Rebirth of a Doctor Without Regrets

Chapter 136 Two Ibuprofen Tablets

For the first time ever, Lin Gaoming performed five level-four surgeries in a single day.

For someone already in his fifties, who is also burdened with administrative affairs, this is completely draining his life.

Halfway through the fourth aortic dissection repair surgery, the pain in his neck had spread down his spine to his limbs.

Every time he raised his arm, his stiff shoulder felt like it was being stuck by something, causing him to break out in a fine layer of cold sweat.

He gritted his teeth and persevered. Taking advantage of the intervals when his assistant was suctioning, he gestured to head nurse Tao Ping to take out an ibuprofen tablet from the pocket of his white coat.

Lin Gaoming quickly swallowed the warm water she handed him.

During the surgery, the doctors did not take a break, and dared not even pause for a moment.

Especially for surgeries involving cardiopulmonary bypass, every second on the operating table is crucial to the patient's prognosis and recovery, and no slackness is allowed.

I thought one painkiller would last until the end of the day, but as soon as the fifth complex congenital heart disease correction surgery was performed, the dull pain in my neck, along with the soreness in my back, struck again.

Lin Gaoming frowned and remained silent, but took out another ibuprofen tablet during the stitching process.

"Are you alright?" Tao Ping asked with concern.

Lin Gaoming shook his head without saying anything, but gestured with his eyes for her to bring him water.

The medication took effect quickly, and a faint acid reflux came from my stomach again.

It's nothing, just a typical side effect of ibuprofen. This drug can cause your stomach to become uncontrollable and continuously secrete stomach acid.

What serious problem could possibly be with my stomach? Two tablets are barely within the safe range.

He suppressed his discomfort, keeping his gaze fixed on the surgical field of vision, and his movements remained textbook precise, as if the pain was helping him concentrate even more.

When the sutures for the fifth surgery were finished, the extracorporeal circulation machine slowly stopped running, and the patient's heart resumed a steady beat, Lin Gaoming could no longer hold on.

He took off his surgical cap and mask; his hair was soaked with sweat and stuck to his forehead, and his face was as pale as a sheet of paper.

Even though he was in unbearable pain all over his body and his stomach discomfort was getting stronger, he still forced himself to stay awake and looked at the equally exhausted medical staff around him.

"Everyone has worked hard. Let's grit our teeth and get through the remaining two months. As long as we can obtain the qualification of provincial cardiothoracic disease center, I will definitely not let you down and I will never break my promise."

Everyone nodded, their faces showing exhaustion but also a hint of anticipation.

Lin Gaoming waved his hand, signaling everyone to rest, while he dragged his heavy body back to the director's office.

As soon as he pushed open the door, he could no longer hold on and collapsed onto the large leather boss's chair.

It felt like all the strength had been drained from me; I didn't even have the strength to lift my hand.

Two ibuprofen tablets didn't seem to be able to suppress the pain; the aches and pains all over my body were still clearly perceptible.

The acid reflux in my stomach became more and more obvious, and waves of burning sensation came over me.

In fact, he had already seen a professional spinal surgeon. For someone like him who works with his head down for long periods of time, such pain is perfectly normal.

The only cure is to rest more and avoid bending over too much.

He closed his eyes, his brows furrowed tightly. He knew very well that he was the person in charge of the entire qualification application process, entrusted by Dean Chen above and with the expectations of the medical staff in his department below.

The hopes for the rise of cardiac surgery also rest on his shoulders.

Most importantly, as the person in charge, once he obtains the qualifications, he will become the director of this cardiothoracic disease center.

He is the direct beneficiary, so it's understandable that he's tired; he has to bear it.

Just as he was feeling drowsy and uncomfortable, a pair of slender, soft hands gently reached out and kneaded his neck with just the right amount of pressure.

As the familiar touch came, Lin Gaoming slowly opened his eyes and saw Sun Qiaoqiao standing behind his chair, her eyes full of heartache, her fingertips carefully pressing on his stiff shoulders and neck.

These days, Sun Qiaoqiao has been helping him coordinate and allocate department staff and organize evaluation-related materials in his office. Seeing him working day and night and performing surgeries non-stop, she has long felt sorry for him.

"Director Lin, you're too tired. Take a break and let me give you a massage; it'll make you feel better." Sun Qiaoqiao's hands were soft, and her voice was even softer.

Lin Gaoming leaned back in his chair, enjoying this rare moment of relaxation and trying to rouse himself.

"Qiaoqiao, bring me the surgery schedule for tomorrow." He had already made up his mind to sleep in the hospital's recovery room tonight and continue to endure the pain by taking painkillers tomorrow.

No matter what, we must withstand this pressure.

Sun Qiaoqiao responded and quickly walked to the coffee table, bringing him the work schedule.

Lin Gaoming took the schedule, carefully reviewed it, and prepared to make some preparations for the surgery the next day.

But as he looked on, the weariness on his face was replaced by surprise.

Surprisingly, Lin Gaoming wasn't scheduled for any nighttime surgeries on tomorrow's schedule.

What's going on? Has the backlog of patients stopped?

He scrolled down in confusion, and when his gaze fell on the schedule of Zhu Chunhua's group, he was stunned.

Wang Xiao has surprisingly returned to her original state, performing surgeries 24 hours a day.

Whether it's routine surgeries or complex cases, the schedule is almost full, even more intensive than before.

"Why is this kid pushing himself so hard again?" Lin Gaoming was more worried. "Zhu Chunhua is still banned from performing surgeries. How can he perform these unfamiliar procedures all by himself?"

While continuing to massage him, Sun Qiaoqiao said with a smile, "Director Lin, don't worry about Dr. Wang. I saw Director Zhu with my own eyes when I went to the operating room to deliver some documents today. He was following Dr. Wang around so attentively."

"What?" Lin Gaoming sat up abruptly, his surprise even greater. "Director Zhu? He's planning to mentor Wang Xiao?"

He remembered that Chen Changhai had told him yesterday that Zhu Chunhua's ban from performing was a test for Wang Xiao, a test of whether he could break free from his dependence on Zhu Chunhua and stand on his own.

But in just one day, Wang Xiao must have used some kind of magic potion to win over this eccentric and unruly old director.

Doesn't that mean I've passed the test?

This speed was far beyond his expectations.

After the initial surprise, there was more appreciation and joy.

With Zhu Haiming's guidance, Wang Xiao will not only be able to quickly improve his skills, but also give Zhu Chunhua's team more confidence, increasing their chances of winning the qualification competition in the cardiac surgery department.

Lin Gaoming turned to look at Sun Qiaoqiao, a long-lost smile appearing on his face. He gently reached into her blouse, stroked her slender waist, and kissed her cheek.

His tone was full of gentleness: "That's great, this child really didn't disappoint me. I don't have the energy to celebrate today, so I won't stay at the hospital. I'll go home to sleep tonight, and don't rush off work tomorrow night, spend some more time with me."

Sun Qiaoqiao blushed slightly, nodded, leaned gently on his shoulder, and whispered, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."