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Chapter 16 Shi Hana

Shi Hana

What is it?

Shi Hana is a rare and mysterious disease that begins when an individual continuously denies the inevitability of their own death. It occurs when a person refuses to acknowledge the gravity of their condition, even when it is clear that death is approaching. The disease progresses and worsens the more the person avoids facing their fate.

Symptoms and Development:

Initial Stage: The disease begins with the formation of delicate red roses within the lungs, a symbol of the person's internal struggle. The individual will begin to experience difficulty breathing and may feel tightness in the chest. Along with the roses, small thorns begin to form in the throat, causing pain and discomfort, making it increasingly difficult to speak or swallow.

Coughing of Blood and Rose Petals: As the disease progresses, the individual will begin to cough up a mixture of blood and rose petals. The petals are red in the beginning, but they may darken with the progression of the disease. Along with this, mild to moderate headaches may occur, accompanied by dizziness and lightheadedness. The throat becomes more inflamed, and speaking becomes harder, often leading to long periods of silence.

Advanced Stage: In the more severe stages of the disease, the red petals in the blood gradually turn black, signaling that the disease has reached a critical point. As the condition worsens, the person may experience episodes of uncontrollable coughing, increasing weakness in various areas of the body, and significant difficulty breathing. The throat may feel as if it's closing, and blood may pool in the lungs, causing a rattling cough. At this stage, the person's ability to function normally diminishes rapidly.

Diagnosis and Prognosis:

Diagnosis: Shi Hana is a difficult disease to diagnose early on due to its subtle and often dismissed symptoms. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a respiratory illness or a psychological disorder. The key to diagnosing Shi Hana is recognizing the presence of rose petals and blood in the person's coughs, alongside the patient's emotional denial and refusal to face the severity of their condition.

Prognosis: If left untreated, Shi Hana progresses swiftly toward the fatal stage, and once the black petals appear, the disease is irreversible. The person may remain aware of their deteriorating condition, but their body will continue to betray them as they fight to deny the inevitable.

Treatment and Medication:

Phylaxinda: The primary medication used to manage Shi Hana is Phylaxinda, a rare drug that can suppress the disease's growth when administered at the early stages. It works by stabilizing the patient's respiratory system and reducing inflammation in the throat and lungs. However, Phylaxinda is most effective when the patient accepts their condition. If denial persists, the drug becomes less effective, and the disease continues to advance.

Psychological Intervention: Some doctors recommend a combination of therapy and counseling to help the patient confront the reality of their condition. Emotional support and acceptance of the situation are critical to halting the progression of the disease. However, this is not a guaranteed solution, as some individuals remain in denial until the very end.

Fatal Stage:

When the black petals begin to appear, the disease has reached a fatal stage. The black petals are a harbinger of death, signaling that the internal organs, particularly the heart and lungs, are beginning to fail. The individual will experience increasing pain, weakness, and eventual organ failure. At this point, even the strongest treatments and medications can no longer save them.