GBP Chapter 948 Deeper Concerns
Chapter 948 Deeper Concerns
The doctor was already used to this kind of situation and explained in detail: "The old man has developed cataracts. If you look closely at the area next to his eyeball, the part that looks like a circular shadow is a cataract. It's still in the early stage, so it's not very noticeable yet. In the later stage, the center of the eyeball will show a silvery-white reflection. At that time, the cataract will be mature and vision will be greatly affected. In my opinion, the fall the old man had this morning may not be unrelated to his eye problem."
Mrs. Xu was a little agitated: "What? Doctor, do you mean he will go blind in the future?"
Seeing this, Zhang Ping'an patted Xu's hand and then calmly asked, "Doctor, how should this be treated? Now that this problem has been diagnosed, we can't just watch it continue to grow!"
If he's not mistaken, this is a common cataract problem among the elderly in modern times. In modern times, it would be a minor surgery and not a big deal. He just doesn't know if there are any good solutions for this condition now.
The old doctor remained calm as he administered the acupuncture, saying, "Dysplasia is mainly caused by imbalances in the internal organs, leading to insufficient nourishment of the eyes by blood and qi. Therefore, fundamentally, we need to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the spleen and replenish qi, eliminate phlegm and dampness, and promote blood circulation to clear away the pterygium."
I will prescribe two prescriptions later: one is Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium and Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill), and the other is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonifying the Middle and Boosting Qi Decoction). Take these prescriptions orally every two days to nourish the body. In addition, use some heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-activating, and stagnation-dispersing medicinal powders for external application to the eyes to alleviate the progression of the condition.
In the later stages, the only option left is the gold needle cataract removal technique. This involves inserting a special gold needle into the eye from the side of the corner to remove the cataract. This method is quite risky and should only be used as a last resort. Even then, there's no guarantee of a cure, and a mistake could result in permanent eye damage.
Upon hearing this, tears streamed down Xu's face as she pleaded, "Doctor, is there no other way? I don't care how much money it costs, as long as you can cure me!"
The old doctor shook his head: "This cataract will only continue to grow throughout life, it's just a matter of time. Everyone's situation is different. If it's well controlled, it may not be a problem for three to five years. If it's not well controlled, it may grow in one or two years."
"Then I'll trouble you, Doctor, to prescribe a medicine first. I'll have a servant go to the clinic to get the medicine later. However, I've rarely heard of this Golden Needle Removal Technique. I wonder how effective it is?"
Upon hearing this question, Zhang Lao Er, Xu Shi, and Xiao Yu'er all turned to look at him, clearly showing their interest in the matter.
The old doctor stroked his beard and replied thoughtfully, "Well, to be honest, it's hard to say right now. It depends on the condition of the internal obstruction at that time. However, based on past examples, the success rate is about 40% to 50%. This method can be traced back to 300 years ago in the book 'Waitai Miyao' written by Wang Shuo."
After Zhang Lao Er finished the acupuncture, his pain was relieved a lot. Seeing his family members frowning, he quickly forced a smile and comforted them: "Since our predecessors used this method hundreds of years ago, it wouldn't hurt to try it if we really had no other choice. Besides, we haven't reached that point yet. I'm already this old, and it's inevitable that I'll have health problems."
"Father!" Zhang Ping'an couldn't help but call out.
Little Fish also put on a stern face and said, "Grandpa, I won't allow you to talk nonsense!"
Xu wiped away her tears, feeling somewhat distressed.
The old doctor, on the contrary, appreciated Zhang Lao Er's words and actions, and comforted everyone: "Birth, aging, sickness and death are the norm. The old master is right. He is already this age. Just relax and take things easy. Maybe if it is well controlled, there will be better treatment methods in three to five years. Eat and drink as usual! This disease would be terrible in an ordinary family. Fortunately, your family has no shortage of servants to take care of you and can take good care of you."
After saying that, the old doctor applied a few more plasters to Zhang Lao Er and instructed him, "Remember to remove the plasters after three hours to avoid developing a plaster rash."
"Thank you, doctor!" Zhang Ping'an said politely.
The old doctor was already familiar with the Zhang family, and waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, let the servants come with me to get the medicine. Boil three bowls of water down to one bowl, and have the old master drink it while it's hot."
After the doctor left, Zhang Ping'an sat down on the edge of the bed again and carefully looked at Zhang Lao Er's eyes. He realized that a little bit of white film had indeed appeared at some point, something he had never noticed before.
At first, Zhang Lao Er was terrified, but after calming down, he felt it was nothing and relaxed: "Alright, all of you stop looking so gloomy. I'm over sixty years old, and I've lived a fulfilling life. I've suffered, but I've also enjoyed happiness. My son and grandson are all doing well, so I have no regrets."
Zhang Ping'an knew that what was said was true; very few people in their sixties are without any health problems.
He could only sigh inwardly and then instructed, "Father, from now on, have a servant help you when you go out. Remember to light a lamp when it gets dark, and never go out alone again. Look at green plants more often and go outside for some fresh air; it might be good for your eyes."
"Yes, Father knows," Zhang Lao Er replied with a smile.
“People get sick as they get older. Your father is three years younger than me, but I didn’t expect his health to be worse than mine,” Xu said, wiping away her tears.
She then touched Zhang Lao Er's legs and waist with concern: "Does it still hurt? If there's anything that's uncomfortable, you have to tell me. Don't hide it or suffer in silence!"
"I feel much better after the acupuncture. I also applied a plaster, and it seems to hurt less, but I still can't move," Zhang Lao Er replied.
"Grandpa, I'll go out tomorrow and ask around to see if there's a better way to cure your ailment," Xiaoyuer said, holding Zhang Lao Er's hand.
Zhang Lao Er waved his hand, "Dr. Yan is already one of the top doctors in the capital. If he doesn't have a better method, how can we talk to others? Let's wait until my back and legs are healed before we talk about it!"
A short while later, the servants brought over the prepared medicine. It probably contained sedative ingredients, and Zhang Lao Er became drowsy shortly after drinking it. Zhang Ping An then led his men out.
Gazing at the servants coming and going in the courtyard, he was momentarily lost in thought, his face showing worry.
Little Fish stepped forward and asked, "Dad, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, I just suddenly realized that your grandparents have really aged. In the blink of an eye, they're already over sixty. Although I had long anticipated that they would leave us one day, I always felt that day was still far away. But today I realized that day is getting closer and closer."
Little Fish sighed with his hands behind his back, like an adult, "But birth, aging, sickness and death are inevitable."
Zhang Ping'an listened without saying anything more. He had a deeper worry. Today's incident suddenly sounded an alarm in his heart. If anything happened to Zhang Lao Er or Xu Shi, he would definitely have to observe mourning. In the past, this would not have been a problem, but it was very dangerous during the transition between the old and new regimes, not to mention that many people were eyeing his position.