(Thanks to good friends Kongxu Jimo Leng671112, Wu Xin Ren’s Promise, and Zizi Muyue for encouraging with their votes)
"Go ahead, I want to do it."
Even while the child’s parents were deliberating, the child spoke up.
Everyone turned to look at him. Wang Chao helplessly shook his head. "He asked me to."
"Pengpeng, didn’t the doctor just say this test could be dangerous?" The child’s father moved to his side.
"You still have episodes now, but we can observe for another two years. If there’s no improvement as you get older, we can do it then, okay?"
"Dad, just let me do it. Otherwise, what’s my life even worth right now?" Pengpeng said with a bitter smile.
"In school, everyone keeps their distance from me because they never know when I’ll have an episode. They’re afraid their actions might trigger my epileptic seizures."
"The teachers also constantly remind others that someone has to accompany me, no matter what I do. They’re afraid that if I have a seizure when I’m alone and get hurt, the school will be held accountable."
"You’re both worried I won’t be able to lead a normal life in the future, so you’re working yourselves to the bone earning money. Dad, you even work as a designated driver at night after your regular job. Mom, you’re working part-time at the supermarket."
"I know you’re doing all this for me, but I don’t want to be a burden to our family. Didn’t we agree I’d get a younger brother or sister? Because of me, you don’t dare to have another child."
"Pengpeng, it’s okay for Mom and Dad to work a bit harder; we’re still young. Once you’re better, we’ll be able to save a lot of money," Pengpeng’s mother said, wiping away her tears and forcing a smile.
"Mom, I know you and Dad are doing what’s best for me. But... but I don’t want to live anymore. All these medical examinations over the past two years, and the money spent on unproven remedies... it breaks my heart," Pengpeng said.
"During last New Year, our relatives were noticeably more distant. I know they’re afraid I’ll get sick again and they’ll have to lend us money."
"Mom, just let me do the examination. I’m not afraid. I just want to know what illness I actually have and if it can be treated. Right now, I’m only dragging myself to school for your sakes."
"Today was supposed to be my day off, but I wanted to earn some money for the family, so I went to the national exhibition center to participate in COSPLAY. I... I really don’t want to keep living !"
Saying this, Pengpeng squatted on the ground and burst into tears.
The conversation among the three family members deeply moved some of the nearby nurses; Xu Dan’s tears were already streaming down her face.
The feeling of happiness is similar for all, but misfortune takes many different forms.
This family of three had once lived happily, but Pengpeng’s epilepsy had completely disrupted their lives. His parents had to consider not only the present but also the future.
Children these days mature early. His parents worked so hard, pushed themselves so relentlessly, which ironically added to the burden of the mature and understanding Pengpeng.
"Okay, let’s do it," Pengpeng’s father said.
Liu Banxia nodded. "Doctor Liang, prepare for the procedure. I’ll contact the Cardiology Department right away. Afterward, the cardiologist responsible for the examination will explain the surgical steps and potential risks to you."
Although, as doctors, Shi Lei and the others still felt Liu Banxia’s suggestion was truly too bold and might lead to complications, they strangely felt a sense of relief when the parents agreed. For more chapters visıt 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦·𝘯𝘦𝘵
Unconsciously, they too had begun to consider what was best for the child.
Liu Banxia wasted no time and directly dialed Xu Guosheng’s personal number. He was genuinely astonished to hear that Liu Banxia was proceeding directly with a cardiac electrophysiological study based on a guess, and that the child’s parents had actually agreed.
It was one thing to perform corresponding examinations after discussion with the patient and family when certain indications existed. Liu Banxia, however, was currently proceeding solely on his speculation, which meant he was practically flying blind.
Moreover, although this was an examination, it was actually an invasive one, requiring entry into the catheterization lab. In short, it was a full-fledged surgical procedure. Not only did Liu Banxia’s side have to make pre-operative preparations, but he also had to contact the operating room.
Once the blood sample was drawn, Liu Banxia led the family to the Cardiology Department.
"Dr. Liu, I reported this patient’s situation to our Director Zheng, and he thinks some matters need to be communicated clearly in advance," Xu Guosheng said.
"What’s wrong? Is there a problem?" Liu Banxia asked anxiously.
Xu Guosheng shook his head. "Come with me and listen to what Director Zheng has to say. It’s quite a coincidence; he just finished a surgery, and the operating room we need is being cleaned right now."
"Is that so? Thank you for your trouble, Doctor Xu," Liu Banxia said quickly.
Pengpeng’s family seemed somewhat relieved. They had frequented hospitals quite a bit over the past two years and naturally understood that a diagnosis from a department director carried significantly more weight than one from a regular department doctor.
"Director Zheng, sorry to trouble you," Liu Banxia said quickly after arriving at the office.
Zheng Xinliang nodded. "I’ve heard Doctor Xu’s explanation of the situation, but there’s one thing you’ve all failed to consider."
