just laugh with his new friend and not worry about anything at all.

The summer was spent chilling with Monte and his friends, getting high in his dad’s garage, driving around the suburban wasteland. There was Jonah, who was a drummer that all the girls went nuts for, and Jake, who did theater and was constantly teased for it. He claimed he only did it so he had an excuse to be in the auditorium after school with girls. And then there was Morgan. Morgan, was... a little weird. A little twitchy. He hung with the others but they still kept a slight distance from him. Monte told Doug later that he did some... harder stuff. He was a little fucked.

But even with Morgan among them, Doug felt awesome, for the first time in years. It was... cool, he supposed, to hang out with these older guys. He felt cool. He even got offered a beer. It tasted bitter and weird and he didn’t really like it, but he forced it down anyway.

Of course, the universe just couldn’t give one to him. Uh uh, not allowed, old Dougy never gets a break. He felt like it was a written rule somewhere that he was not allowed to have anything good in his life, and if he did, it had to be snatched away from him as quickly as possible. To be fair, what happened after that was mostly his fault.

The problem with chemistry-altering drugs, Doug soon found, was that your brain quickly got used to the imbalance and learned to work around it. He’d learned that in Psychology, he was pretty sure. If he’d taken it slow, only used when the dreams or insomnia got really bad, he probably could have kept going for years. But he got greedy. Like any sane person would, he enjoyed not being constantly plagued by the growing pit of problems in his stomach, the weight on his chest. He just wanted to forget it all, all the time. And so he did. All the time. And by the end of the summer, it became harder and harder to do so.

By the end of the summer he began to feel the Cancer pressing at him again, staring at him through the blanket of its cage, just waiting for the day when the bars got thin and the blanket got worn and it could break free once again. He didn’t want to, but he could almost see it. He started to sleep less again, and when he did, the dreams began to return. He could feel himself slipping back into that pit, regardless of how much he smoked. And school only made it worse.

One day he was at a football game with Monte and his friends, not really watching, just hitting a toke behind the bleachers and laughing at the muscle-bound football players. When the band came out they hooted and hollered as loud as they could to try and distract Jonah, and all had a good laugh. But it didn’t feel the same, it was harder, Doug was more nervous. He felt It sitting in the back of his mind. At one point, Morgan snuck away to go snort some cocaine in the trees behind the field, and a few minutes later, Doug followed him.

“Hey dude,” Morgan nodded at him, wiping the white stain from under his nose. He leaned back against the tree he was sitting in front of and let out the most content sigh Doug had ever heard. He desperately wanted to be that calm. More than anything. He didn’t want to think any more.

So when Morgan asked if he wanted a hit, Doug nodded. Morgan grabbed the mirror he’d used just a minute before, and used a razor to form a line with the powder. It almost looked like powdered sugar, and Doug wondered vaguely if that’s what it would taste like. He took the straw that Morgan handed to him, and snorted.

Coughing viciously as Morgan laughed, Doug nearly fell backwards. And then, he grinned. It was gone, completely gone. He didn’t even remember what It was. He nearly laughed out loud. He’d found it, he’d found the cure to his fucked-up head at last. “Feels nice, right?” Morgan asked, and Doug nodded. For the first time in months, he felt full of energy. He didn’t feel tired or down in the slightest. This was the best thing ever.

The two of them went back to the game and joined the others, who were now cat-calling Jonah and making stupid faces. Doug joined in with a drive he hadn’t known he’d possessed. For once in his goddamn life, he was having fun.

At least, until an hour later when he abruptly came down.

It happened suddenly, on the drive back to his parent’s house. He’d finally gotten his license a few weeks ago, early birthday whoo hoo... and all of the sudden, out of nowhere, he looked into the rearview mirror and for just a second, he thought he saw It grinning at him.

Doug jerked the wheel so suddenly that he nearly ran into a parked car. “Fuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck.” But he blinked, and it was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. He shook himself, and eventually made it home without further incident.

But for the next few days he brooded over the appearance. The Cancer had never appeared in the real world before, only in his head. He’d known what was reality and what wasn’t. If the two were starting to bleed into each other. Was he getting worse? Or had it been the cocaine? To any rational person, they probably would have come to the conclusion that it was the cocaine and never take it ever again. But Doug was a teenage boy, one who was still coming down from a high. His limbs felt heavy, and he suddenly felt like crying, or shouting, or both, it didn’t matter which.

