Stirton.net » Medicines

The Margins of Classical Homoeopathy, Part 2

stirton — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:39:11 +0000

A week later she rang to say there was no change so I posted a further dropper bottle of the same combination remedy with instructions to again take two drops per day. I did not hear from her for over a month, but then she called at my practise, without appointment, and waited to see me between patients. She just wanted to show me her clear complexion of which she was justly proud. The cure was complete. At last it was a complete cure, as far as the patient was concerned. She was clear of a disfiguring skin problem and that was why she had come to me.

There has been no relapse and the last time I saw this client, some four months later, for a recurrence of her gastric problems, I gave her a single does of her constitutional, Arsenicum 200C which cleared the problem without a need for further consultations. She is still taking Amlodipine.
Conclusions

In this article I have presented a view of a very controversial aspect of homoeopathy, and I hope to have provoked some deep thought. I also hope to have caused some consternation amongst my colleagues, especially those who are strictly classical.

If that includes you, please do write in and state your view. I would like to see much discussion on these marginal aspects of homoeopathy and I am sure the editor will be able to find room in future issues for letters and articles discussing these matters.

The Margins of Classical Homoeopathy, Part 1

stirton — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:09:52 +0000

Ranitidine has skin rash as a minor side-effect, but other than that her allopathic treatment did not seem likely to be causing her presenting problem. Both Ranitidine and Amlodipine, however, could have been causing some of her other symptoms (e.g., headache, flushing, nausea, and dizziness). Her intake of nutritional and vitamin complements – she was taking 1000 mg per day of Vitamin C and the lecithin – was not producing any noticeable effect on her skin problem. Consequently, I advised her to discontinue all her proprietary medication, but to continue with the allopathic prescriptions. Her allopathic practitioner was aware that I was treating her and had no objection provided she remained on Amlodipine. She was allergic to milk and milk products.

The first consultation was difficult as most of the symptoms she disclosed were possibly the side effects of her medication and it was hard to identify a good holistic picture. She appeared to be an Arsenicum constitutional type, meticulous in attention to detail, a great, detailed forward planner, a hoarder against a rainy day, a perfectionist. Many of her physical symptoms also pointed in that direction – digestive disorders, diarrhoea, tiredness, headaches, dizziness – but these could have been in part due to her medication. I decided to delay the selection of the first remedy until the next consultation (in two weeks), but she was very keen to start her “homoeopathic cure” immediately so I gave her Calendula O cream and some unmedicated Sac. lac. pills. (The prescription of a placebo is legal in the U.K.)

The next session took place as scheduled and confirmed my earlier diagnosis of an Arsenicum constitution. The cream had had no noticeable effect so was discontinued, and I prescribed Arsenicum 30C once daily for seven days and arranged a further session in two weeks.

Two weeks later she returned a much fitter woman, most of her symptoms had disappeared and she was feeling generally very well within herself. But she still had her skin problem as before. She was strangely upset by this. She acknowledged she was much better, but she had come to me to solve her skin problem and I had failed. I tried to explain the fundamentals of a homoeopathic cure, and prescribed Arsenicum 200C. (I do not usually repeat potencies.)

Again she returned with much the same result. She was much, much better in every way, but she still had the skin problem. Her allopathic doctor had taken her off the Ranitidine and she had had no difficulties. The skin problem appeared to be of a Sulphur type, itchy, burning, red, < bathing, < scratching. So I gave her Sulphur 6C in alternation with her constitutional at 30C. She was back within the week with her skin very much worse, but looking Natrum muriaticum rather than Sulphur.

It was now bleeding from cracks, no longer itchy. I saw this as a good sign, a possible aggravation even, so took her off both remedies and prescribed Nat-mur. 6C as she was still demanding treatment for her skin. (I resisted the temptation to revert to the placebo)

She returned with her skin problem still troubling her and this time it had reverted to Sulphur: the itch had returned and the bleeding stopped. I was clearly going nowhere with her treatment. Although she was a much healthier person than when we had first met I had not cured her skin problem and that was what she had consulted me about. I then decided to move to a combination remedy and selected:
Anacardium 200C
Sulphur 6C
Bovista 4X
Aconitum 30C

This combination is published in A Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Formulas by B. Copen, under ref C/14, and is one I had used successfully previously. She took it as a single drop twice per day for two weeks, and when she returned her skin was still damaged but was clearly much better with no new eruptions. I discontinued the remedy.

Drug Interactions

stirton — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:04:28 +0000

There are no known drug interactions. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been performed.

Many patients use feverfew for prevention and then use standard pharmaceutical treatment for breakthrough migraines. However, there is no scientific evidence regarding the appropriate approach (if any) to such combinations.

