This saying means that after suffering from a condition for a long time, one becomes very knowledgeable about it—sometimes even more than a general practitioner. It's a compliment to personal experience and self-education.
It reflects the Chinese respect for experiential knowledge, especially in health, where patients often become experts in managing their own conditions.
It validates the wisdom gained through suffering and encourages self-reliance, a common theme in Chinese culture where individuals are expected to take charge of their own well-being.
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