by Prakash
Ursula could not understand what is meant by Psychosomatic. What she understood was that if the stress test is negative and if the events do not stop with pills in a week, they needed to consult a psychologist.
Both of them thanked doctor Bortland .Before leaving the hospital, Ursula and Patrick took appointment for stress test the next day evening and also purchased the pills recommended by doctor from the drug store.
When they reached their house Nanny and Grandchildren were busy playing cards.
“Patrick how was the visit to the doctor? “Ursula’s mother asked.
“Mam, good one. Cardiac issue is almost ruled out “Patrick replied.
“Thank Jesus…” she replied.
“One more test is prescribed by the doctor “Ursula added.
“This is usual practice by hospitals to make money “Ursula’s mother commented.
Ursula and Patrick were very much relaxed that night.
Next evening again, both of them were at Fischer clinic. They did not have to wait for a long. The laboratory assistant called Patrick in the lab for the stress test. The assistant put the electrode in place probably at 14 places all over the chest including hand and legs too. He has measured his blood pressure and beats before the start of the test. Then he had asked Patrick to be on tread mill. He explained Patrick about the complete procedure.
The test started. The assistant put the machine in first speed for 2.5 minutes. Patrick was amused at this. For an athlete like him this was a pure fun. Latter on the attendant increase the speed. The attendant asked Patrick if the speed is comfortable. Patrick replied affirmative. The last speed lasted for almost 3 minutes. Patrick enjoyed undergoing the test for about overall 12 minutes.
After the test, Patrick was asked to get to the normal by sitting on a chair. The attendant again measured the blood pressure and the beats. The test came negative. The attendant told Patrick that everything was ok and there is no need to worry.
Patrick came out of the stress test laboratory. He smiled at Ursula.
“What is the result Dear…?” Ursula asked impatiently
“Of course negative... I can run like this for hours together…” Patrick replied.
Both Patrick and Ursula were happy that the suspicion of any cardiac trouble was put to the rest. Now the only thing was to try the anti-anxiety pill prescribed by Dr.Bortland for a week, if the trouble stopped due to the use of the pill then it was a pure case of anxiety otherwise next option was to consult a psychologists.
That night went without any issue. Patrick had a good sleep in the night.
Patrick woke up early in the morning, took a stroll outside and was ready for going to the factory. Ursula was in kitchen preparing the coffee and the breakfast. Kids were still sleeping in their bedroom, Ursula was much relaxed today. Patrick and children left the house for the factory and the school respectively.
After their lunch Ursula and her mother went for shopping in a nearby mall. Ursula was looking for curtains for the windows. She could select the curtains and a discounted price. Afternoon went in fitting the curtains to the windows.
Children returned home from the school at 4 pm at were busy in their bedroom completing the homework.
Patrick returned home from the factory at around 5.30 pm. He was in jolly mood as he had got his first paycheque from his new job. He showed the paycheque to Ursula. Ursula of course teased him saying it is not more than what the Jersey Company was paying. Patrick agreed with her. He told her that in current trend of moving everything to china, he was lucky to find a job. He also commented that due to huge outsourcing in the manufacturing many promising and experienced professionals had already on the road and doing petty jobs to sustain. Ursula agreed with his viewpoint.
Patrick then went to their bedroom and was looking out for some papers related to his vehicle insurance. It was to be renewed this month. As he was going through the papers, he suddenly felt someone is trying to push from the bed. Patrick tried to resist this push with his full force, but it seemed that the push force was such high that he was almost thrown away from the bed on the ground. There was no one in the room .Patrick got frightened and confused. He thought of calling Ursula but decided to wait. He again sat on the bed and continued his work of finding the resultant papers .This time a strong breeze was experienced by him resulting into the entire papers fly here and there in the room. He was now shaken up. The window pain was closed the how come such a strong breeze entered the bedroom.
He slowly went around the room, opened the window for some time. The wind was flowing normal. He was searching if someone is playing a prank on him from outside. However he could not find anyone near the vicinity of the window. Patrick collected all the scattered papers and put them back in the files. He was visibly upset. He was not sure if he was really pushed from bed by someone or he himself moved to the corner of the bed unknowingly and hence fallen down. Patrick’s thinking now centered on another theory of haunting. Since childhood he had read and heard many stories of haunted houses, ghosts and supernatural powers.
However he had always considered these so called stories to be a form of entertainment and folklores. But the recent experiences forced him to thought whether he is haunted by someone. But rational Patrick immediately put this thought to rest. He came outside the bedroom and joined the family for dinner.
Next 2-3 nights Patrick did not experience any untoward incidence. He could sleep well and felt fresh in the morning. Both Patrick and Ursula thought the pill prescribed offered by Dr.Bortland is working well. They were also more open now to accept that the incidences experienced by Patrick were more anxiety attacks rather than any serious health issue or something abnormal.