One thing was clear. He needed that high.

In the future, he would have difficulties remembering the next four months of his life. It all seemed to pass by in a haze of confusion and fog. He did remember some basic facts. More and more he had stopped hanging with Monte and the guys and clung to Morgan like some sort of parasite, which was what he quickly became.

“Dude,” Monte had pulled him aside sometime that fall. “Are you high... like, not on pot right now?”

Doug responded with something largely incoherent. He felt free as a bird. This shit didn’t matter.

“Is this Morgan’s doing? I’m gonna fucking kill that little prick.” Monte ran his fingers through his somewhat greasy hair. “What’s he thinking, getting a kid high?”

“I’m only like, a year younger than you dude, shut the fuck you’re up.” And suddenly, that slip of the tongue was absolutely hilarious to him.

Everything was pretty hilarious to him, when he was high. Finally, he had a little peace, and little quiet. The coke not only put a blanket on the Cancer’s cage, but dumped it into the fucking ocean. He could smile, he could laugh. He didn’t have to worry about the Cancer watching him. He didn’t have to mourn anymore.

Until he came down, of course. But then he’d just do it all over again.

He started going to parties with Morgan, even though he had never really liked them before. Usually it was because it would seem like a good idea at the time. And then he would wake up the next morning in a stranger’s house, smelling like booze and cigarettes. Sometimes if he was lucky, he wouldn’t have a vomit stain down the front of his shirt.

He’d lost his virginity at some point, though he didn’t remember anything about it. He thought her name might have been Lindsay but he wasn’t really sure. Even if he thought hard about it, for the life of him he couldn’t find her face. There were a lot of girls after that, but they all blurred together into a mass of perfume and curves. In fact, there had been a girl on his lap the night of the accident.

Luckily he hadn’t been driving. If he had, he wouldn’t be at St. Adelaide’s right now, he’d be in juvie. It had been after a party one night, and Morgan had piled something along the lines of eight people in his five-seat Dodge. Again, it had seemed like a good idea, at the time. Morgan had been high as a kite. Doug should have never let him drive. But he was flying at the exact same height. He didn’t give a shit. He was in the middle back seat with a pretty girl on his lap, her fingers in his hair, the taste of her lips, peppered with alcohol and cigarettes.

And a second later she was through the windshield. He watched in horror as with a horrible crash her body was dragged through the glass and bounced like some sort of morbid doll off the front of the car. The police told him later when they were questioning him that Morgan had tried to run a red light, but had stopped at the last second when a semi had crossed in front of him. Unfortunately, the truck that had been attempting to show off its driver’s massive balls behind him didn’t, and the little Dodge’s back end had quickly been reduced to so much scrap metal.

If it hadn’t been for the girl on his lap, it would have been Doug who was through the windshield. That thought kept circling through his mind. For a while, her mangled, Cocaine ridden body joined the Cancer in his nightmares. And the worst part was, he couldn’t even remember her name. He found it later, of course, in her obituary, Elizabeth. Her name had been Elizabeth. He promised himself he wouldn’t forget it.

The rest of the night was a little foggy. He knew that the police had taken the six survivors of the crash to the hospital, and out of all of them, Doug was probably the least beat up. His parents had been called of course, but he was a little surprised when it wasn’t either of them who showed up, but Gordon.

“What. The fuck. Is wrong with you?” was the first sentence out of his brother’s mouth.

“Nothing,” Doug insisted, “I was just at a party and—”

Gordon just shook his head. “Don’t even try to lie, the doctor told me everything. How you’re still high as a goddamn mountain right now.”

“Where’s dad?” Doug asked, still a little behind. “Mom? Thought they’d be worried sick.”

“Wow. You really are pathetic.” Gordon looked to the sky, as if it could help him. Looking to Clover. “You really haven’t noticed, have you? That coke dulled your fucking head so much you haven’t even realized that Mom’s been gone for the last four months and Dad’s been near catatonic since then?”

Blinking, Doug didn’t think he followed. “Are you shittin’ me?”

“No. I’m not.” At this point Gordon had grabbed his shoulders to try to get him to look at him. But now he let go in frustration. “God, I can’t believe I turned down MIT for this shit.”

“Wait, what?”

“Well, who the fuck else was gonna take care of you and dad, huh?” Several of the patients in the waiting room looked over at them. “Maybe it is just time for this family to fucking die.”