Because parthenolide affects platelet activity, it has been suggested that caution should be exercised with the concomitant use of anticoagulants or anti-platelet agents.

One study that compared platelet aggregation in a group of 10 patients who had taken feverfew over a period of 3.5 to 8 years against a control group that had discontinued feverfew for 6 months or more found no significant differences.

However, it is certainly possible that drug combinations could amplify otherwise marginal effects.

Additional Cautions for Self-Treatment
Serious diseases can present as migraine-type headaches. For this reason, proper diagnosis is essential.

Exercise with an Aneurysm

stirton — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:28:11 +0000

Q.I am a 62 year old male with a 4.4 cm. aneurysm in the lower aorta just before the branch. I have been told I should exercise to improve my cardiovascular system.

I use a treadmill for 40 min. a day and sustain a 120-pulse rate for 30 min. My blood pressure goes way up to 200/100. I am concerned that I may be increasing the size of the aneurysm or could blow it. Am I wrongly concerned?

Richard

A.I wouldn’t take any chances. If your doctor told you to exercise with an aneurysm, then hopefully, he or she is aware of your blood pressure increase.

Still, I think some follow-up with your physician is important here

Water Makes Me Feel Bloated

stirton — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:45:39 +0000

Question: Water Makes Me Feel Bloated

In my attempt toward good health and a good figure, I try to drink a liter of water a day. Be it sparkling or still, I feel heavy and bloated even after several trips to the toilet. Does it make a difference as to what kind of water? I would’ve expected to weigh less and feel ‘thin’ and light after all this ‘flushing’ of my systems? Why don’t I?

Answer: It is important to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Water fills you up and helps cut your appetite; it flushes out your system by speeding up digestion which helps rid the body of toxins and it gives your skin a healthy glow. It also prevents dehydration, which can be a problem for athletes, and active people who perspire a lot.

There are, however, some precautions to take. Too much of anything can be dangerous. A large amount of water intake combined with too much table salt intake can lead to bloating because salt can cause fluid retention in the body. Drinking too much water is contraindicated for certain physical conditions, such as glaucoma (an eye disease) because it can increase the pressure in the eye.

We recommend you avoid carbonated water in large amounts as some contains sodium (salt.) Always check the label contents. You can buy sodium-free carbonated water. Plain water is a better choice as bubbly water can cause intestinal gas that may be the cause of that “heavy feeling” you are experiencing.

As with all good things, moderation is the key. Self-knowledge is another. Always see a medical doctor before embarking on any type of diet or exercise regime.

Cramps While Walking

stirton — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:36:49 +0000

Question:
I work out regularly, mostly walking but I want to move up to running. Every time I run a short distance, I get cramps in my side. Please give me some type of tip to make it stop.

Answer:
Frequently, a hitch or cramp in the side while running is caused by trapped gas. First, we recommend you get checked out by your doctor to make certain you have no greater physical problem. Once you’ve ascertained that, we recommend you warm up by walking briskly for a longer period of time before you start running. After you’ve warmed up for at least 10 minutes, then begin a slower pace of running and increase speed gradually.

If you still get a cramp, stop running and put pressure with the palm of your hand on the side where the cramp occurs. Press and gently massage the area while walking at a moderate pace. Then go through the same routine again. Repeat until you no longer get a cramp in your side. Do not continue running with a cramp. Always stop and walk while putting pressure on the cramped area until it goes away.

Excess gas can be caused by eating too fast, inhaling air in the process; by running too soon after a meal; by ingesting carbonated beverages and gassy foods such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, hot dogs and processed foods. An over-the-counter product that, by all reports, seems to work well in alleviating gas is “Beano” and you can buy it in most any drugstore or supermarket. We also suggest you drink more water and eat small meals more frequently. Wait at least two hours after a meal before running.

Curves are Described

stirton — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:52:03 +0000

Direction is based on which way the curve bends away from the center of the body. For example, if the inner side of the curve is to the right, it is called a right curve.

Location is determined by the spinal bone at the center of the curve. The spine is divided into 3 parts: neck region (cervical), chest area (thoracic), and lower back (lumbar). A curve may be labeled according to the number of spinal bones involved. For example, T5 to T12 means that the curve involves the 5th through the 12th chest (thoracic) spinal bones.

Magnitude describes the amount of curve in degrees. A slight curve would be less than 20 degrees; a moderate curve, 20 degrees to 40 degrees; a severe curve, greater than 55 degrees.

Curves are further defined as being either structural or nonstructural.
Structural curves cause deformities that the person either cannot correct or cannot keep corrected through bending. Scoliosis of unknown cause leads to a structural curve.

