Chapter 103 - 0101: Checking Circuits

“Ding dong, task: Turn conflict into harmony! Alleviate a patient’s pain quickly, help colleagues resolve disputes, – successful completion will receive a reward of six thousand points.”

The system timely released the task, as it had just been contemplated, the task had been assigned.

Resolving the problem was easy enough, but resolving it quickly was difficult.

How could this kind of dispute with a patient be settled quickly? Communication would be incredibly difficult and delicate.

If there were no difficulties, it wouldn’t be a task. Time to work hard.

Even before the people came in, you could hear the whining and complaining from outside the door.

“So much money was spent, and the pain didn’t lessen at all. What are doctors even for?”

The patient’s words were harsh to hear.

Yang Ping asked him to sit down: “Teacher Yan, you were called here to get your problem solved and your pain taken care of. I came from the provincial city.”

“The surgery on my hand was done by professors from your city. I spent over twenty thousand on it and I’m still in the same condition. Do you think it’s not infuriating that my money’s gone down the drain? I’m definitely going to file a complaint.”

Teacher Yan slammed his cane on the ground.

“Teacher Yan, don’t be rush. Given your current status, it’s inconvenient for you to file a complaint. How about we first solve the problem with your pain, and then when you can walk around easily, you can file your complaint. Doesn’t that sound right to you?” Yang Ping comforted him.

“You have a way to solve the problem? You’re probably just wanting to use me for practice”, Teacher Yan shot a sideways glance at Yang Ping.

“Not possible. Do you think I’m stupid? I’d use someone who’s threatening to file a complaint against me for practice? The slightest mistake, and wouldn’t you file a complaint against me to the Ministry of Health?” Yang Ping said with a smile, while Director Zeng made tea for Teacher Yan with a disposable cup.

“You’re right!” Teacher Yan thought it over and agreed that his logic was sound. Normally, one would avoid such situations, not court them.

“So how are you going to solve it?” Teacher Yan somewhat compromised. He was indeed in a lot of pain.

Seeing his willingness to listen, Yang Ping said, “The problem you’re having is that nerves are being pinched. Your nerves are like wires, and right now they’re being squeezed at some point.”

“The doctors in the provincial city said the same thing, and even did surgery but how come it’s still the same?” Teacher Yan’s tone was somewhat softened. Speaking loudly required energy and he needed a buffer period.

“The surgery you had was to fix the main switch. The main switch is now fine, but there’s a problem with the wiring. The wiring also needs to be fixed.” Yang Ping poured him a cup of tea.

“So you’re saying I’m just this unlucky, that both the main switch and wiring have failed?” Teacher Yan found it hard to believe.

“How about this: we do a little test on your wiring. It’s simple, we’ll just do a CT scan and an electromyogram. If the wiring really does have a problem, then there’s hope for a solution. Surely, Teacher Yan, you don’t want this pain to continue like this, right?” Yang Ping was slowly gaining control of the conversation.

Teacher Yan hesitated and took a sip of his tea.

Seizing the opportunity, Yang Ping said: “Let’s have the tests first and think about the rest once we have the results. You know, you’ve had quite a fortunate life. Your children are successful, your grandson is adorable, and there’s still a big world of our great country for you to enjoy with them. If your problem really gets solved, you can get rid of this cane and have a good night’s sleep. How wonderful would that be!”

“You’re quite pragmatic for such a young doctor. I’ll trust you just this once. Look into this wiring problem for me.”

There’s no harm in running tests, Teacher Yan thought.

“From the look of you, I can tell that you must have made quite a contribution in your youth. There must be many grateful to you for your guidance. In the past, when you were dedicating your heart and soul to teaching and educating, now you’re retired, you should be enjoying life. We apologize for our shortcomings in solving your problem.”

“I can’t say my students are all over the world, but several have reached the level of bureau. I haven’t even told them about the situation yet.” Teacher Yan was proud.

“Shall we arrange for the tests now?” Yang Ping asked tentatively.

“Arrange it, but remember, I’m not paying.” Teacher Yan said.

“Let’s focus on solving your problem first, and we’ll talk about everything else later. If the problem remains unsolved, then no matter how long you stay here for free, it is of no use.” said Yang Ping.

“Director Yang, I trust you. Please arrange it for me.” Teacher Yan urged.

Director Zeng assigned a bed-side doctor to process the order, and a nurse pushed him in a wheelchair to get a pelvic CT scan first before proceeding with the electromyogram.

There is only one doctor in the electromyogram room. Director Zeng called and briefly communicated the main situation in advance, focusing on observing the conduction of the sciatic nerve at the exit of the pear-shaped muscle.

After dealing with this patient, Yang Ping decided not to mention the patient with the left femoral osteomyelitis for the time being.

During the free time, Yang Ping arranged the personnel. Zhang Lin and Little Five each led a doctor, Song Zimo led two doctors, and Tang Fei assisted Song Zimo. There wasn’t much else to do for the time being.

After all of this, Director Zeng’s impression of Yang Ping changed. Watching him speak calmly and collectedly, he didn’t seem like a young inexperienced boy at all.

The two chatted about the condition of the hospital, the disposition of the staff in the department, and the difficulties of development.

When the examination reports came back, the bedside doctor brought the CT scans and elective cardiogram reports over.

