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Book Title: Selected Medical Discussions from Futai Caotang Chapter: Main Text (46/56) Category: Medical Discussion

[Original Text to Process]
Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 19:27:59
Before eight o'clock this morning, I received a phone call from an older sister. At this time, I usually haven't gotten out of bed yet.
I treated her mother two years ago, and she contacted me via phone that year as well. I met her when visiting a patient at the hospital; she was caring for her mother in the ward. She said on the phone that her mother was hospitalized at the Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, suffering from Aplastic Anemia (a syndrome of bone marrow hematopoietic failure). The hospital had issued a critical condition notice, telling the family to be prepared for funeral arrangements at any time. When I went to see her, the patient was receiving intravenous infusion, specifically platelets, and required blood transfusion; it was said that red blood cell levels were extremely low. The patient was in a comatose state, with fever and inability to eat or drink. Furthermore, her entire body was covered with Psoriasis (Silver Scale Disease), which she had suffered from for over thirty years. Despite continuous medication, it did not improve and became increasingly severe. After palpating the pulse and observing the tongue, I diagnosed it as Shaoyin Cold Syndrome (deficiency of Shaoyang Yang Qi with internal excess Yin-Cold) combined with Taiyang Exterior Contraction (Wind-Cold binding the exterior). Therefore, I prescribed Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction), a formula for warming meridians and resolving the exterior, and instructed her to stop all Western medicines, including blood transfusions. Out of trust, she truly followed my instructions.
The next day, news came that after taking the medicine, the old lady's body temperature had returned to normal, she could eat, was no longer comatose, and could even sit up and talk. At that time, I told this older sister that her mother's illness was very severe, with the vital Qi (Sheng Qi) about to exhaust. If she could survive until the Winter Solstice, there might be a chance of recovery, but passing the Winter Solstice would be difficult. For such diseases, ancient texts say that using large doses of Yang-supporting herbs (using substantial amounts of warm/hot herbs to support Yang Qi) saves one or two out of ten cases. She was discharged home a few days later for treatment. The situation afterwards fluctuated repeatedly. At its best, the psoriasis on the patient's body receded to leaving only shallow traces, whereas before it was a thick layer. In summer, she could go downstairs and walk outside, and even traveled to another place. However, due to the deep-rooted nature of the disease and the exhaustion of vital Qi, she passed away at 5:30 PM on the Winter Solstice, nine months after discharge. This sufficiently demonstrates the importance of the root of vital Qi to human life.
Today's call was regarding her father, who is currently being resuscitated in the hospital. The cause was stomach pain after eating a hamburger a few days prior; he received several IV drips at a Western medicine clinic, reportedly improving. At 3:30 AM today, he suddenly experienced chest tightness and dyspnea. Hospital examination revealed Acute Myocardial Infarction (Acute Heart Attack). While on the phone, he was receiving anti-inflammatory drugs. At that time, he could not see, had urine but could not urinate, felt cold, hypoxic, oppressed in the chest, and had difficulty breathing. An oxygen cylinder was already in use.
Based on the condition, I diagnosed it as Chest Bi (Chest Obstruction - a disease characterized by chest stuffiness/pain, extending to the back, shortness of breath, and inability to lie flat), caused by Cold Coagulation in the Heart and Lungs. I prescribed the following formula: Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 30g, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) 30g, Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) 30g, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 60g, Fuling (Poria) 30g, Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 60g, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 30g, Zexie (Alisma) 10g. I advised buying the herbs immediately, decocting them, and having the patient take them before 11:00 AM. Vomiting, dizziness, shoulder pain, and arm pain after ingestion are signs of the disease retreating; do not panic. The medicine arrived before 11:00 AM. Less than two minutes after ingestion, the patient vomited. I advised taking it cool, due to Cold-Heat Rejection (where hot medicine is rejected by the cold interior). Upon re-administration, around 11:40 AM, the pulse dropped from over 100 to 90. During this interval, the family stopped the IV drip. Then the hospital wanted to inject insulin, citing high blood sugar. I modified the formula again, adding Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Xiebai (Macrostemon Bulb), Xixin (Asarum), and Mahuang (Ephedra). By nearly 1:00 PM, the second batch was decocted and brought over. Before the patient took it, vomiting started. After a while, the patient felt better, and the base of the neck began to hurt. This is a sign of Cold pathogenic factor moving outward, indicating improvement. Indeed, the patient called and said she felt better. She could see clearly, and her consciousness was completely clear, but she still felt oppressed in the chest, because the Cold had not fully dispersed.
Next, Western doctors attempted to start an IV drip again and suggested a CT scan. I stated it was not a brain disease and unnecessary. I also warned that if Western medicines were used, the effect of the Chinese medicine would be weakened, and the condition would worsen. However, the family had divided opinions. Some insisted on obeying the hospital's disposition, so three or four IV bags were hung simultaneously. Around 2:00 PM, the patient felt cold all over again, and breathing difficulties worsened. I stated that only continuous Chinese medicine could resolve this; there was no method on the "human side" (Western medicine/conventional approach). Family members tried to remove the IV drip several times but were stopped.
Due to internet usage, incoming calls from the patient were blocked. This older sister actually took a taxi for dozens of miles to my home, asking me to go to the hospital to persuade them. Given constant reminders from netizens over the past few days, knowing that place to be a source of controversy, I refused. But I explained in detail that if Western medicines were not stopped, the effect of the Chinese medicine would be greatly diminished. Since the etiology is Cold Coagulation, continuing to use anti-inflammatory drugs by Western medicine is like adding frost to snow; how could the condition not worsen?
After the older sister returned, a friend's phone call occupied another hour. As soon as the call ended, the older sister called back. She said the patient's body temperature was only 35°C, feeling dyspnea, chest oppression, and cold from inside out. Three IV bags were still inserted, and little Chinese medicine remained. I warned that if the IV was not stopped, the condition would definitely worsen in the evening. This disease carries danger at any time. Without the rescue of Chinese medicine, we don't know what the situation would be now. The older sister said she would try to stop the IV. This happened within less than an hour. In that hospital, it was like acting like a thief, sneaking around, secretly taking medicine, afraid of being seen, as if life no longer belonged to oneself.
Writing here, the patient's family called again. They said family members did not allow removing the IV. The patient sat up briefly, seemed to feel slightly better, and lower Qi flowed slightly, but still felt cold all over. The remaining three types were vasopressors, potassium, and heart medications; I didn't know exactly what they were. Treatment was ongoing.

