My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points Chapter 1386 550: Cause of Illness Identified—From Doubt to Belief (2)

Zhou Can articulated the intricate link between a person's legs and their heart to the patient.

Both the patient and Brother Wei found their understanding significantly broadened by his explanation.

As for Director Xue Yan, the attending nurses, and fellow doctors, they gazed upon Zhou Can with profound admiration. The medical knowledge derived from textbooks is something everyone has encountered; some tend to forget it after initial learning, while others retain it but struggle to apply it adeptly in real clinical situations.

Zhou Can, however, demonstrated an exceptional ability to utilize this knowledge with both flexibility and apparent ease.

His sharp, clinical diagnostic acumen was a source of envy for every medical professional present.

"So, the human legs essentially function as a secondary heart – that's truly astonishing! But my legs themselves don't seem to have any issues; how could that have led to heart failure?"

The patient, currently in his second year of high school, displayed a clear eagerness to learn, having seemingly absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge already.

Despite this, Zhou Can's explanation left him utterly amazed, broadening his entire perspective on the matter.

"This relates directly back to your lifestyle. Typically, when you're engrossed in reading and studying, you spend the entire day seated, with very little physical exercise. Furthermore, you're in a critical phase of physical growth, and this deficiency in exercise and training for your lower limbs has resulted in considerable muscle relaxation and atrophy in that area. It is imperative that you commit to daily exercise, allowing these muscles to gradually regain their normal function. Once that happens, your 'second heart' will essentially be restored to its proper working order."

"Never underestimate the crucial role of this secondary heart. If it functions optimally, it can substantially alleviate the workload on your primary heart and significantly enhance blood circulation throughout your entire body. Conversely, if it suffers from serious dysfunction, your primary heart is forced to perform the work of two. Over an extended period, the heart may become unable to sustain this excessive burden, leading to severe strain, resulting in weakness and a lack of power. In such dire circumstances, it becomes incapable of handling the load of two, consequently causing the left ventricular ejection fraction to fall below its normal value."

"Then, due to the failure to correct this condition promptly and the inability to identify the true underlying cause, the heart remained in this dysfunctional state, ultimately culminating in complete heart failure over time."

At times, Zhou Can found himself treating patients with a blend of sympathy and frustration, much like a parent dealing with unmotivated children.

He felt sorrow for their unfortunate circumstances and a degree of anger stemming from their lack of diligent self-care—a sentiment shared by many doctors in their professional practice.

Witnessing patients fall gravely ill, even facing life-threatening situations, deeply saddens medical professionals. Yet, when healthy, some patients seem indifferent to maintaining their well-being. Gentle advice to reduce smoking, limit alcohol consumption, or avoid late-night activities often goes unheeded!

It's as if they perceive the doctors' warnings as mere exaggerations.

Only when illness strikes do they truly grasp the wisdom of the doctors' prior counsel. Tragically, by that point, it is often too late, and opportunities for recovery have been lost.

"So... is my condition treatable?"

The patient now viewed Zhou Can as a miraculous healer, his trust in him soaring to unprecedented levels. Identifying the actual cause of his ailment provided him with a genuine sense of hope for recovery.

At the very least, he finally understood the reason behind his peculiar illness.

"Yes, it is treatable! I will devise a comprehensive treatment plan for you, with a primary focus on your exercise regimen. However, if you are unable to commit to the exercise routine and once again neglect your health while preoccupied with your studies, then my efforts will be in vain. While diligent study is commendable, you must achieve a balance between your academic pursuits and rest. It's crucial to care for your health even as you study, do you understand?"

Zhou Can mused that treating this particular ailment was not exceedingly challenging.

The sole potential obstacle lay in the patient's potential lack of cooperation or his refusal to adhere consistently to the prescribed exercises.

"Please rest assured, Doctor. This time, I will undoubtedly heed your advice. My studies were significantly disrupted by this illness, which has taught me that "haste makes waste." I will internalize this lesson deeply; even after graduation and entering the workforce, this experience will remain a powerful reminder."

The young patient clearly conveyed his unwavering resolve to Zhou Can.

This young man possessed determination and resilience; it was evident he would honor his promise.

With a nod of reassurance, Zhou Can returned to the office with Director Xue Yan to collaboratively formulate the treatment strategy for the young patient.

