| The following cases
of Rheumatoid Arthritis, have been presented in the Indian Journal
of Homoeopathic Medicine Vol No-28 Issue No.3 & 4. The authors
have clearly applied the concepts and principles of homoeopathy
with miasmatic corerelations in the therapeutic management of this
disease, and have been successful clinically.
R.K. was a young male patient, 21 years old with Juvenile Arthritis
since the last 10 years. He had a moderately severe oligoarthritis
in low grade, continuous over the last 10 years. Severe exacerbations
occurred 2 or 3 times a year, lasting for 1 month each. This was
treated with NSAID's and steroids.
Currently, he is in a progressively worsening exacerbation for
the last 1 month, with moderate synovitis
(++) in multiple joints and spine, a lot of stiffness (+++), with
restriction of movements (++) and synovial
thickening.
In the natural history and course of Juvenile Arthritis, this case
falls in the category leading eventually to S.S.A.(Seronegative Spondylo Arthropathy ) having a bad prognosis overall.
This diagnosis and prognosis suggests a low susceptibility. This
is further supported by the low grade residual inflammations of
multiple joints, non febrile exacerbations with severe stiffness
and relatively scanty characteristics. Constant suppressive treatments
also contributed to this to some extent. The Life Space
below gives us further idea of how mental suppression and inertia
also reflect this.
Life Space:
The patient lost his father at 6 years of age from chronic alcoholism.
His mother had to play the role of both parents. He has a 22 yr.
Old sister who is working and was engaged to be married 6 months
back. He seemed to be carrying a heavy emotional burden regarding
the pathetic state of the family, the difficulties his mother was
facing, financial problems, etc. This was aggravated by his disappointment
that his maternal uncle was not helping them as much as he should.
Now an additional anxiety is his sister's dowry. With the increasing
pain, the patient became more anxious (+++) and worried.
If he woke up with pain in the morning he would not go to work.
Otherwise he would work less or come away early. He felt helpless
and quite hopeless. He never communicated these feelings to his
mother or his sister. He felt his disease was incurable and he
would be unable to help his sister. He decided he did not care
if his sister's engagement was broken as he was unable to take any
more tension. He felt she would find another suitable match. Fully
aware of the expectations of his mother and sister, he realised
that he could not face this challenge.
Discussion:
This history manifests chronic suppressions, ongoing vexation and
anxiety, leading to an almost paralysed
state of mind and body. We also see a dominant sycotic
miasm.
The remedy selection was based on the overall disposition. The
attachment to his suffering mother, his despondency, an apprehensive
attitude, aggravation of complaints from anxiety in contrast to
avoiding genuine worry about his sister's alliance, with an overall
self-centered sensitivity under stress. This along with other physical
data led us to the choice of Kali Carb.
as the chronic remedy.
Even though the patient seemed to be in acute distress, with pains,
< on initial movements,> continued
motion, > warmth, along with bodyache, the tempatation to prescribe
Rhus Tox
was avoided. The chronic remedy covers the picture well and an
unclear "acute picture" favours
the prescription of Kali Carb.
Kali Carb was given in 30 potency in multiple doses. Improvement was short lasting
and the potency was raised to 200 and subsequently to 1M. After
5 weeks of treatment there was considerable relief, but on withdrawal
of Indomethacin there was an increase
in inflammation of all involved joints. At this stage Thuja
1M 1dose was introduced as intercurrent.
The next few weeks his response to Kali Carb was
munch better and Thuja was repeated once every week. A definite remission
set in after 2 months with withdrawal of all NSAID's. Within 6 months there was hardly any complaint, and the
patient has remained well for 2 years. He now needs infrequent
doses of his constitutional medicine for mild synovitis
or upper respiratory tract infection.
Dr. Nimish V Mehta
Vinod Kunj, MP Vaidhya Lane,
RB Mehta Marg, Ghatkoper (East)
Mumbai 400077
Ph: 022-25154488
Mobile: 0-98201 70918
Email: DRNVM@vsnl.net
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