Spanning 2,000 kilometers, lighting up the miracle of life

The morning light filtered through the sparse shadows of pines and cypresses, casting a rosy glow on Grandma Lu's face after her exercise. Now, weather permitting, morning walks with her husband have become a daily routine for Grandma Lu since her surgery.

Over a decade ago, after retirement, Grandma Lu and her husband moved from Harbin to Qingdao with their only son, who had started a business elsewhere. After moving, Grandma Lu gradually noticed stiffness on the right side of her body, and she gradually leaned forward when walking. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and thus embarked on a long journey to combat it.

At first, Grandma Lu used medication to control her symptoms, which were mild and effective. However, as the disease progressed, the duration of drug control became shorter and shorter, and the rate of symptom improvement decreased. She developed a "wearing-off" and "on-off" phenomenon, and her mobility impairments gradually worsened. Even simple tasks like dressing and pouring water became difficult for her, leaving Grandma Lu with increasing pain.

Unable to bear the pain of her husband, Grandma Lu's husband actively sought further help online. Through the internet, he discovered that the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University already performed pacemaker surgery for Parkinson's disease. As a Harbin native, he highly respected the hospital's academic standing and surgical expertise, and had long heard of Professor Lin Zhiguo of its Department of Neurosurgery. After discussing this with his son, he and his wife returned to Harbin.

After a detailed examination at the hospital, Grandma Lu's family was delighted to find that she was a perfect candidate for surgery.

However, a disappointing development was that Qingdao was nearly 2,000 kilometers from Harbin, and the cost of multiple follow-up visits and travel back and forth after the surgery would undoubtedly be enormous. Dr. Zhu Minwei, the attending physician, recommended a domestically produced wireless pacemaker. With its built-in remote control system, Grandma Lu could remotely monitor her condition, communicate with the doctor face-to-face, and adjust parameters in real time. She could receive the same outpatient care from the comfort of her own home. Grandma Lu's family was overjoyed and even more confident in the surgery.

In September 2018, Grandma Lu underwent deep brain stimulation surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University.

A month later, Grandma Lu returned to Harbin for a second treatment. Her condition improved significantly, her stiffness was gone, and she was able to resume daily activities immediately. The results were remarkable. Grandma Lu described herself as finally freed from her constraints. The family expressed sincere admiration and gratitude for the exceptional medical skills of Professor Lin Zhiguo and Dr. Zhu of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University's Department of Neurosurgery. After being observed to be safe, Grandma Lu and her family returned home with the programmable device, the Transmigration Treasure.

After the surgery, Grandma Lu received multiple remote adjustments from Dr. Zhu, who tailored her treatment to specific local symptoms based on her individual condition.

Grandma Lu said she met many old friends during her return trip. They were amazed to see her steady gait, like a normal person, and even able to cook dumplings. Everyone was amazed by the surgery and praised the advanced medical technology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Grandma Lu was filled with pride and joy.

"After the surgery, I feel reassured. If I feel a little unwell, I can make an appointment with Dr. Zhu remotely. I don't have to wait in long lines or squeeze in with crowds like I would at the hospital. Even if my son isn't around, I can see the doctor alone. This year has been a very comfortable one."

"I used to be terrified of going out, afraid I would suddenly become unable to move. I kept thinking, 'Life is a torture.' Now I get to go out every day. I'm grateful to the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University for giving me a chance at life. I'm 70 years old this year, and I must listen to the doctor's advice and exercise regularly to help raise my great-grandchildren."

"I sincerely thank every doctor at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University."