The Enhanced Doctor

"Doctor, am I ready for the ultrasound now?" Qiu Mingyuan asked weakly.

Liu Banxia smiled, nodded, and began the ultrasound.

After a brief examination, Liu Banxia frowned. "Both kidneys have some small particles. See this mass in the upper section of the left ureter? It's about 1.1 centimeters long and 0.5 centimeters wide. This is the largest stone, and it's blocking the ureter."

"A stone this large is difficult to pass naturally. It would be best to perform lithotripsy. I'll write an order for you shortly, and let's also get his parents here. Or... you guys can help with the payment. First, we'll draw some blood to check his kidney function, and we also need a urine test."

DING! Daily task complete (1/20)

Earned 100 experience points and 100 points in diagnostic skill proficiency.

"Doctor, can I still be saved?" Qiu Mingyuan asked nervously, seemingly forgetting the pain.

"Of course. I'll write you an order soon. Just get the lithotripsy done, and it will be all sorted. Drink lots of water daily, and with your active lifestyle, the smaller stones in your kidneys should pass on their own," Liu Banxia said with a reassuring smile.

His words made Qiu Mingyuan's friends laugh.

"Remember my advice. Judging by your family's financial situation, you're certainly accustomed to good food and drink. From now on, you need to pay more attention to your diet and maintain a balanced one. Cut out soft drinks. If you find that too difficult, then at least get yourself a girlfriend," Liu Banxia continued.

"Doctor..." Qiu Mingyuan suddenly looked rather gloomy.

"Alright, go make the payment. Walk to the end of that corridor, turn left, and you'll see the sign for the Lithotripsy Center. Head over there after your blood work and urine test," Liu Banxia said.

"Oh, and don't empty your bladder completely. Use your willpower to hold some back. The urine sample only requires a small amount, so make sure to retain at least half of it."

"Dr. Liu, why does he have to do that?" one of Qiu Mingyuan's friends asked.

This was the first time they'd heard of such a thing. Holding back urine halfway? That indeed requires strong willpower.

"The Lithotripsy Center also needs to perform an ultrasound to determine the stone's location. Too much water in the bladder will affect the results, and similarly, too little water will also impair them. Rest assured, there's a restroom in the Lithotripsy Center. He should manage the amount accordingly," Liu Banxia advised.

These kids didn't know any of this. They felt they had learned a lot today.

As for how Qiu Mingyuan was supposed to manage this, that was not their concern.

"How do you always guess so accurately?" Liang Xiaolin asked curiously after the group left.

"It's quite simple. The causes of kidney stones are limited. Considering he always eats at home, I doubt his parents would let him drink alcohol every day, would they?" Liu Banxia explained with a smile.

"Moreover, a small gouty tophus has already formed on his instep. You should be able to draw the same conclusion too, right? I already mentioned all this."

Liang Xiaolin wrinkled her nose. "Was that what I asked? I also examined his instep. How could you feel a gouty tophus when there's no swelling?"

Liu Banxia nodded elegantly. "Do you think I spend all my time hugging skeletons as if they were beautiful women for nothing? I'm now familiar with every bone in the human body. I can sense even the slightest change."

Liang Xiaolin glared at him, feeling his comment was somewhat improper.

But deep down, she truly admired him. If he really could feel it and wasn't just guessing, that would be remarkable. However, she couldn't compliment this guy, or he'd become insufferably arrogant.

With nothing pressing for the moment, Liu Banxia turned his thoughts to his postgraduate studies. This could affect his future livelihood, so he had to consider it carefully.

The most appropriate person to consult would be Shi Lei. However, Shi Lei wouldn't offer any advice on this matter, nor would he say an extra word.

After a while, Qiu Mingyuan's test results came back. His uric acid level was 818, more than double the normal range, which startled even Liu Banxia.

The fact that Qiu Mingyuan only had one tiny gouty tophus up until now was indeed a stroke of luck. With such high uric acid levels, he should normally have developed many more.

Actually, a gouty tophus isn't a true stone. It's a nodule, a crystal deposit of monosodium urate that accumulates under the skin.

At present, Qiu Mingyuan's tophus was still small and manageable with appropriate treatment. If it grew too large, surgery would be required to alleviate the issue. However, surgery would only provide relief; without proper personal care, the tophi could grow again.

"Dr. Liu, nice to meet you. I'm Qiu Mingyuan's father." Just then, one of the students led a middle-aged man over.

The man had an impressive appearance. He was dressed in designer clothes, not common brands like Adidas or Nike; even his bag was an LV.

"Your son had a kidney stone that blocked his ureter. The stone is quite large, which is why we've arranged for lithotripsy," Liu Banxia explained.

"But that's not the main concern. The primary issue is that your son's uric acid level is too high right now. Don't let him drink any carbonated beverages in the near future. Also, he must avoid foods high in purines, such as animal organs, seafood, and beer."

"We in the Emergency Department can't treat gout. I'll contact the Rheumatology Department, and you can consult with them after your son finishes his lithotripsy."

"Doctor, I also heard from them that this was caused by drinking soft drinks. Can soft drinks really cause this?" Qiu Huaili asked.

Liu Banxia nodded. "There's no doubt about that. However, don't worry too much. His symptoms are currently quite mild. The doctors in the Rheumatology Department will provide care instructions and treatment suggestions."

"As for the small stones remaining in his kidneys, he should drink plenty of water daily and keep moving around. When climbing stairs, he can try hopping. Mr. Qiu, are you feeling a bit unwell?"

Qiu Huaili shook his head and rubbed his eyes. "I might not have slept well. My vision just doubled."

"Please, don't worry. Take a seat." Liu Banxia quickly stood up and helped Qiu Huaili sit down.

"Doctor, I'm fine. I probably just stayed up too late playing cards last night," Qiu Huaili said with a smile.

"A moment ago, your right eyeball deviated inward. Although it has returned to normal now, it's highly likely that a temporary blockage in a cerebral blood vessel pressed on your optic nerve. You don't wear dentures, do you? It would be best to get a head MRI. I suspect this happened because you're overly worried about your son," Liu Banxia said.

Liu Banxia's words startled Qiu Huaili. A blockage in a cerebral blood vessel? Isn't that a cerebral infarction?

"Don't delay getting it checked. Considering your financial means, the cost shouldn't be an issue. Do you also experience symptoms of hypertension? Let's stabilize you first, and then I'll have a nurse accompany you," Liu Banxia said.

"Alright, since I'm already at the hospital, I'll get it done. Should I get a full-body scan? I've had many social engagements recently and have indeed been feeling quite tired," Qiu Huaili agreed.

DING! Daily task completed (2/20)

Earned 20 experience points and 80 points in diagnostic skill proficiency.

The student who had accompanied Qiu Huaili was stunned. Why does everyone who comes here end up needing a check-up?