Nonstructural curves are not caused by changes in the spine or its supporting structures. They are more flexible curves, and alignment can be corrected by bending to one side or the other. They are secondary to other causes, such as uneven leg lengths, spinal tumors, and muscle spasms.

Generally, a nonstructural curve requires no treatment. Any necessary treatment is directed toward the cause of the curvature, which is not the spine (for example, a person with uneven legs may be fitted with an orthotic lift in one shoe).

When 2 curves are present, they are further described as major and minor or compensatory curves.
Major curve is the largest curve and usually has the greatest degree of spinal bone rotation.
Minor (compensatory) curves are smaller and have lesser degrees of spinal bone rotation. Minor curves are more flexible and usually develop to balance (compensate) for the major curve.

Directions in Research

stirton — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:18:50 +0000

Clinical trials are underway for a number of new drugs to treat lupus. Promising future treatments include hormone modifications, more focused immunosuppressive drugs and biologic agents, some of which are designed to block the molecular messages sent between cells in the immune system.

The new drugs include:

Dapsone — This drug is used in the management of certain lupus skin conditions. The side effects are mostly related to blood count changes, which require frequent monitoring. An uncommon though severe anemia may occur in patients with a particular enzyme deficiency. Related medications previously used for the treatment of leprosy have proved effective in the treatment of severe skin disease in lupus. Those drugs are thalidomide and clofazimine.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV Ig) — This therapy has been shown effective in modulating the immune system by suppressing antibody formation and reducing the activity and proliferation of immune system cells, which contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. In lupus cases, it is commonly used to treat dangerously low platelet levels, either to control bleeding or to prepare for a surgical procedure. It is also used to treat muscle and nerve inflammation. Side effects may include fever, muscle aches and abdominal or chest pain during or after administration. Due to its cost, which can run in the thousands of dollars, IV Ig may be too expensive for long-term therapy.

Hormonal treatments — Certain other hormonal therapies have been or are currently being evaluated as potential treatments, but there may be some significant side effects, such as irregular periods and mood changes. Liver function monitoring is recommended for long-term use.

Other hormonal investigations have included dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, and bromocriptine. DHEA is a hormone produced by a fetus. Using DHEA in combination with another drug may reduce lupus symptoms and reduce the need for corticosteroids.

Two experimental drugs are also being evaluated. One, LJP 394, specifically targets certain antibodies without damaging other parts of the immune system. Another drug blocks the CD 40 ligand, which in turn blocks communication between certain cells involved in targeting organs and tissues for damage. Such focused responses will spare patients the harmful side effects that plague them with the use of corticosteriods and other immune suppressors.

The most exciting advance may come from the investigation of monoclonal antibody treatment. Researchers are enthusiastic because this treatment targets the cellular mechanism of disease, hopefully avoiding adverse side effects. Other studies are looking at stem cell and bone marrow transplantation for patients with severe lupus.

Researchers are working with biologic agents that selectively block the immune system from forming autoantibodies that contribute to damage. This new approach to treatment and maintenance of remission holds much promise.

Do You Know What’s Really Causing Your Ulcer?

stirton — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 06:29:15 +0000

Lick Your Ulcer with Licorice A popular natural treatment for peptic ulcers is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

While the commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for ulcers may relieve your symptoms, they can also disrupt your normal digestive processes and alter the cells along your digestive tract. DGL addresses the condition, not the symptoms. It stimulates the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcers in the first place. It improves the blood supply to the intestinal lining, as well as increase the lifespan of intestinal cells and the protective substances lining the intestinal tract.

About twenty million North Americans develop at least one ulcer during their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Health. Ulcers affect about four million people each year, and more than forty thousand people have surgery because of persistent symptoms or problems from ulcers. Every year about six thousand people die of ulcer-related complications. For years, doctors blamed ulcers on spicy diets and stressful lifestyles. However, today’s research shows that bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the likely cause of most ulcers.

The H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria that lives in the stomach lining. These bacteria damage the stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and ulcers. “In the past, doctors have recommended a bland diet for people with ulcers but we now know that diet changes won’t necessarily help ulcer sufferers,” said Dr. Allan N. Spreen, MD, a physician who provides information and guidance to those seeking alternatives to conventional drug therapies through his nutrition therapy information service, The Nutrition Physician.

Many doctors prescribe different types of medications to treat ulcers, including H2 acid blockers, acid pump inhibitors and mucosal protective agents. And where H. pylori is involved, these medications are used in combination with antibiotics.