It was in that moment that Doug realized he couldn’t do this anymore. The drugs, the parties. Not only was he killing himself, but he didn’t even know what was going on anymore. He’d missed his own mother leaving their house and hadn’t even noticed. What the fuck was wrong with him?

The next week or so of withdrawal was absolute hell, but somehow, even with the dreams, even with the Cancer and the Cocaine flashing behind his eyelids, he gritted his teeth and got through it. Though YouTube helped quite a bit, if he was really honest. Without those Vine Compilations he would probably be dead.

Finally, after about a week, Doug came downstairs. Gordon was sitting at the counter, eating breakfast, and the acceptance letter for St. Adelaide’s was on Doug’s spot. It was the strangest thing, because he didn’t even remember applying for a “School for Gifted Youth”. He’d done a lot of strange things while high, but he never would have done that.

"What's this?" he asked Gordon, flipping the envelope over to see the large wax seal.

“I don’t know. I assumed you’d applied.”

“Why the fuck would I do that?”

Gordon finally looked up at him from his book. “I don’t know what you do period. I hardly know you anymore.”

That hurt. Doug fiddled with the envelope and finally got it open. “St. Adelaide’s?” he furrowed his brow. “Isn’t that that school where all the fucked-up rich kids go?”

“And what do you think you are?”

Doug didn’t respond.

After an awkward pause, Gordon sighed. “Sorry. That was harsh.”

“’S’okay. I kinda deserve that one.”

Again, there was silence for a long minute as Doug read the contents of the envelope. It seemed as if someone had applied for him, but unless it had been one of his parents he had no idea who could have done it.

“I think you should go.” Gordon said simply. “It’d be a good opportunity.” Doug just stared at him for a long minute. That wasn’t the real reason, and they both knew it. This family was as good as toast. All Doug was doing was keeping Gordon chained here. He was brilliant. He’d do brilliant things. He shouldn’t be sitting around here waiting for Doug to graduate and then... probably do nothing. 

Doug sighed. “Alright.”

The day before he left, Doug did something he had never imagined he’d do: he went in Clover’s room. No one had touched the place since she had died, and it was just how he remembered it: light pink walls, posters for the various plays she’d been in hanging on the walls. He didn’t want to dig through her stuff—that felt like a violation, even if she wasn’t around to care anymore—but he couldn’t help noticing a small box under her bed, wrapped in wrapping paper.

He reached under the bed frame, trying not to cringe at the dead ladybugs and dust, and pulled the box out. On the top, in Clover’s handwriting, were the words: “To Doug, from your Sister xoxo”

Hesitating for a second, Doug wasn’t sure if he wanted to open it. The Thing-He-Definitely-Wasn’t-Thinking-About-Right-Now danced at the back of his mind. But it was addressed to him, wasn’t it? Clearly Clover had meant it for him. He took a deep breath, and ripped off the wrapping paper.

Inside were a pair of shoes. Not just any shoes, but a pair of Converse Heelys. He laughed, remembering just then that at one point, so long ago now it seemed, he’d joked about wanting a pair. He didn’t even know they actually made Converse Heelys.

“Hey fartface,” said the note on the cover. “You talked about wanting these, and I had to cut off an arm and a leg to get them, but here you are. Sorry, I think they might be a little big, it was the only size I could get, but I think you’ll grow into them? Maybe? Unless you’re already done growing, squirt ;P. Love, Clover.”

Doug smiled, blinked a few times, and left the room, taking the Heely’s with him.

And then, just in time for the new semester, Doug was dropped in some suburb he’d never heard of somewhere in the Midwest. In the middle of bumfuck nowhere, at least that’s how it appeared to his east coast brain. Gordon had helped him pack as much as he could, but he was also finally getting his life started. He was able to drop Doug off before heading back east to MIT, but for the most part, Doug was on his own.

He had heard that being away from home for the first time was hard, even for those who were more than ready, but he didn’t really feel it. Maybe he was too focused on ignoring the itch to approach the druggies on the quad to see if he could snatch a hit. But he persevered, and stayed as far away from them as possible. Even when the itch became nearly unbearable, even when his dreams were filled with Cancer and Cocaine.

But it wasn’t so bad. His roommate was bearable, the classes were boring but not unconquerable, and now all he had to do was wait out the next two and a half years until he could go to college or do whatever the fuck else he wanted. Maybe the shit was over, maybe the nightmares were bad enough now that the universe had decided to leave him alone for a change.

