In the quiet corridors of a county hospital in Thailand, the director and chief doctor shared a fascinating yet sobering story about a patient. The tale revolves around Man Loi, whose seemingly routine choices take a peculiar turn, leading to unexpected and tragic consequences.
As the hospital director recounted this thought-provoking narrative, it shed light on the intricacies of Man Loi’s life, offering a glimpse into the interplay between desires, actions, and the unanticipated retribution tied to the curse of the soft-shelled turtle.
The patient, Man Loi
“In all my years as a doctor, I have never met or treated such a strange patient,” the director said. This patient underwent five surgeries within three years, and regrettably, with each procedure, the condition of the wound worsened. Ultimately, the distressing outcome necessitated the amputation of both a hand and a foot, rendering the patient disabled, with only one arm and one foot remaining.
This strange patient, named Man Loi, was bitten by a soft-shelled turtle (Trionychidae) on the end of the little finger of one hand. At first, he went to the hospital to apply medicine to relieve the pain, but half a month later, the wound became inflamed and swollen. The doctor found that poisonous bacteria had invaded the bone joints, and the little finger had to be amputated, leaving him with just nine remaining fingers.
Within just six months, an excursion to the seaside turned into a harrowing experience when he suffered a chiton bite on his fifth toe. In the ensuing days, the wound evolved into a painful state of inflammation and swelling. X-rays at the hospital once again unveiled the infiltration of bacteria into the bone joints, compelling the necessity for surgical intervention. Consequently, his fifth toe was amputated to curb the spread of infection.
In less than a year, simultaneous inflammation and swelling affected another finger and toe. Upon seeking medical attention and undergoing an X-ray, the presence of virulent bacteria was once again found in the bones, carrying a potential risk of cancer and death. Consequently, a critical decision was made to amputate both the affected hand and foot swiftly. The patient endured over 20 days of hospitalization, emerging from the ordeal as an individual with a lone foot and hand.
More bad luck
Many were astounded by Man Loi’s misfortune, but stranger events unfolded, almost like a mirage. During a communal shaving ceremony in a Buddhist temple, luck befell Man Loi as he slept alongside others. Amidst dozens in the group, a rat chose to bite his already injured foot, jolting him awake with screams of pain. Terrified, Man Loi discovered two wounds on his arms and legs, now broken and itching. Another hospital visit revealed a grim reality: The wounds were infiltrated by bacteria, mirroring a past ordeal. This dire situation mandated the amputation of his arm and leg.
In light of the extraordinary nature of the case, the hospital director delved into a meticulous investigation. He analyzed the intricate details of the patient’s life to discover more about his unusual situation.
Indulging in soft-shelled turtles
The director discovered that the 43-year-old Man Loi was a part-time construction worker who indulged in life’s pleasures. His fondness for enjoying alcohol and relishing freshwater delicacies, particularly soft-shelled turtles, had been a consistent part of his life.
Encouraged by the belief that consuming several dozen of these turtles would bestow a lifetime of relief from rheumatism and joint pain while nourishing his kidneys, Man Loi embraced this culinary practice for over two decades. His favorite culinary ritual involved a plate of stir-fried soft-shelled turtles seasoned with chili peppers and a bottle of white wine, allowing him to gratify his palate with gusto.
One day, Man Loi purchased a colossal soft-shelled turtle weighing over 10 kilograms from the market. He was so excited that he devised a unique plan to consume it gradually. Recognizing its rarity and precious nature, coupled with the limitation of not owning a refrigerator large enough to store it, he conceived the idea of enjoying the turtle in stages.
Soft-shelled turtles, renowned for their longevity and remarkable resistance to death, can persist for up to a year and a half if no fatal injuries occur during slaughtering. This innovative approach allowed Man Loi to savor the giant turtle incrementally over 10 days or half a month, culminating in its final consumption after its head was eventually removed.
Man Loi remained indifferent
Following the triumph of this unconventional, staged eating approach, Man Loi continued to use this method to indulge in the consumption of soft-shelled turtles. Despite well-intentioned individuals cautioning him about the perceived cold-blooded and cruel nature of this practice and the potential karmic consequences it might entail, he remained indifferent.
His primary focus was on relishing the delectable freshness of soft-shelled turtles, and he paid little heed to the warnings. It wasn’t until he underwent the stages of cutting and sawing of his body parts that the realization of retribution dawned upon him. Regrettably, it was too late for him to harbor remorse.
The hospital director concluded with this remark in the patient’s medical file: “The inexplicable fact of karma cannot be explained by medical science!”
Man Loi’s story underscores the connection between fleeting desires and unexpected twists of fate. It reminds us that every choice, no matter how small or whimsical, contributes to the intricate pattern of our lives, reflecting the interplay between pleasure and the forces of karma and fate.
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