CHAPTER 150: 150 HARMFUL HEALTH PRODUCTS

"Grandpa Cao, what kind of medication are you taking to lower your blood sugar? Although we haven’t tested it yet, I bet your glucose levels are pretty high," Liu Banxia said as he stitched up the wound.

"That shouldn’t be. I’ve been eating plenty, and all of it is good quality," responded Grandpa Cao.

"Old Cao bought some nutritional supplements," added Uncle Jiang.

A bitter smirk tugged at Liu Banxia’s mouth, hidden behind his mask.

These so-called nutritional supplements are nothing more than health supplements.

These health supplements are truly miraculous, supposedly able to manage all sorts of ailments. Notice it’s ’manage,’ not ’treat.’ Their claim is that they help regulate your bodily functions, aiming to improve your overall health. If they claimed ’treatment,’ people might sue when they found no effect whatsoever.

They generate massive revenues every year by targeting elderly men and women. These individuals are retired, have few material desires, and wish to prolong their lives, making these health supplements their top choice for longevity.

The news often reports on individuals who skimp on food and clothing, instead hoarding rooms full of various health supplements. In the end, they reject actual medical treatment, placing all their trust in these supplements.

"Such a neat and fast stitching job," Qing Kewa couldn’t help but comment once Liu Banxia had finished.

This was the first time she had witnessed Liu Banxia’s stitching skills, and she was pleasantly surprised. She was glad she had made the right choice in following and learning from Dr. Liu, renowned for his fast surgeries.

"I must say, Dr. Liu is incredible indeed. He finished the stitching in no time," praised Grandpa Cao.

"We can’t waste time here, can we? Uncle Jiang, I’ll need to trouble you to accompany Grandpa Cao for a CT scan and an X-ray. Let’s start with the X-ray; I bet the queue for CT scans is longer," Liu Banxia said, removing his gloves and mask.

"Ah, I’m really causing trouble for young Jiang. Once this is all over, and the stitches are removed from my head, let’s all go to my place for hot pot. My eldest son bought a lot of good food; it’s all in the fridge," said Grandpa Cao.

"That’s no problem at all! I enjoy free meals the most. Looks like I’ve scored two free meals now, not bad at all!" Liu Banxia joked.

Grandpa Cao’s attitude was actually quite good. He wasn’t resisting the numerous tests that needed to be done. This was a good thing; otherwise, it would have been quite troublesome.

"Grandpa Cao, have you been having some trouble with your legs recently?" Liu Banxia asked, catching up to them as they were heading out.

"Well, I’m getting old. I can’t expect my legs to be as nimble as you youngsters. I was a soldier when I was young and didn’t pay much attention to them then. I also have what I call ’cold legs’," Grandpa Cao said with a laugh.

"Grandpa Cao, please come back. Let me examine your right leg. Has it always been like this, or does it only happen occasionally? Did you stumble today because this leg was hurting?" Liu Banxia inquired.

"Dr. Liu, you’re very perceptive. It aches occasionally, and it’s been happening more frequently lately. Today, I lost my footing and fell because of the pain. Thank heavens young Jiang and the others heard the commotion and brought me here promptly," Grandpa Cao explained.

"About your leg... it’s probably not ’cold legs’ but rather a complication of your diabetes. I should examine it thoroughly. In any case, you must control your blood sugar levels once you get home," Liu Banxia said, helping Grandpa Cao lie down on the bed.

As soon as he rolled up Grandpa Cao’s trouser leg, Liu Banxia’s brow furrowed. Grandpa Cao’s diabetes was far more severe than he had initially thought; small dark spots had already appeared on his shin.

This is common among diabetic patients, often appearing in those with a long history of diabetes and poor blood glucose control.

If it were just dark spots, it wouldn’t be too concerning. However, Liu Banxia observed scratch marks around them. This indicated that the dark spots were more than just pigmentation. They were accompanied by itching, an external symptom, suggesting pathological changes in the subcutaneous blood vessels.

If it really has progressed to this stage, it’s very dangerous. Ulceration is next. If it can’t be controlled effectively, amputation will be necessary.

Thinking for a moment, Liu Banxia then removed both of Grandpa Cao’s shoes.

The moment the right shoe came off, a foul stench wafted out, causing Uncle Jiang and the others to immediately cover their noses.

"Grandpa Cao, what’s this thing stuck to the bottom of your foot?" Liu Banxia asked, putting his mask back on.

"I forgot what it’s called, but it’s supposed to detoxify. As they say, ’aging starts with the legs.’ I use it after my footbaths. It’s supposed to draw all the toxins out of my body. Each course of treatment is three days, and I’ve been using them for almost a month now," Grandpa Cao replied.

Using tweezers, Liu Banxia peeled the unknown patch off Grandpa Cao’s right foot. Uncle Jiang’s son-in-law, who glanced at it, immediately turned away and vomited.

On the sole of Grandpa Cao’s right foot, near the heel, were three ulcerated sores. As Liu Banxia peeled off the patch, they began to ooze pus.

"Uncle Jiang, we can’t treat this lightly. Please contact Grandpa Cao’s sons immediately and ask them to come over. At least one of them needs to be here. You understand, right?" Liu Banxia asked, his expression serious.

Uncle Jiang looked at him in surprise but nodded. He fumbled in Grandpa Cao’s pocket and found his phone.

"No need to trouble them. I’m fine. Even if you tell them, they’ll just worry until my scans are done," said Grandpa Cao.

"Grandpa Cao, we have to call them now. It’s possible we might need to perform surgery," Liu Banxia stated firmly.

"You currently have three ulcerations on the sole of your foot. While the exact condition isn’t clear yet, it’s already very dangerous. I can’t make a full diagnosis myself; I need to consult with other doctors."

"Doctor Liang, please get someone from Endocrinology and Orthopedics for a consultation. Yes, and see if Director Xu from Orthopedics is available. Explain the situation to him thoroughly."

Liang Xiaolin was startled. If Director Xu had to be called, it meant amputation was a possibility. No wonder Liu Banxia was being so cautious, even saying he couldn’t handle it himself.

"Dr. Liu, is my foot in serious condition? Isn’t it supposed to be drawing out toxins?" Grandpa Cao asked, now somewhat worried.

"If you hadn’t used that patch, it might not have become this severe. Any break in the skin wouldn’t have festered like this. Was the water for your footbaths very hot?" Liu Banxia asked.

Grandpa Cao nodded.

"Diabetes often affects peripheral nerves, leading to sensory impairment. Furthermore, any wounds are very susceptible to infection. That’s exactly what has happened in your case. The reason you don’t feel much pain is that your peripheral nerves are already damaged," Liu Banxia explained.

"Regardless, you won’t be going home today. We’ll have specialists consult on your case, and then we’ll figure out the best way to stabilize your condition."

In this situation, you couldn’t really blame the patient. His condition was severe, yet if he hadn’t hit his head, he’d still be at home, oblivious. Patients aren’t doctors; they don’t possess extensive medical knowledge.

Combined with a strong faith in those so-called health supplements, things had been delayed to this state. These ’health supplements’ truly cause a lot of harm.