However the Friday night came as a nightmare for the William’s. Patrick suddenly woke up in the middle of night with a loud scream. The scram was so loud that even Patrick’s mother in law came rushing to their bedroom. Ursula was looking at Patrick with an eyes wide open. She first time got scared in so many days.
Patrick was standstill with his hands in twisted condition, fully wet with sweat and trembling. He was unable to even talk. He was just staring at Ursula and Mom. Both of them could see Patrick’s both hand twisted just like a paralysis attack. His mouth was wide open and saliva was coming out from his mouth.
Frightened and surprised Ursula immediately composed herself and took Patrick’s hands in hand. She tried to straighten it.Meanwhile Mom had arranged for water and coffee. After five minutes Patrick was back to the normal. His hands were again straight and he could move them freely. He cleared his saliva which spread to the face with a towel. Still he was silent and unable to speak.
“Honey… are you feeling better?’ Ursula asked worriedly.
“Should we call 911 for the medical help? “ Ursula continued.
“I am ok. No need to call 911” Patrick responded with difficulty.
Ursula’s mother asked “Are you feeling weakness in the body?”
“Yes for 5 minutes. Now I am ok” Patrick replied with difficulty.
Ursula’s mother thought this might be the symptoms related to the possible paralytic attack. However she just kept mum.
After consuming Coffee Patrick was much normal. They put off the lights .Patrick slept peacefully for the rest of the night.
In the morning Ursula and her mother discussed the incidence of the previous night. Ursula’s mother suggested consulting a neuro surgeon and taking his opinion. However Ursula was more inclined to consult a psychologist. He had more faith in Dr. Bortland. He told them if this pill did not work improve Patrick’s condition then better consult a psychologists as then it would mean a mind and body disorder.
Ursula rang up the Fischer Clinic telephone. He got the telephone operator on line. However operator replied that Psychologist is available only from Monday to Wednesday in the morning and in the afternoon hours.
Ursula requested for an early morning appointment on Monday.
When Patrick woke up he was
looking somewhat pale and drowsy. He was still thinking about the earlier night incidence. However as he had to prepare himself for the factory he rushed to the bathroom to prepare himself. At breakfast Patrick was silent. The kids could understand that something must have had happened due to which Dad is silent and not talking as usual.
“Patrick, I had taken an appointment with the Psychologist on Monday “Ursula interrupted the silence.
“Yes I was also thinking on the same line. Let us meet him” Patrick replied quickly.
“But are you ok Patrick to go to the factory?” Ursula looked worried.
“Come on dear. I am ok now. Do not worry” Patrick tried to assured her.
Actually Patrick was shaken up by the two incidences faced by him in the late evening and in the night. But he thought if he displays his feelings to Ursula and kids, that would unnecessarily get them frightened and worried. After the breakfast he left for the factory.
In the afternoon after the lunch Ursula and her mother had a lengthy discussion on the events, the earlier night.
“Ursula I thought yesterday’s incidence was due to some neuro problems “Mom shared her viewpoint.
“Mom if it was the case then the hands would not have come to normal in next 5 minutes “Ursula replied.
“That is true also “Ursula’s mother nodded.
“Ursula one weird thing. This might be result of something related to haunting by evil” Ursula’s mother said cautiously.
“Mom those stories are for kids. You were a school teacher and you suggest such weird things “Ursula was slightly irritated.
“Yes. But I heard sometimes the house is haunted by evils and they create issues “Ursula’s mother put forth his point.
“Mom if that would have been the case then kids and myself would have experienced those incidences also “Ursula tried to rationalize.
“Yes. I agree. Why the house should single out Patrick alone “Ursula’s mother agreed with her viewpoint.
“Mom these subjects of haunted, Ghost and Dracula are for writers, Kids and cinema makers .In real life there are no such things “Ursula tried to convince her.
“Ok.Meet the Psychologist on Monday and Take his opinion. “ Ursula’s mother replied.
William’s spent their weekend by taking a small picnic to New Orleans zoological gardens. Children and Grandma had a gala time during the picnic. The Picnic was essentially an idea from Ursula to keep Patrick away from thinking too much on the incidences that happened to him. In the afternoon they went to New Orleans market store and did some shopping and late lunch. On Sunday Ursula’s mother suggested that they should go to the church and attend the mass. Patrick and Ursula immediately agreed as they had to skip the church even since they arrived.
The hill point church was 2 miles away from their house. William’s reached the church at around 8 am and attended the mass in the church. They listened to the sermon from Father Agnel. On the way back they stopped at the Big Mac and had their meal. Rest of the Sunday was spent inside the house.
Patrick had taken a half day leave at the factory on Monday as the hospital operator told that the consulting session with the psychologist may last up to 90 minutes. William’s reached the Fischer hospital on time .As per the practice the receptionist gave a lengthy questionnaire to be filled with detail family and personal information.
Dr.Edgar Jones was a consulting psychologist with the Fischer hospital for the last 10 years. He had a doctorate in Psychology and clinical analysis. He handled multiple critical cases in his practice.
