Free Web NovelChapter 1120: Chapter 1120: Could It Be... a Misdiagnosis?
Although the rest of the test results have not yet come out, the CT images show very clear indications.
The method for gastrointestinal decompression is quite simple: insert a nasogastric tube through the nostrils or mouth, connect it to a disposable gastrointestinal decompressor, and extract the gas or liquid from the stomach and intestines to achieve decompression.
Rectal decompression is even easier to understand, as it involves quickly expelling the accumulated gas from the child’s intestines. However, the procedure requires meticulous attention and is not very comfortable.
After completing these procedures, everyone felt somewhat relieved upon seeing the expelled gas and stomach contents. At least the first step of emergency treatment was successful; next comes medication therapy.
"Considering her previous medication use, let’s use fourth-generation cephalosporins for antibiotics, dexamethasone for steroids, and Tylenol for fever reduction," Chen Hongyang said.
"Urge the lab for results on electrolytes. They’re definitely imbalanced. We need potassium, calcium, and magnesium supplements. The sooner we get results, the better prepared we’ll be."
"I’ll go prepare the enema solution. Even though it’s a child, we have to use shock therapy; otherwise, it might not be effectively controlled. Please help explain, and by the time I finish the enema solution, the rectal decompression should also be completed."
Liu Banxia nodded, "You go ahead. I’ll take care of this."
"Director Liu, is shock therapy really dangerous?" Wulei asked.
"It does carry certain risks, which is why we need to monitor the child’s blood routine and electrolyte levels regularly. There will be some side effects, but currently, it’s the most effective method," Liu Banxia replied.
"Director Liu, will it be effective soon?" Wulei asked hopefully.
Liu Banxia wanted to nod but had to shake his head reluctantly, "We need to observe for one to two days before we can determine its effectiveness."
"The child has just fallen ill, so we are keeping her under observation in the rescue room. If her initial condition is controlled, we’ll move her to the ICU for better care."
"I can tell you now that the child’s current condition is under control. If all goes well, the gastrointestinal decompression will be very successful, and we will provide ample nutrition to the child later. Don’t worry about the fasting issue."
"These are things to come. For now, what you need to do is sit by the child’s side and hold her hand. The child is very sensible, knowing so much at such a young age."
"Her name is Yuan Yuan, right? Trust Uncle; Uncle will definitely cure your stomach ache. Afterward, Uncle will treat you to a meal. Hang in there for now."
"Okay," the little one responded obediently.
However, because of the nasogastric tube placement, her facial expression was not very comfortable.
Liu Banxia frowned, always feeling like something was off, as if he had forgotten something.
"Call the child’s mother over, too. The whole family should be together, telling stories she likes to hear to help her stay calm," Liu Banxia continued.
"Alright, I’ll call her now. Director Liu, no words can express my gratitude," Wulei nodded vigorously.
He felt fortunate that he came here early in the morning. Not thinking about whether the child’s illness could be cured, the diagnosis and tests so far made him feel valued.
If it weren’t for Liu Banxia’s arrangement, CT wouldn’t have been done so quickly. Nor would they have been able to view the scans directly on the computer before they were out.
How much time can this save?
Moreover, once the issue was identified, everyone here was busy, releasing sequences of arrangements, and operating in an orderly manner.
It’s worth thanking them, as it’s ensured his child received the most timely and optimal treatment.
Liu Banxia patted his shoulder, "The child is the priority now, other things can wait."
After speaking, Liu Banxia walked out of the rescue room.
"President Qi, No. 5 rescue room will be used until end of work hours. The child has toxic megacolon; we’ll need to check the intestinal gas situation shortly," Liu Banxia said upon joining Qi Wentai.
"Alright, I’ll keep that in mind," Qi Wentai nodded.
"Director Liu, Director Liu, how is the child now?" At this moment, Bao Chunlai rushed over.
"It’s been detected in time; the intestines have a problem. We’re actively treating it now," Liu Banxia replied.
"But whether the child should be moved to the ward or ICU next depends on the specific condition. The issue isn’t just with the intestines; PANDAS is also involved."
"Oh... what to do now," Bao Chunlai sighed with concern.
Since Liu Banxia mentioned it, it definitely wasn’t a simple matter.
He learned about this while chatting in Qiaoqiao’s ward, and rushed down immediately. He couldn’t help with the treatment, but he genuinely cared.
"The child will have a tough time the next couple of days, but she’s such a good kid. I even felt uneasy staying in there, so I came out," Liu Banxia said.