Yidao
2002-12-13 19:50:15
Nonsense.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 19:54:50
Indeed, you have been talking nonsense all along, including the theories you learned.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 20:14:04
The patient's family just called. The hospital said the patient won't make it through tonight. The caller was the patient's niece, representing the family to ask me. I told her that since Western medicine cannot save the patient through tonight either, why not stop Western medicine and try Chinese medicine alone? Without interference from Western medicine, the effect of Chinese medicine would be much better. She found it reasonable and said she could decide for the family to stop Western medicine.
Doctor Yidao, do you agree? You must also think the patient won't make it through tonight and that stopping medication is not allowed?

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 20:19:28
The result of Western medicine using vasopressors was: Blood Pressure 50-80. How does Yidao explain this?

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 20:53:49
Truly a den of devils. That older sister called, saying the drip rate was slowed, but it wasn't removed. Since there was no hope left, they still wouldn't let it be removed, which is incredible. I said if Western medicine is stopped and Chinese medicine is used, I dare say the patient can at least survive tonight. But if both are used simultaneously, I cannot guarantee it. And Western doctors certainly wouldn't dare to say the patient will survive tonight. That is to say, the maximum effect of Western medicine may not even allow the patient to pass tonight. So, what is the point of using Western medicine?

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 20:56:24
This is a battle against the Grim Reaper.

Farrell
2002-12-13 21:02:26
In the phone call, she said her mother was hospitalized at the Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Doesn't count that they are using Western medicine there?
It seems like the "Provincial Academy of TCM" is full of Western doctors and no TCM doctors?
If there were TCM doctors, wouldn't they call them to look?
Or are the TCM doctors at that "Provincial Academy of TCM" all confused fools, inferior to you?

