— thanks to work of Chinese Medical Brigade

ANDREW Veeren, a resident of Region Six, lives in Belvedere, Berbice, 120 kilometers from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Veeren, who has a history of hard work, for more than two years suffered pain in the knees which gradually aggravated since the beginning of 2020.

His gait was swinging and slow. He felt significant tension in the back of both legs and could not achieve the desired effects after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers which blocking pain sensations.

The MRI conducted on Vereen’s knees revealed significant chondromalacia, marginal osteophytosis, mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of both knees. Grade complex tear was noted involving posterior horn of medial meniscus with displaced flap beyond the tibial margins and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in right knee, while grade complex tear involving posterior horn and posterior body of medial meniscus in left knee. Those imaging features suggest significant osteoarthritis of his both knee joints.

There was no doubt that it was a rather severe case and filled with challenges. Dr. Chen Ying, Consultant of Radiology, interpreted the pathological characteristics and key points of two knee joint images. Dr. Zhang Xiangxin, Consulant of Orthopaedics, explained to the patient and his family members that surgery could be performed when necessary, and introduced the detailed operation plan.

MORE CONFIDENCE

An effective multidisciplinary team had been formed in the Chinese Medical Brigade. With the enthusiastic support of teammates of the brigade, the Chinese doctors had more confidence to try acupuncture treatment. Veeren and his relatives finally decided to receive acupuncture treatment, combined with special rehabilitation training. The doctors told him that further orthopedic surgery could be considered to improve the quality of his life if the conservative treatment for several months was not effective.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is beneficial to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis effectively. Rehabilitation exercise is helpful to improve the muscle strength and elasticity of lower limbs, enhance the stability of knee joint and improve gait balance.

Veeren lives far away from hospital and usually took the minibus at 05:00 hrs to the GPHC for acupuncture treatment, even in the rainy season with heavy rain, regardless of the weather. On December 31, the last day of 2020, he got on the bus to GPHC at 03:00 hrs possibly due to the shift adjustment of bus during the holiday. His persistence in seeking medical help and his confidence in acupuncture of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) greatly inspired the Chinese doctors to endeavour to carry out optimised acupuncture treatment scheme for him.

IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY

Fortunately, Veeren’s knee pain was greatly relieved, and the former abnormal gait was also improved significantly after eight times of acupuncture and targeted home rehabilitation exercise. That victory was an amazing New Year’s gift for Veeren and the Chinese doctors.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted at precise points (acupoints) on the body. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to restore health for a variety of conditions, which is based on the theory that illness can result when the body’s flow of energy (called “qi”) is blocked or imbalanced. The acupuncture needles are positioned to correct those problems.

It has been greatly popularised and developed and is becoming increasingly important component of world medicine. The technique has already been recognised by the authoritative medical organisations of various countries as well as World Health Organisation (WHO). Traditional Chinese acupuncture is used most commonly for pain relief, though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions.

In 2003, the WHO published an official report listing 28 symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture. The list includes headache, allergic rhinitis, neck pain, knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, stroke, among other diseases.

“Chinese Medical Brigade is not only a doctor, but also a civilian diplomat, determined to bring health and friendship to the mountains and rivers of Guyana and share the experience and sterling moments with our counterparts in Guyana, just like Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China and Guyana, though far apart, enjoy a deep and close friendship and have achieved fruitful results in bilateral co-operation in various fields since diplomatic relations established, during a video conversation with Guyana President Ali on March 17,” a release from the Chinese Brigade said.