Saw a patient with 血栓闭塞性脉管炎 (Thromboangiitis obliterans - I had to google translate it) today, and it amazed me how optimistic he was talking about wanting to amputate his leg, as if it were an ordinary topic under the sun. He said it was ironic how when he first got diagnosed at another hospital, they suggested amputation but he rejected it cos his foot hadn't rotted yet and he could still walk. But now it's so painful at night and his toe has turned black, he thinks amputation would be a better option so at least he could have relief from the pain but now the doctors here think it's better to wait and try to treat it first. He has diabetes too, but is happy enough that his brain and kidneys are ok, so I guess that's what keeps him happy - counting his blessings and looking on the bright side of life.

Somehow the patients at the 周围血管 department strike me as an optimistic lot, bonding over things like the loss of toes and gladly showing us their rotten legs.