"What if we discover that a particular myocardial fiber is indeed undergoing intermittent necrosis? What corrective measures should we then adopt? That’s something you forgot to consider."
Liu Banxia slapped his forehead. "That’s right! I was only focused on the examination."
Then, he turned to Pengpeng’s family. "The cost of this examination is also quite high. If my guess is correct and we find the problematic point or pathway during the examination, we can also perform the appropriate corrective treatment."
"The commonly used method is radiofrequency ablation, which directly treats the problematic area. But for Pengpeng’s situation, this still carries a certain risk."
"If it really is Adams-Stokes Syndrome, other myocardial fibers might also have problems. At that point, we would need to re-examine and re-treat."
"Therefore, a better solution would be to implant an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD. If it detects an arrhythmia affecting heart function, it will deliver a shock to defibrillate and correct the irregular heart rate."
"Choosing such a device will involve financial considerations. The cost is relatively high, ranging from tens of thousands to a hundred thousand yuan. You need to be mentally prepared for that."
"Of course, all of this is based on the premise that it is indeed Adams-Stokes Syndrome. We will only perform corrective measures if we confirm a problem with a specific point in the myocardium."
Zheng Xinliang nodded. "That’s more or less the situation. Ablation can correct the problem on the spot, while an ICD offers a more worry-free long-term solution."
"If you choose the latter, and we confirm the diagnosis after the examination, we wouldn’t need to perform an ablation. The operating room is being prepared; you can discuss your options. Doctor Xu, please prepare a room for them. They need to consider this carefully, as the costs involved are substantial."
Xu Guosheng nodded and then led Pengpeng’s family to another room.
"I’ve heard your name before, but I never imagined you had such courage," Zheng Xinliang said with a smile.
"Director Zheng, I was just so concerned about how much the child was suffering," Liu Banxia quickly explained. "Besides, he had three epileptic seizures today. When we connected him to the monitor, his blood pressure and heart rate were both zero. I figured that the most likely underlying issue was an arrhythmia."
Zheng Xinliang nodded. "There are advantages to performing an examination, and reasons not to. Nowadays, the doctor-patient relationship is so tense, and cardiac conditions often only manifest symptoms during an episode."
"I also looked at the ECG; currently, there’s no obvious organic damage visible. Your hypothesis is quite plausible, but it does involve taking certain risks."
"What if the examination reveals the child simply has typical epilepsy? Have you considered that outcome? After all, this examination isn’t cheap."
"Director Zheng, I have considered that," Liu Banxia said with a bitter smile. "At that point, there would be nothing else I could do. Whether they blame me or file a complaint, I’d have to accept it."
"But I had no other choice. I saw the data on the monitor. Our department’s Liang Xiaolin had already made that assessment at the time; she just didn’t expect his blood pressure and heart rate to recover so quickly."
"By the way, Director Zheng, could Liang Xiaolin observe this procedure? Although she’s a cardiac surgeon, it might be useful for her in the future when handling emergency cases."
"You certainly know how to seize an opportunity," Zheng Xinliang said with a smile, nodding. "Fine, have her come over."
It was a small request; having one more person observe wouldn’t make much difference. Besides, this procedure wasn’t very complex.
Liu Banxia quickly called Liang Xiaolin, asking her to report there first and then go to the operating room with them.
After Liu Banxia finished his call, Xu Guosheng returned with Pengpeng’s family. Judging by their expressions, they seemed much more relaxed than before.
"Director, Dr. Liu, we’ve made our decision," Xu Guosheng said. "If it’s confirmed, we’ll choose the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator."
"We can’t let Pengpeng suffer anymore," Pengpeng’s father said. "If it really is this disease, installing the defibrillator can solve the problem once and for all. The money spent will be worth it."
"Dr. Liu, we understood everything when Doctor Xu explained it to us. We know you’re truly doing this for Pengpeng’s good. Please rest assured, regardless of the examination results, we are grateful to you."
Liu Banxia shook his head with a bitter smile. "I’m torn. If it’s confirmed, Pengpeng can live a normal life in the future, but you two will have to be very careful."
"If it isn’t, Pengpeng will have to continue suffering from epilepsy. Alright, Director Zheng, Doctor Xu, please handle the patient’s transfer to Cardiology. I need to get back to the ER."
After speaking, Liu Banxia nodded and left the Cardiology Department immediately.
He knew the patient’s family would express their gratitude; Xu Guosheng must have clearly explained the stakes involved when he discussed the surgery.
However, he didn’t take such expressions of gratitude too seriously. He had seen too many instances where patients’ families expressed gratitude one minute only to turn their backs the next. Only the gratitude expressed after a patient had truly recovered was sincere.
Besides, he himself was on edge; he felt he had handled today’s situation somewhat rashly.
He felt he should have explained many things more clearly to the patient’s family back in the Emergency Department. He also realized that even during the procedure, it might be necessary to consult with them, yet there was so little time for the family to deliberate.
I must be more careful in the future, he resolved, and consider every possible scenario.