“Good morning doctor “Ursula greeted while entering the consulting room.
“Very good morning. Please be seated.” Dr.Edgar responded while having a look at the papers on the table.
Dr.Edgar took a long pause before starting the conversation with Patrick.
“Patrick I want to understand in detail about your childhood, parents, school teachers, your marriage and so on. In short you have to tell me your biography of the so far life in just 15 minutes “Dr.Edgar said with a smile.
“Doctor. I am born and bought up in New Jersey. I had a decent childhood. I have a brother who is younger to me and currently he is settled in Delaware. My father stays with him. I lost my mother when I was in college.” Patrick continued describing in detail.
Ursula was listening carefully. Some of the things which Patrick mentioned were also not known to her in spite of spending 15 years with each other. Dr.Edgar was listening carefully and noting down points.
“Patrick can you tell me about the incidences in your life so far where you felt sorrow, guilt, shock “Dr.Edgar was to the point.
“Doctor Demise of my mother was the first real shock me as I was very close to her. In the high school some students used to bully on me when I used to cry and avoid them .Otherwise it was perfectly ok till now “Patrick responded.
“What about your professional life ...Have you faced any threat, stress or pressure?” Dr.Edgar tried to go into more details.
“Job pressure is always there. I am used to it. Yes when the Jersey factory was getting shut I did feel like threatened. I was unsure whether I would be able to get a new job. Here in this job I am settled now.” Patrick told briefly.
“What about your married life ...Be frank with me “Dr.Edgar was again to the point.
“Sure sir. I am married for last 16 years. I and Ursula are so far always being cordial and respectful to each other “Patrick remarked having a cursory glance at Ursula.
“Well, tell me about your current issues “Dr.Edgar asked Patrick.
“We moved to Mandeville two and half month back as I got a new job here. We purchased a house in Mandeville. Last four weeks I had experienced strange things like someone trying to press my chest, Heavy blows on chest, some strange sounds, sudden Breeze of wind when the window is shut and also attempt to push me down. “Patrick summarized his sufferings.
“Ok... Have you seen anyone during these incidences “Dr.Edgar Asked?
“No Doctor rather in most of the cases Ursula was with me and she also did not see anyone “Patrick replied.
“Are you afraid of something or is there any phobia you are having “Dr.Edgar asked.
“Not to my knowledge “Patrick replied.
“Have you experienced such incidences in the house only or outside also?” Dr.Edgar asked.
“Nothing outside. Everything happened within the house mostly in our bedroom “Patrick replied.
Dr.Edgar then asked many small questions regarding friends, extended family, current job, new colleagues in the factory. He had carefully noted down all the points under case history.
Ursula interrupted in between and asked “Doctor can this happen due to something like haunting, magic or similar thing”
Dr.Edgar smiled.
“There is no life after death. Haunting, Ghosts are the creation of fickle minded individuals .Let me explain in detail before I prescribe medication for Patrick” doctor replied.
“Patrick listen carefully to what I am telling “Dr.Edgar glanced at Patrick.
“ All the over the world , you go to any house you can find one or the other things like certain creaking sounds ,odd noises , wet walls , presence of bats or owls .People have a tendency to treat these sounds as either footsteps , growling and things like that. Then they assume that either there is a ghost or the house is haunted. Many times outside noises are also appearing to be coming from within “Dr.Edgar explained.
“Ursula Now coming to your point of Ghost or haunted house. Please understand people do have certain mental issues due to which many have physical illusions, some walk in the sleep, some see day dreams and some have vision issues which distort what they see. When such people share their stories people take it seriously and consider that some ghost or haunting is there. Please note if I told you this consulting room is haunted then everything happens here you will try to relate to haunting. Take an example if my paperweight on the table fell down accidently then also
you will attribute it to the ghost or Haunting “Dr.Edgar explained nicely.
“Many times it has been observed that people who are exposed to carbon monoxides or certain gases or even substances like insecticides, pesticides, Fumes from coal based burners always experience hallucination due to exposure. During this process they experience’s blurred vision, Ineffective memory and that results in more stories about paranormal experience “Dr.Edgar continued.
“ Patrick , now coming to your specific point of someone hitting you on chest or someone trying to dislodge you from the bed all these are also psychosomatic phenomenon” Dr.Edgar commented.
“Now let us understand what happens. When the mind and body are not in sync that is coordination is distorted due to any reason such as mental health issues ,hormonal imbalances , deep personal shocks , then it is observed that people do many strange things like inflicting self-injury and later on blaming someone else , Biting their own tongue and so on. Due to mismatch in mind and body many times such people experience loss of balance, falls and even some try to strangulate them. Lot of research had gone into it. Don’t go by Hollywood movies “Dr.Edgar was nearly exhausted.
“So William’s I am going to prescribe a one month intensive medication which will help you to overcome these psychosomatic issue “Dr, Patrick said looking at Patrick and Ursula.