The treatment plan was finalized overnight, prioritizing methods that minimized the use of medication and leaned heavily on physical rehabilitation. Nonetheless, given the patient's current state of severe heart failure, the inclusion of medication was deemed necessary.

The dosage of these medications could only be gradually reduced once the patient demonstrated significant signs of recovery.

Medications inherently carry risks; Western medicine, in particular, often contains hormonal components. Their associated side effects can be substantial, and their impact profound.

The human body can readily develop a dependence on prescribed medications.

Furthermore, prolonged use of the same drug can lead to the development of resistance, thereby impairing the body's ability to absorb it effectively and causing a considerable decrease in the medication's overall efficacy.

...

Bright and early the next morning, Zhou Can completed his rounds in the Emergency Department. Afterward, he made a special trip to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department to ascertain the recovery status of the young patient.

Currently, a specialized electrical stimulation device was being employed on the patient's calf muscles. This apparatus facilitated consistent contraction and relaxation of the lower limb's gastrocnemius muscle, effectively serving as a form of calf massage.

A noticeable improvement in the patient's complexion was evident, and his breathing was no longer characterized by the former rapid and strained pattern.

These were undoubtedly positive indicators.

Without the need for formal examinations, Zhou Can could perceive that the patient's heart failure symptoms had experienced a significant alleviation.

"In a little while, you can get out of bed and take a walk downstairs, with Brother Wei accompanying you. Where has he gone?"

Zhou Can realized he hadn't seen Brother Wei for some time.

It seemed he hadn't remained by his employer's side for long. Had the fellow perhaps gone to the restroom due to an upset stomach?

"Um... Brother Wei requested leave from me and went for a check-up."

The patient hesitated for a few moments before opting not to deceive Zhou Can, choosing instead to reveal the truth.

"He was fine yesterday; what caused him to suddenly fall ill?"

Zhou Can's brow furrowed. It was not ideal for this patient to be without an escort.

"Oh, didn't you suggest he get a liver check-up the day before yesterday? Perhaps he thought you were too young and lacked sufficient skill, so he didn't take your advice seriously. Yesterday, after witnessing you successfully pinpoint the cause of my illness, he began to place faith in your medical expertise. Concerned about his own health, this morning after bringing me breakfast and assisting me with my morning ablutions, he proceeded to the Hepatology Department to wait in line for a consultation."

The patient may have felt it slightly impolite to divulge such unflattering details about the bodyguard.

However, faced with Zhou Can, he couldn't bring himself to lie, resulting in his somewhat awkward confession.

"I see. In that case, while you have no one to accompany you, do not leave this place alone. You can move around near your bed, perform leg exercises, and strengthen your calf muscles."

Zhou Can offered a wry smile upon hearing this.

Brother Wei was certainly an interesting character; he'd been urged for a liver check-up two days prior but paid it no mind.

Now, he was rushing in the early morning hours to queue for his examination.

Such is the nature of people, so pragmatically self-interested.

"Understood! Dr. Zhou, do you believe Brother Wei's liver is indeed problematic? How did you deduce that his liver might be failing? I'm genuinely curious, marveling at the wonders of medicine. Your particular medical skills, in particular, have truly opened my eyes."

The patient inquired with evident curiosity.

"There's no particular mystery to it. Upon my initial observation of him, I noticed symptoms of liver palms to a certain extent. Subsequently, I observed red spider nevi on his neck, and there was more than one instance, leading me to conclude that his liver likely harbored issues."

Zhou Can did not consider his abilities to be exceptionally extraordinary.

"Many medical techniques that might appear miraculous to laypeople like yourselves are, in reality, merely the result of accumulated medical experience. Due to our daily interaction with a vast number of patients, and through the accumulation of knowledge across generations of physicians, we develop the proficiency to identify an ailment at a mere glance."

"I comprehend! Thank you for your patient explanation. Coming to Tuya Hospital for treatment was yet another sound decision I've made; I've gained considerable knowledge, and most importantly, my condition now holds the promise of a cure."

The patient conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Zhou Can.

"If my condition had truly necessitated a heart transplant, would that not imply that it remained incurable?"

This question posed a rather challenging conundrum, especially when considering the esteemed specialists in the capital. Those experts had indeed contemplated the option of transplantation because they genuinely exhausted all other avenues.