Bullet Whizzing Past
2002-12-13 21:24:24
Exactly, Sanqi is like a half-immortal :)

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 21:27:58
Farrell, it seems what you said is indeed true.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 21:29:03
Not just inferior, but far behind.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 21:31:47
Objectively speaking, it is like this. I made the patient, whom they were preparing for funeral arrangements, live for more than nine months. But it was only nine months. I am deeply ashamed of this. What good is being stronger than them? Only nine months, still far behind. This is true.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 22:09:25
Just got another call. The patient still feels cold. Blood pressure measured: 60-100, slightly increased. The medicine is now decocted and ready. But Western medicines are still not removed. The old lady (the老头's step-wife) refuses to let them be removed. I told her that Yin Qi gradually increases at night. If Western medicine continues, the power of Chinese medicine cannot exert itself, and the result is hard to predict. The older sister said to remove it, but the result is still uncertain. Among the three bottles, one contains insulin. Truly chaotic!

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 23:05:33
Finally, the IV drip was removed. Not only was the IV removed, but the patient herself removed the oxygen. Now her legs feel uncomfortable, indicating that the Cold in the heart has moved downward. Generally, before a heart attack, the root of the disease is in the legs. Once the leg pain stops, there is a danger of a heart attack occurring. Actually, the disease in the limbs transmits to the internal organs along the meridians. Now feeling leg pain indicates that the pathogenic Qi is gradually returning to the limbs, so I judge it as improvement. The hospital asked the older sister to sign. She decisively signed, partly because some stubborn elements couldn't hold on and went back to sleep. Otherwise, who knows what would happen. There might be a way out now.
There will be another call in half an hour to explain changes.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 23:42:28
Now the patient says abdominal pain and holds the upper stomach area. It seems the situation is not good. Yin Qi is too abundant at Zi Hour (11 PM - 1 AM). Blood pressure 65-100. Feeding medicine again.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-13 23:56:59
Now the patient says heart pain, still feels cold, and says the medicine tastes cold. Ordered to keep giving the medicine. Yin Qi becomes increasingly abundant at Zi Hour. Truly difficult. It seems the dose of Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) was still too small. Difficult!

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 0:12:44
The patient is restless and agitated, complaining of bloating discomfort. Fortunately, Zi Zheng (midnight) has passed, Yang Qi is gradually extending. There may be hope for gradual calming.

Gumu Liying
2002-12-14 0:24:09
Sigh~~~~~~~~~ Three feet of ice does not form in a single day of cold.
Presenting this illness pattern before the Winter Solstice is difficult! Difficult! Difficult! Not the merit of Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) can reverse the crisis!
If the patient has not shown signs of terminal lucidity (returning light reflection), there seems to be a glimmer of hope. If already shown, alas, do your best! There are many things more important than taking medicine.
Brother Sanqi, such matters of reversing crises should really not be discussed online. The intention should only be known between Heaven and Earth. It seems you haven't yet shaken off the entanglement of fame and appearance.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 0:39:19
The patient is restless and agitated, got up wanting to urinate, claiming severe bloating, looking for a doctor. Voice heard through the phone: Go find a doctor quickly, don't talk about other things. The voice sounds like a healthy person, seemingly mixed with some anger amidst the restlessness. Life and death are involved in every move; it seems this profession is indeed hard to practice.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 0:42:34
Brother Gumu, no choice. Since I started, someone will surely ask. Better to speak myself. I cannot control the outcome.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 1:00:43
The patient is still restless, released lower Qi several times, feeling slightly relieved. No longer feels cold. Wants to urinate but cannot. Wants to drink water that is neither cold nor hot. Yang Qi seems to be turning back slightly. Let's stop here for tonight, discuss results tomorrow.

