1st visit was on 25th September 2013
Female 60 yrs old
She presented with a diagnosis and condition of Osteo-myelitis in the right lower jaw.
Osteo-myelitis is an inflammation of the bone marrow due to infection. In this case it occurred after dental procedures. Due to the length of time there was already some bone loss and destruction in the jaw. This condition was diagnosed in 2009 and she had been on the standard treatment of long-term antibiotics for 3 years. This had the added complication of producing nausea and upset stomachs. Her main symptoms were constant throbbing pain in the jaw (Homeopathy Treatment for Jaw Pain) with swelling. This would exacerbate in phases with high fever ensuing.
Also the pain could spasm from the jaw to the head and into neck.
Night sweats
Low energy
Occasional angina with symptoms of chest pain and dyspnoea.
History of bronchitis as a childm leading to asthma.
Cough every winter esp. in cold air. (2)
High BP since pregnancy
Family history:
Father had heart attacks in his 40’s
Brother had heart attacks in his 60’s
This year she developed a new set of symptoms: Pain in the right hypochondria (2) especially when over eating (3) ? Gall-bladder problem
All her problems seem to be on the right side (3)
Has a pancreatic cyst which they monitor.
Also has a cyst on the right lobe of liver.
CT scan revealed a benign neoplasm of the pancreas
2009: Her mother died and then her dog, leading to tremendous grief
Suffers with acid indigestion
Right lymph nodes swell
A well-prepared woman, organised, hates to be late, likes to control everything and everyone.
Aversion to extremes of temperature. Cannot lie on her right side because of jaw. Prefers to sleep on her abdomen.
Desires: Yoghurt and cheese (2), Sweets (3)
Prefers Hot Drinks (3)
Unrefreshed in the morning (2)
History of low energy at 4pm onwards
Flatulence and distension esp. right hypochondria (2)
Using Vithoulkas Compass software.
Differential diagnosis:
Lycopodium
Fits the totality of this case and the main keynotes and generals. This patient is not affected on the Mental/Emotional plane very much and therefore we don’t expect to see the typical Lycopodium symptoms of cowardice etc
Phosphorous
This remedy appears as it has the typical pathology and destructive processes of the bone especially in the jaw, and some generals and keynotes. However she only wants warm drinks and Phos likes very cold drinks.
Silicea
Silicea also appears mainly due to the pathology and a few symptoms but does not fit the totality or cover most of the symptoms.
Medorrhinum
This has the family background of early heart attacks, the sleeping on abdomen, and the history of childhood asthma. However it does not cover the case and may be a remedy needed later on in the case.
Chelidonium
This covers the digestive and abdominal symptoms and right –sidedness, but not the totality. She is a more forceful character.
I prescribed Lycopodium 30c – one dose daily and to reduce the antibiotics.
Follow-up 1 – 18th October 2013
She experienced an aggravation of the right hypochondria pain, then an improvement and then she was worse again.
Pain in jaw better
Antibiotics reduced
Still night sweats
Wanting less sweets
Flatulence better passing flatus
Prescription: continue Lycopodium 30c daily
Follow-up 2 – November 20th 2013
Has come off antibiotics and had an abscess in roots -left side. This is an old symptom.
Right hypochondria pain became worse after some wine and now it extends to the right scapula (3)
Nausea in morning – Better for eating
This new symptom, or development of a symptom, points to another remedy which is complementary to Lycopodium:
Prescribed Chelidonium 200c
After this new remedy she aggravated in the jaw pain for one day then it disappeared. Not taking antibiotics now for weeks.
Dentist check at hospital confirms “almost no osteomyelitis signs.”
Right hypochondria pain is 90% better
No indigestion tablets for weeks now.
Energy levels much better
Mood much better
No nausea in morning
Pain in jaw gone
Follow-up 3 – 10th January 2014
Indigestion worse again (Xmas?)
CT scan confirms NO PANCREAS CYST – the benign neoplasm has gone
Hospital confirms no sign of Osteoemyelitis anymore.
Has had a lot of stress with family – looking after them all. Worries about them all the time. This confirms our remedy from what we know of Chelidonium MM.
Prescription: Chelidonium 200c
Developed otitis externa and had some drops from doctor. This was an old symptom. Drops didnt help. Ear better for warmth and being covered.
Acute Prescription: Hepar-sulph 30c
Feels totally different in her self – much better and energy is great.
Autumn 2014: Patient is well – no relapses.
Levels of Health
This lady’s level of health, despite the seriousness of the condition, was quite good. She developed high fever with her exacerbations of the chronic condition. The remedies were clearly expressed and she only needed two to cure. The aggravations were short lasting, eg. one day. All this indicates being in Group 1 of Vithoulkas’ Levels of Health. Probably Level 3