Director Zeng hung the CT scan on the light box in his office and switched on the light.

Yang Ping stroked his chin, carefully examining the scan. A magnetic resonance imaging would have been the best choice to examine the muscle and soft tissue, but the hospital did not have this equipment. So he had to make do with the CT scan.

Orthopedic doctors often have shortcomings in analyzing bone diseases and soft tissues. They can easily diagnose fractures, but diagnosing bone diseases and soft tissue issues can be tricky.

“Director Zeng, look, the density of the piriformis muscle is different from normal muscles. Local muscle fibers have contracted and fibrosed. This is the sciatic nerve being pinched at the outlet of the piriformis muscle. There is also swelling, which aligns with our assumptions,” Yang Ping pointed at the scan and explained.

Director Zeng leaned in to look at the CT scan. He was quite adept at reading fractures but not so much for muscles and nerves. He could only nod and mutter, “Hmm, hmm.”

“What about the electromyogram?” Yang Ping inquired of the ward doctor.

The ward doctor produced the electromyogram report, which was densely filled with English-specific terminologies and data.

Instead of reading the report directly, Yang Ping looked at the data and analyzed it himself: “The transduction of the sciatic nerve is notably reduced at the outlet of the piriformis muscle.”

“Hmm, hmm.” Director Zeng, who typically just read the report without looking at the data, echoed.

“The results are out now. It is as we expected. With the patient’s history, physical examination, and auxiliary examination collectively, the diagnosis is clear. Call the patient over, let’s talk to him again,” Yang Ping recommended.

“Go bring him over quickly.” Director Zeng ordered the ward doctor.

This time the patient was wheeled in on a wheelchair.

“Teacher Yan, the examination results are out. There is a problem with the line at an area in your buttocks we refer to as the piriformis muscle outlet. The line is being pinched and not being fully functional,” Yang Ping gestured towards his own hip to explain.

Teacher Yan responded, “Just my luck. I used to stand a lot during my lessons, how could I have damaged my nerve sitting?”

“You didn’t damage it from sitting. This muscle is often injured from injections, and also potentially from other physical traumas,” Yang Ping elucidated.

Teacher Yan began to recall, “You’re right. When I was a teenager, I had a leg injury on this side, which became infected and turned into an abscess. I had penicillin injections for a month at a barefoot doctor’s place. My buttocks swelled up from the injections.”

“Teacher Yan, if you believe in me, I will perform the surgery to relieve your pain,” Yang Ping stated sincerely and decisively.

After a detailed analysis of the examination results, Yang Ping was fairly confident.

“Another surgery? I am scared. I fear it will all be the same after being cut open,” Teacher Yan seemed conflicted.

“Without the surgery, it will continue like this. Teacher Yan, even if you petition, the problem won’t be solved. You will still be in pain. Petitioning won’t alleviate your pain,” Yang Ping helped him analyze the situation.

Teacher Yan sighed, “This pain is unbearable. And it’s invisible and intangible. Before, I could get relief from painkiller injections, and using corticosteroids and mannitol had some effect, but now they aren’t working anymore. I can’t even sleep at night.”

“It must be tough. How long have you had this illness?” Yang Ping had seen the medical history but still asked for reaffirmation.

“Over ten years. Initially, it hurt intermittently and was not this severe, so I could bear it. The numbness and pain got worse over the past two to three years, especially when I walk. I can only take a few steps before I have to stop. That’s why I decided on surgery, but who knew—” Teacher Yan sighed heavily.

“We have identified the problem. It can be resolved with surgery. The question is whether you trust me, Teacher Yan,” Yang Ping replied.

“I trust the doctor, or else I wouldn’t have agreed to have the surgery. But—” Teacher Yan expressed his helpless stance.

“Teacher Yan, some things in the world behave abnormally. For example, you teach, and a student who usually performs well messes up in the high-stakes college entrance exam. There are many influencing factors. When encountering abnormal situations, the methods to address problems become more complex, but that doesn’t mean we should stop solving them,” Yang Ping offered him solace.

“You’re right. I had a student in my class who consistently placed in the top ten during regular examinations, but somehow messed up the college entrance exam. He had to retake a year to get into college,” When it came to educating students, Teacher Yan perked up noticeably, his tone more energized.

“Exactly, Teacher Yan. Considering your situation, how about you ‘retake’ the process again?” Yang Ping immediately suggested.

“How sure are you about the results?” Teacher Yan seemed caught between choices.

“Ninety percent!” Yang Ping replied.

“Then what are the risks in the remaining ten percent?” Teacher Yan inquired cautiously.

“There are uncertainties in life. Like the risk of fish bones choking you while eating fish, and the risk of tripping while walking,” Yang Ping said.

“I understand what you’re saying,” Teacher Yan was an educated man who wouldn’t have trouble understanding the logic.

“You can think it over and discuss it with your family. Perpetual suffering is not the answer either. You should be enjoying your grandchild and going for walks,” Yang Ping encouraged him.

“I’ll discuss it with my family,” Teacher Yan seemed to have some idea in mind.

“I’ll wait for your decision. I’ll be here for another two weeks, and then I’ll return to the provincial city,” Yang Ping said, shaking hands with him.

“Thank you, Director Yang!” Teacher Yan’s attitude seemed considerably improved.