Jia Muxu
2002-12-14 3:24:42
I'm bored, let me summarize:
The meaning of "Big Country, Small Citizens":
1. Regardless of TCM or Western medicine, if you practice medicine, you need qualifications, otherwise criminal law will punish you;
2. Regardless of TCM or Western medicine, those with qualifications who can cure diseases are good doctors.
Sanqisheng's meaning:
1. TCM is good, Western medicine is bad or even useless;
2. Although TCM is good, those who control the TCM community and set the TCM licensing exam standards are bad, all idiots, so one might as well not participate in the TCM licensing exam.
My meaning, uh, is:
Criminal law is no joke, so generally don't break the law; but if you say "Unjust laws are not laws, no need to abide!", I don't know what to say.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 7:35:38
The last phone call last night was before 2:00 AM. At that time, the patient was restless but slept for about 40 minutes. Abdominal distension discomfort, urinated twice, released lower Qi several times. I informed that there were signs of stability, allowing the patient to sleep. At that time, all Western medicines were completely removed, and the family signed to assume responsibility. At 7:00 AM today, a call came. The patient later said she was thirsty, drank a bag of milk and some water. Breathing is no longer difficult, but still feels chest tightness and pain, abdominal distension, no bowel movement yet, always wants to stand up and move, left calf uncomfortable, needs frequent rubbing. Blood pressure measured 80-120, basically normal. Using Western vasopressors, blood pressure was 50-80. Removing Western vasopressors, blood pressure normalized instead. What principle does this illustrate?
This morning, the prescription needs to be adjusted according to the patient's current condition. The main symptoms now are: Chest still tight, indicating Cold has not fully dispersed; Abdominal distension, indicating Turbid Qi cannot descend smoothly; Left calf discomfort, indescribable sensation, indicating pathogenic Qi has moved downward. We should guide according to the trend, descend the Turbid Qi. When Turbid Qi descends, the chest opens and Qi flows smoothly. But Cold is still abundant, so cold-cooling herbs should not be used lightly.
The most difficult midnight Zi Hour has passed, and the hardest-to-remove Western IV drip has also been removed. It seems the patient truly has vitality again. Today the hospital decided to do a CT scan again. Since [the patient/family] refuses to give up life, pay the inspection fee again. Getting a life saved is cheap enough, cannot demand too much. Honestly, I really have to thank Western medicine for showing mercy, allowing the removal of the drip at the critical moment, otherwise it would indeed be extremely dangerous.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 8:12:14
Adjusted prescription as follows: Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 120g, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) 60g, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) 30g, Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit) 20g, Xiebai (Macrostemon Bulb) 15g, Changpu (Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome) 15g, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) 30g, Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) 30g, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 60g, Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 120g. Decoct with fifteen bowls of water until five bowls remain, administer frequently. If Qi has descended and chest is no longer tight, change prescription to: Zhigancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) 60g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 30g, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) 20g, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) 10g, Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) 30g, Dangshen (Codonopsis Pilosula) 30g, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 60g, Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 60g.

Sanqisheng
2002-12-14 11:48:44
Now the patient's face is red. Due to bloating, she does not want to take yesterday's medicine. Today's new prescription is almost decocted, not yet taken. Red face is a sign of Yang Qi not descending. Yang Qi has slightly recovered, but is blocked by Yin Qi and cannot descend smoothly. This morning the patient ate a lot of canned peaches and drank some water, released some lower Qi, has urine, but no stool yet. Still shows signs of obstruction. Today is cloudy, unfavorable for the patient's Yang Qi. Measured blood pressure twice after 10:00 AM. First time 60-90, second time 80-110, indicating blood pressure is still unstable. The reason for low blood pressure is insufficient Heart Power. Insufficient Heart Power is caused by decline of Heart Fire and excessive Cold. The new medicine restores Upper, Middle, and Lower Yang, and descends Turbid Yin and rebellious Qi. Changes should occur after ingestion. It seems it will be taken soon.

Yidao
2002-12-14 12:25:03
Sanqisheng seems to have had a busy night. Every ten minutes listening to phone calls, typing on the internet, posting (Seems you are still using dial-up internet? Otherwise, people wouldn't run dozens of miles to find you because of your internet usage.)
I say you are purely talking nonsense.

Xiao Yang Feifang
2002-12-14 12:38:49
Yidao, you are really, inserting what advertisement?
I am watching "Sanqisheng Saving Lives Online Creating Merit" with great interest ~~~~~~~~~~