"At two or three years old, she was really lovable, talking non-stop and always smiling," Bao Chunlai said.
"After she got this illness, her personality changed—she doesn’t talk or smile much anymore. I haven’t told Rou yet; I’m afraid she’d worry too."
"Just tell her Uncle Lei brought Yuan Yuan to see you, and she’s now under examination. If Rou asks about Yuan Yuan’s condition, help me paint an optimistic picture."
Liu Banxia nodded, "Sure, got it. Are you relieved now? Rou is doing pretty well in the hospital. She’s making a proper recovery."
"Sigh...it’s supposed to be a happy thing, but when I think of Yuan Yuan, I just can’t be happy," Bao Chunlai sighed heavily.
"I’ve reached where I am now thanks to Grandpa Lei from their family helping me a lot back then. It was tough times, and Grandpa Lei reached out to help me."
"Even though we don’t often gather, maybe only see each other a few times a year, there’s still that bond. Just do your best; I don’t understand medical things anyway, but don’t worry about the money."
"This child’s illness isn’t something solved by money. Even if there were some miracle drug, it still wouldn’t be effective against PANDAS. There are many clinical drugs for it, but none truly work," Liu Banxia said helplessly.
He understood Bao Chunlai wasn’t flaunting wealth; he was genuinely anxious.
Because Bao Chunlai had also suffered through having a daughter with an incurable illness before; the helpless feeling pained him as a father.
Even though he was meeting Yuan Yuan for the first time today, he felt such sorrow for her.
Now there’s no solution; he has to observe how the decompression works and whether the combined use of steroid shock and antibiotics has any effect.
The child’s electrolyte balance needs to be adjusted; it’s a comprehensive set of procedures. Failing any of them may render the entire treatment ineffective.
"If it really doesn’t work, should we try fecal transplant?" Wang Huan suggested, approaching.
"That’s already a last resort, after all, there’s still a glimmer of hope," Liu Banxia said.
"If it’s truly impossible, surgery may be the only option. At the very least, it would save her life. At that point, nothing else matters—saving the life is all that matters."
"Alright, I’ll go back and check more materials. If we’re trying that route, we must devise the best plan," Wang Huan said.
Currently, this is one of the two scenarios medical staff least want to face.
The first is when a patient’s symptoms are rapidly progressing without identifying the cause. This young patient is the second scenario—we know the disease but can only gamble with luck.
It’s like that patient with severe hypokalemia; he’s somewhat lucky, as his potassium levels are slowly rising. Now it’s about Yuan Yuan—whether her symptoms can be managed.
Although PANDAS is also quite dangerous, it’s not the immediate concern right now.
After waiting a bit longer, Chen Hongyang emerged from the rescue room.
"Currently, the decompression effect is quite good, and we’ve started drip enema," Chen Hongyang said as he approached Liu Banxia.
"Good news, rare good news. After half an hour or an hour, should we do another X-ray?" Liu Banxia asked.
"Let’s do it in an hour; the bowel sounds have improved somewhat. We caught it in time; before the situation spread, we’ve implemented our treatment measures," Chen Hongyang said, with excitement in his tone.
"At least there’s no systemic symptoms yet. We’ve administered antipyretics, so her temperature should be under control. Otherwise, it would have risen again by now."
"By tonight, we should be able to see the effects; the chances of recurrence don’t seem high. Tonight there should be extra dishes in the canteen; it’s a big, happy event."
"I’ve got the extra dishes covered," Bao Chunlai enthusiastically chimed in.
"Great, I’ll go check inside again," Liu Banxia replied, then slipped back into the rescue room.
"Teacher Liu, we’ve started drip enema and electrolyte adjustment," Xu Yino quickly informed him.
Liu Banxia nodded, "Heard that from Dr. Chen just now. Not sure if it’s just my bias, but I feel Yuan Yuan’s condition has improved."
"You two don’t worry too much; from the looks of things, everything’s moving in a positive direction. Yuan Yuan is really obedient; we’ll just focus on recovery..."
As Liu Banxia spoke, he paused, staring intensely into Yuan Yuan’s eyes.
That subtle feeling of something being off finally made sense to him—Yuan Yuan’s eyes were odd, specifically her eyelids.
Could it be a misdiagnosis?
Ding! Task released: Patient’s Eyelids
Open task: The patient has been diagnosed with PANDAS and is undergoing treatment for toxic megacolon. The host has observed abnormal manifestations in the patient’s eyelids; further examination is required. Task rewards: Based on diagnostic results.