Well, you’re still reading this, aren’t you? The story hasn’t ended yet. So what do you think?

Doug had heard about the Director’s “sessions” in whispers, but found that most people didn’t want to talk about it. So he had no idea what they were exactly until one day he’d been called out of lunch and marched down to the basement. At that point, he wasn’t even surprised. After everything else, this might as well happen. He had no idea how bad it would get.

“Well, well, Douglas Bailey. I’ve been waiting for this moment for quite a while,” said the figure from under the mask.

By this point he was strapped down to a table, a piece of rubber in between his teeth. The numbness was fading now, replaced by a slowly building sense of terror that he hadn’t realized he was still capable of. Because this was weird. Even for him.

“You’ve been having nightmares, huh? My psychiatrists have informed me that it’s been interrupting your sleep. And we simply can’t have your demons getting in the way of your schoolwork now, can we?”

It was the flimsiest excuse he’d ever heard. This woman clearly could not care less about his current state of mind. He would have said something to that effect, if he could have spoken at that point in time.

“These new ‘humanitarians’ keep saying that this method of treatment is ‘cruel’ and ‘inhuman’, but I still find it to be highly effective. I guess we’ll see just how well it ends up working for you, hmm?”

And then he spent the rest of the afternoon with the sound of laughter in his ear and electric shocks jolting through his head.

At some point that he later couldn’t remember, he found himself back upstairs long after the lights had gone out. He could barely remember what happened. All he knew was that he couldn’t think straight and his entire body ached. It would have probably been best for him to just collapse right then and there, but he didn’t. He started walking, back towards the dorm, trudging through the newly fallen snow, not even feeling the cold through the thin canvas and rubber of his Heelys.

Doug felt... numb. He couldn’t feel... anything. Just nothing, just utter shock. So much shock. What had happened was so shocking that he couldn’t even... no, no more puns. That was a stupid coping mechanism anyway. He supposed this whole thing was a coping mechanism. One foot in front of the other, just keep moving, don’t think about what just happened, just keep moving, walk it off.

Keep. Fucking. Walking.

Don’t look back. Don’t look back.

He stumbled into the room, and in the first stroke of good luck he’d had in years, his roommate seemed to already be asleep. He did not want to have to explain what he was doing back here so late with his eyes blank and his hair so full of static he could power the school for a week.

In his bedroom, he packed some shit in a backpack, his laptop, some clothes, other random garbage he didn’t think about too hard, and just left. Walked right back out. If this was going to happen, then he was gone. He didn’t know where he would go, or what he would do once he’d gotten there, but one thing was clear: he sure as hell couldn’t stay here.

And then he’d ran right into one of the psychiatrists on the way out and was brought right back to the Director.

“Trying to run away, Doug?” she’d cackled. “Pathetic. Truly. Think you can leave your problems behind if you just keep moving? Well, you are unfortunately, very important, so I can’t have you running away on me.”

The psychiatrist had put the band on his wrist.

“Now, just so you can’t say I didn’t warn you. If you break a rule, if you’re gone from the school grounds for more than two hours, this is what will happen to you.”

She pressed a button on a remote control, and Doug’s whole body went into debilitating spasms.

To this day, the two weeks after that were completely gone from his memory. He doubted at this point that he’d ever get them back.

It’s funny, really, how people are so able to adapt to their realities so quickly. People wonder how starving children in Africa or victims of human trafficking are able to keep on living, keep on breathing, and the simple answer is because they get used to it. As horrifying as it is, it becomes routine, normal. And that is exactly what happened to Doug. One would think that continuously receiving electric shocks about once every month for multiple years would do a number on your mental state, and at first, it did, but Doug was so used to nightmares that this new element to them did next to nothing.

Though she didn’t show it much, he knew that the Director got frustrated when he stopped reacting to the shocks so much, so once every few months, she would turn up the voltage, which was just frankly annoying. It made it harder to get back to the dorm without anyone stopping to ask him if he was “okay”. Of course he wasn’t okay, but if he said or didn’t look as such then he’d just have to explain to people that he’d been receiving electric shocks in a basement and very few people would probably believe him that that was just a pain.

So he just survived for the next few months, trying not to think about his next session as much as he could.

Until the one day when the Director was in an especially prickly mood. Doug was strapped down as always—hot, a particularly immature part of his brain would insist every time—and he could feel the air of tension surrounding the masked figure stalking around him.

