Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

Zhuang Qiwen felt his palms were sweating. Facing so many top experts at once was quite a lot of pressure for him.

However, after experiencing so much, Zhuang Qiwen is still very confident in his judgment.

"Dean Wu, fellow teachers, this is an extraordinary disease that requires extraordinary measures."

Zhuang Qiwen spoke up again: "The patient's heat and toxicity are deeply stagnant, and conventional clearing and tonifying methods are like scratching an itch through a boot. Although Tripterygium wilfordii is poisonous, it is good at detoxifying and relieving pain. Modern research has confirmed that it has special effects on immune system diseases. The key lies in accurate diagnosis and strict monitoring."

"Insect-based medicines have a strong penetrating power, which is precisely to break through deep-seated stagnation and obstruction. As for the spleen and stomach, the prescription already includes ingredients to support the body's vital energy. Moreover, the patient's current main problem is the excessive accumulation of pathogenic factors. If the pathogenic factors are not decisively eliminated, the body's vital energy will be further weakened by the consumption of pathogenic factors, which is the real damage to the body's vital energy!"

After a pause, Zhuang Qiwen continued, "The Inner Canon of Medicine says, 'In severe cases, one must act alone.' In such a critical situation, only by employing unconventional tactics can we achieve victory. If we hesitate due to fear of the toxicity, we risk delaying treatment, and it will be too late to regret it!"

Zhuang Qiwen's arguments were well-reasoned and supported by numerous classical texts, demonstrating not only a profound theoretical foundation but also the courage of a responsible physician.

There was much discussion and skepticism in the audience, but some people had already begun to show thoughtful expressions.

Old Lu stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming, as if he were re-evaluating the young man.

Wu Yongping frowned and looked at Chen Yang again: "Director Chen, Dr. Zhuang's plan is extremely risky. What do you think?"

Chen Yang smiled and said slowly, "I think Dr. Zhuang's diagnosis is spot on!"

Chen Yang's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears: "The difficulty of this patient lies in the four words 'heat, toxin, stagnation, and numbness.' Wu School attaches great importance to the spleen and stomach, which is a foolproof strategy. However, at this moment, the pathogenic factors are rampant and have become a wildfire. If we do not use swift and decisive measures to directly suppress them, it may be like a drop in the ocean and difficult to achieve any effect."

Regarding medication,

Chen Yang continued, "The Tripterygium wilfordii and insect-based medicines that Dr. Zhuang proposed are indeed 'surprise weapons.' If used properly, they can produce remarkable effects; if used improperly, they can certainly harm the body's vital energy. The key lies in grasping the 'degree' and ensuring the 'method' is comprehensive."

Chen Yang then looked at Wu Yongping and Elder Lu: "I suggest that we optimize Dr. Zhuang's original prescription."

"The dosage of Tripterygium wilfordii must be used with extreme caution, starting with small doses, and closely monitoring liver and kidney function and blood routine. For insect-based medicines, relatively mild ones such as earthworm and silkworm can be selected, supplemented with white peony root and angelica root to nourish blood and soften the liver and reduce their dryness and spiciness. At the same time, it is necessary to combine it with external treatments such as Chinese medicine enemas and acupoint application to provide multiple channels for the pathogens to exit and reduce the pressure of oral medications."

Chen Yang's plan not only retained Zhuang Qiwen's core idea of ​​"using strong medicine to attack evil," but also incorporated more reliable monitoring and auxiliary methods, making it more sophisticated and comprehensive.

"During treatment, close monitoring is required, and the treatment plan needs to be adjusted as needed. This is a do-or-die situation, and doctors and patients must work together to overcome this difficult time," Chen Yang concluded, his gaze sweeping across the room.

There was silence in the venue.

Chen Yang's words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. He not only supported Zhuang Qiwen's seemingly unorthodox plan, but also proposed a complete and rigorous execution strategy.

After a long silence, Old Master Lu finally spoke slowly, his tone complex: "The younger generation is truly formidable... Director Chen and Dr. Zhuang are exceptionally courageous and their thinking is quite thorough. Perhaps... I have indeed been somewhat conservative. This plan may be worth a try."

