Bill finished reading information about the Cedar-Sinai Sports Rehabilitation Center and leaned away from the laptop screen. This was the last of three facilities that were close to Dodgers Stadium, and his home in LA. All three were highly rated by former patients and claimed they had extensive experience with athletic spine injuries. Any of the three would have state of the art equipment and he could extend therapy hours with the use of the ball club’s facilities at the stadium.
If they allowed him that kind of access. He dialed Coach Jackson’s number and left a message asking to use the stadium’s training rooms. Jake would be with him and he thought management wouldn’t mind if Bill tagged along. Then he dialed Doc’s Jensen’s number.
“Hi, Bill, what can I do for you?” asked Doctor Jensen.
“I am coming to Los Angeles for my rehabilitation. I have the names of three rehab centers and I’m hoping you can help me pick one.”
Jensen smiled to himself and shook his head, glad that Bill could not see him doing it.
“Sure.”
They spent about thirty minutes discussing the clinics and Jensen gave him a list of additional questions that Bill should ask.
“Okay, when you narrow it down drop me a line and I’ll send the referral over. You’ll also want Dr. Walker in Boise to send them your file and x-rays from the accident.”
“Thanks, Doc. I appreciate the help.”
“I’m not sure what I’m doing is really in your best interests, Bill.”
Both men were silent, both were sure they were right, and after a bit Jensen spoke.
“How does your hip and back feel?”
“Pretty good. Aches occasionally, but I don’t have much pain.”
“I’m just concerned, Bill. I get the impression you plan to push yourself pretty hard.”
“Doc, do you know any Major League player worth a damn that would not try to make it back?”
Doc Jensen smiled, and it came through in his tone. “No, I don’t. But I also do not know any of them that have back injuries like yours. Players with back injuries struggle to stay healthy. And none of them were pitchers who must have perfect body mechanics to throw a baseball accurately over and over.”
“I am not about to give up, Doc. I’m walking better and I really do feel pretty good. I don’t think I was injured as badly as some physicians think.”
Jensen sighed loud enough for Bill to hear.
“Okay, I get it. You’re one of those guys, hardheaded, and who have a hard time taking advice of any kind, let alone medical advice. So listen up, Sullivan. I saw the x-rays and you were injured as badly as everyone thinks. I’m glad you are feeling good now, but you can be injured easily. Hips are one thing. They can be replaced. Backs are another. Some vertebrae can be fused but if the spinal column is injured-you’re done, maybe even paralyzed.”