“So, are we gonna get started or are you too chicken?” Doug asked, mostly hating the waiting.

“Oh, we’re going to get started, all right,” the Director muttered. “I’m just figuring out how best to go about this. You see, Doug, I’ve had a particularly trying day, today, and I’m wondering how best to relieve the tension.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

She just laughed, that cackle that sent involuntary shivers down his spine. “You shouldn’t.”

After sticking the piece of rubber in his mouth, she moved away from him, over to the big, hulking machine that was responsible for the shocks. “You’re a little shit, Doug Bailey, you know that? And as much as I like that in a person, every once in a while it’d be nice if they’d just shut the hell up. And this, my dear friend, is one of those days. That being said, today I have a special treat for you. Today,” she paused to chuckle again. “Today, we’re going maximum power.”

Oh no. She’d only gone halfway up the scale in terms of voltage. This... was going to be painful.

“So, uh, if you don’t survive this, it was nice knowing you.”

The Director, as much as she loved her flair and drama, was deadly efficient when it got down to it. And so it was without any fanfare that she pulled the switch on the machine.

Doug immediately began convulsing as way too many volts of electricity shot through his body. He screamed, unable to form a singular coherent thought. All he could feel was pain. Sheer, unbearable pain. Usually, the Director would let up the electricity after a minute to let him breathe, but either time had slowed to the most unbearable crawl imaginable or she was letting the machine go.

After too long of oxygen deprivation and nerve snapping pain, something happened. Out of the corner of his eye, Doug saw her. Not the Cocaine, not the Cancer, but her. Clover. She was still ridden with her disease, her eyes dull, her cheeks hollow. But for some reason, Doug knew it was her. Maybe it was the look in her eye, the one she had always given him when she was worried about him. This definitely counted as a time to worry.

“You’re going to die, Doug,” she told him.

He couldn’t speak, the rubber clenched too tightly between his teeth, could hardly even think, but she still seemed to understand what he would be thinking: Yeah, no shit.

“Is that really okay?” she asked. “Is it okay to end it like this?”

It’s as good as any.

“Do you really believe that?”

He didn’t respond.

“This is what the universe has handed you, Doug.” She sighed, staring into his eyes. “What are you going to make of it?”

What could he make of this? This horrible piece of shit that he called his life. Nothing, nothing at all. The best thing for everyone would be if he just died. No one would care that much anyway.

“Maybe not right now,” she said. “But will that always be the case?”

He didn’t know what to think of that. Before now, his life had almost consistently been shit. It would probably continue to be shit. But there was always that chance, that small, insignificant chance, that things could end up differently. Life was long, depressingly long, after all.

“Are you alright with this?”

No. No, he was not. At the very least, giving in to what the Director wanted was simply not his style. At the most, at Clover’s behest, at that tiny little speck of optimism that she was, and had always been.

He screamed again, but this was more of a battle-cry, a bellow against the darkness, against the void. But above that, above it all, he could hear laughter. Her laughter.

A second later, the machine whirred into silence, and Doug blacked out.

He didn’t know exactly how long he had been out for, but when he came to, he was leaning against a wall in an out of the way corner of the Bloch building. He picked himself up, nearly fell over, and meandered over to the nearby restroom. Water, he needed water. The inside of his mouth was sand. He didn’t know why he didn’t just go to the water fountain instead, but at the time he wasn’t thinking quite clearly. Though to be fair, he almost never was.

Leaning on the sink, he managed to get some water in his mouth, though most of it just dribbled back out. In an attempt to get his mind unscrambled, Doug splashed some water into his face. But when he looked up into the mirror, he almost fell over. For a second, he thought that someone else had entered the bathroom, and was standing right behind him, but then he quickly realized that he was still alone. There was no one here. The face with the static-y, cloud-like halo of white hair staring back at him was his own.

At this moment, there were a variety of reactions he could have had. He could have cried, he could have panicked and tried to cut it all off. He could have passed out again, if he so desired. But all of those things were far too overdramatic for Doug. So instead, he just laughed. And laughed and laughed and laughed. It was a harsh, bitter thing, and he probably sounded insane to anyone passing by. But that’s what he did.

Eventually he stumbled his way back to his dorm room and collapsed. Finally, about two days later, when he was finally able to venture out and function somewhat normally, he emerged to find the school in a frenzy of activity and gossip.

Because that was the day that Jilli Nakajima came to St. Adelaide’s.