Chapter 21 — Medals Are Not For You

“Does it still hurt?” “Tolerable.” “Assessment of pain level.” "Six." “Tell the truth.” Luc Thua Da looked at me for a moment. "Eight." Tong Han bowed his head to take notes. Chu Khoi Son stepped forward: "Let's take him to the hospital room first. Wait for the MRI results before the doctor will decide on a plan." Luc Thua Da looked at me again. “I'm in charge.” “Tong Han is here.” “I need you.” The people in the hallway were silent. Phuong Kha just hung up the phone and ran over when she overheard the last sentence. She forced a smile. "Miss Kieu is the person who understands Thua Da the most. Having her here makes everyone feel secure." I returned the test slip to Tong Han. “I can participate in one multi-specialty consultation, but everything after that is still the responsibility of the club's medical team.” "Why?" Luc Thua Da grabbed the wheelchair's armrest tightly. “You know they don't know your old injury.” Tong Han's face turned pale. I looked at him. “They have complete records.” “Can the records clearly record each location of your pain?” “The pain is your response.” “I can't say it clearly.” “Then learn to speak clearly.” The nurse reminded us not to block the clinic door. I pushed the wheelchair toward the hospital room. Luc Thua Da did not open his mouth anymore. Entering the hospital room, the medical team surrounded him to check his condition. Tong Han half knelt beside the bed, checking the sensation in his toes and peripheral circulation. Her movements are very careful. But Luc Thua Da's cooperation was very superficial. He only answered one or two words to each question. When asked about the scope of the pain, he answered simply, "it all hurts." I stood at the end of the bed. “What Tong Han asked was the specific location.” Luc Thua Da raised his eyes. "Inside the Achilles tendon, there is 3 cm of fluid. When stepping down, it feels like a needle is sticking out. When standing still, it feels tight." Tong Han immediately took notes. “And the lower back muscles?” “On the right side, it hurts when you turn and lift your leg, but when you cough, it doesn't hurt.” She had two more baseline tests, which confirmed no neurological symptoms. "For tonight, keep your eyes still, apply ice and use anti-inflammatory drugs. The MRI is scheduled for eight o'clock tomorrow morning." She finished speaking and looked at me. “Do you need to add anything?” "Watch for changes in pain at night. Don't let the Achilles tendon rest on the bed for too long. Waist injuries make it uncomfortable for him to lie flat. You can put a pillow under his knees. Don't let him turn over on his own." Tong Han nodded. Luc Thua Da said again: "I know these things better." Tong Han's pen stopped. I helped him adjust the angle of the head of the bed. “She will know clearly later.” The consultation meeting lasted until 11 p.m. The radiologist's initial diagnostic conclusion was that the left Achilles tendon was damaged due to a stress reaction from an old injury, not yet to the point where surgery was indicated. Do not perform explosive strength exercises for at least 4 weeks, then restore step by step depending on the recovery situation. After listening, Chu Khoi Son did not say a word. The club's manager asked first: "Can I participate in the selection exam in 4 weeks?" The doctor glanced at him. "I can only tell you to come back for a check-up 4 weeks later. No one can guarantee when your playing condition will be restored." The manager was about to continue asking, but Chu Khoi Son raised his hand to stop him. “Heal your wound first.” Everyone left one by one, only me, Luc Thua Da and Tong Han remained in the hospital room. Tong Han sat by the window arranging medical records. Luc Thua Da leaned against the headboard, his face pale. “Kieu Tranh.” "Yes." “You're not broken.” “I know.” “There is also no need for surgery.” "Yes." He stared at his immobilized left leg. “At most a month.” I didn't reply. He also said similar things three years ago.