Even the highly respected Elder Lu had given his consent, so even if others still had doubts, they couldn't strongly object anymore.

Wu Yongping took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Alright! Since Director Chen and Dr. Zhuang are confident, and Elder Lu agrees, then we will proceed with this plan! Our hospital will mobilize its strongest resources to provide comprehensive monitoring and support!"

In the first round of clashes, Chen Yang's team, with their accurate diagnosis, fearless courage, and thorough consideration, managed to open a gap in this stronghold of the Wu School of Medicine!

Zhuang Qiwen looked at Chen Yang, his heart filled with gratitude and respect.

He knew that without Director Chen's final additions and strong support, his plan would hardly have been adopted. This was not only a contest of medical skills, but also a test of confidence and courage.

With the plan finalized, the Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine immediately took action.

The ICU set up a special monitoring unit for this lupus nephritis patient, which was personally overseen by Zhuang Qiwen. The hospital selected its most meticulous nursing team to meticulously record every vital sign, every intake and output, and even every emotional fluctuation of the patient.

The pharmacy carefully prepared the decoction according to the final prescription determined by Zhuang Qiwen. The dosage of Tripterygium wilfordii was strictly controlled to a small amount, and the earthworm, silkworm, and other insect-based medicines were also specially processed to reduce their harshness.

After the first dose of medicine was administered, everyone held their breath in anticipation.

Zhuang Qiwen stayed by the bedside, almost never leaving her side.

Zhuang Qiwen's inner world was not as calm as it appeared on the surface.

After all, this is challenging the established treatment philosophy of a deeply rooted academic school of thought, and using toxic "potentially dangerous" drugs.

If a patient experiences severe adverse reactions, not only will all previous efforts be wasted, but it will also give others ammunition against them, putting Director Chen and the entire team in a passive position.

Time passed by, and the only sound in the ward was the regular ticking of the monitoring equipment.

Yu Shiyun, Xia Hongliang, and others also took turns visiting, their eyes filled with concern and encouragement.

Accompanied by Wu Yongping, Chen Yang handled other matters, but he would check in by phone every now and then, his expression always calm and composed, as if everything was under control. This composure provided Zhuang Qiwen with tremendous support.

Six hours after taking the medication, the patient did not experience the expected severe vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal reactions, which relieved everyone somewhat.

However, at night, the patient began to develop a mild rash, and his body temperature also fluctuated.

The on-duty doctor was a little nervous and immediately reported to Zhuang Qiwen and Wu Yongping.

"Dr. Zhuang, is this an allergic reaction to Tripterygium wilfordii? Should we stop taking the medication?" the on-duty doctor asked worriedly.

Zhuang Qiwen hurried to the bedside, carefully examined the patient's rash, and checked his tongue and pulse. After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head.

"This is not an allergic reaction. It's a sign of internal heat and toxins manifesting on the skin! The stagnant heat and toxins in the body are seeking an outlet through the skin. Fluctuations in body temperature are also a manifestation of the struggle between the body's resistance and the pathogenic factors. Continue medication and observe closely!"

Zhuang Qiwen's voice was firm, carrying an unquestionable judgment. At this moment, he seemed to have completely broken free from the shackles of his background, displaying the decisive demeanor that a renowned doctor should have.

Wu Yongping stood aside, watching Zhuang Qiwen's calm handling of the situation, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He had to admit that this doctor from the countryside possessed a courage and intuition that even he himself admired in some aspects.

The next day, the patient's rash gradually subsided, and their body temperature returned to normal. Even more surprisingly, the patient reported that their joint pain had lessened and their overall condition had improved.

A re-examination of the relevant indicators showed that although the improvement was not yet obvious, at least it did not worsen.

This indicates that the treatment plan is effective and the initial treatment has been successful.

A relieved smile finally appeared on Zhuang Qiwen's tense face. He knew that the most dangerous hurdle had been overcome, and now it was just a matter of continuing treatment and waiting for the quantitative changes to lead to a qualitative change.