To avoid the H. pylori bacteria it is paramount to practice good hygiene and food cleansing, but the introduction of friendly bacteria can also help. “Since so many people are at risk for H. pylori infection, it is important to supplement your diet with probiotics,” Dr. Spreen advises. Probiotics are live microorganisms that work in just the opposite way that antibiotics do. Instead of wiping out bacteria, probiotics promote the growth of friendly bacteria which fight disease and infections-causing bacteria. Probiotics are found naturally in a number of foods such as natural, non-flavored yogurt, sauerkraut, acidophilus milk, sourdough bread and pickles.

Probiotic supplements are available at most natural foods stores. Not all supplements are created equal, however. When purchasing probiotics, look for one that has superior strains of probiotics and is a viable (live) culture, as dead bacteria do not work. It should be refrigerated to stay alive and should be non-dairy. The probiotics should have a high count and it should not be mixed with unknown and unwanted bacteria as mixed cultures can be ineffective.

People tend to become infected with H. pylori when they are young. It appears to be spread through contaminated food or water. Statistics show that nearly a third of all North American children and young adults between the ages of 3 and 20 are infected, and up to eighty percent of elderly adults carry the bacteria. Some never exhibit symptoms, or they surface decades after the initial infection.

REAL, FAKE, OR IMPOSTER: Prescribed Medications or Generic Medications?

stirton — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:54:55 +0000

Does it really matter that the pharmacy routinely replaces prescribed medications with generic medications?

“If a rose was called by any other name would it not smell as sweet?” Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”. Medications: Generic vs. Brand Name

How much difference does it make if you take a generic brand medication instead of the brand name?

Does it matter? If it doesn’t matter, why do different companies make the same medications to sell for a various amounts of money? Why are they allowed to?

Why do we ever buy Brands? Is it all because of advertising?

What is the opinions of the pharmaceutical companies? physicians? nurses? parents of sick children? patients?

One lady states that when her husband gets the generic form of his medication it doesn’t work nearly as well (Indocin SR. 75mg, generic name is Indomethacin SR 75mg). This medication is used in osteoarthirits, gouty arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, & ankylosing spondylitis. It is an apirin-like medication.

My son had a very bad cough for a few weeks. He had spasms as he coughed that he appeared as if he was choking. His face turned red, saliva spurted from his mouth and nose and it seemed as if he couldn’t catch his breathe. He reminded me of how a person coughs that has a tracheostomy. I finally took him to the doctor because I was worried that it was lingering and I was worried about his lungs (he had a brief encounter with asthma when he was an infant from a viral infection). His Pediatrician office prescribed Bentyl. The NP gave me a sample that tasted like Root Beer. When I gave it to my son he actually took it since it tasted like Root Beer and it seemed to work immediately. I finished the sample and had the prescription filled. I was given the generic. The pharmacist at CVS never asked me if this was OK but I took it thinking it wouldn’t be polite to ask. It didn’t taste like Root Beer. I put it in a little bit of Root Beer soda and that was sufficient for my son to take it. His cough did not appear to be getting better at the rate it was previously. In fact when I cut it back to 2x day it got significantly worse and took a much longer time to improve after I increased it back to three times a day. I called the store and asked for the name brand. They said,”OK, but I would have to wait 5 days since that is when they get their orders in…they didn’t have it in stock”.” “OK”, I said. “ I’ll continue with generic until then”. It didn’t feel polite to complain. When did I become so polite?

On Monday, I picked up the name brand and had to pay an extra $10.00 for it since it was not covered under my health insurance (only the generic was covered with the co-pay plan)!

What is your experience with generic medications? Why are we not asked when having scripts filled? Does it matter? Does it matter at some times and not others? Why does the insurance company have the right to tell me what type of medication I can get under the plan…I pay over $800.00 a month for my family health plan! I’m investigating and I’ll wait for your responses.

Clones of some drugs are allowed to be made and sold by other companies after the originals have been on the market for 17 years…that is when the patents run out. There are some medications that should not be used in generic form (it’s dangerous to do so)such as blood thinners since they are hard to regulate.

Generic medications should have the same basic formula as the brand medication but fillers & coloring is sometimes added and flavors may be different. Overall quality is SOMETIMES not as good as the brand name. The FDA does regularly check the manufacturing plants of generic drugs for safety.

Some insurance companies will only pay for the generic brand. Check with your insurance company and pharmacy. You may have to pay for the brand name yourself but I would write to your insurance company and complain about the policy especially if taking the generic brand is not in your best interest (problems of your own taking it or your doctor’s or pharmacist’s opinion). When dropping off prescriptions ask for the brand name if that is what you want.