Operationen Anhang 2

http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-papers/surgery-and-homeopathy-treatment/

[Katja Schuett]

Surgery and Homeopathy

September 15, 2008

Surgery represents the tremendous technical achievements of orthodox medicine. Yet it also demonstrates the inability to cure, especially chronic diseases. Homeopathy medicines can prove very useful in surgical cases, both to avoid surgery as well as to assist speedy recovery in surgical cases.

Pre and Post-Operative Care Remedies

Table of content

Preface

Introduction

Overview of mainly indicated remedies

Pre- and post- operative care

Fear, anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness and acute distress

Pain after operation

Painful injections

Pain after amputation

Nausea, vomiting and gastritis

Constipation, diarrhea, distension and flatulence

Diarrhea

Constipation

Distension and flatulence

Shock, collapse and coma

Hemorrhages

Anesthesia and side effects of drugs

Wounds, Scars and Sepsis

Thrombosis

Bedsores and decubitus

Surgical fevers

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Urinary troubles

Paralytic or post-operative ileus

Weakness and prostration

Lack of reaction remedies

Some special types of surgery

Fractures

Tooth extraction and dental surgery

Childbirth

Case studies

Summary of indications for the mainly indicated remedies

References

Preface

This compilation is thought of as a workbook for the student and beginning practitioner of homeopathy. It is not thought to replace the basic study of the laws and principles of homeopathy and homeopathic materia medica.

Any errors and limitations are the responsibility of the compiler. If you should find any errors or have a suggestion for increased readability, please contact Katja Schütt (Germany): KatjaSchutt@yahoo.com

Introduction

Surgery and Homeopathy:

Surgery represents the tremendous technical achievements of orthodox medicine on one side. On the other side it demonstrates the inability to cure (chronic diseases).

Homeopathy is a holistic healing method that treats the patient as a whole, recognizing that there is no local disease and that “no external ailment, not due to some particular outer injury can arise and maintain its place, or even grow worse, without inner cause and inner involvement of the entire organism (which is consequently ill). They could not appear at all without the consent of all the rest of the economy and without the participation of the rest of the living whole (of the vital principle pervading all the other sensing and responsive parts of the organism)… the person is inwardly ill before it and while it lasts.” Therefore, the source of complaints on the external parts, which have not been caused by any outer injury, lies in some internal malady and to pass them off as merely local ailments and to treat them exclusively or almost exclusively with local applications or other such means, as if they were wounds, is as absurd as its results are pernicious.

Operating means to remove the result of disease, whose formation should be impossible in a successful method of treatment. Homeopathy treatment serves to make surgery unnecessary by means of preventative treatment. It raises the threshold of disease susceptibility, prevents illness, clears up the cause of pathology and obviates operation – especially in chronic patients. Patients given proper homeopathic treatment need operations less frequently, because homeopathy can treat diseases in their functional stage, before irreversible organic changes have developed. Homeopathic treatment also serves to arrest supposed surgical cases and finally, if surgery is necessary, it can help in managing surgical cases with pre and post-operative homeopathic medicines.

One of the most important duties of the homeopath is to recognize what is curable and what is not curable by our medicines.

In cases where a pathology has been formed, our duty is to pause with surgery, if there is a totality of symptoms, or even if there are no current symptoms present but the patient can remember them. This will allow the homeopath to recognize the original totality of symptoms of the case, and in these cases the job of the true homeopath is always to find the chronic remedy first. The case is not hopeless as the symptom totality is the only condition for the choice of the indicated remedy according to the Law of Similars. The elimination of all perceptible signs and symptoms means the removal of the inner modifications of the vital force which underlie them and thereby destruction of the whole disease, and when disease is destroyed health is restored.

Surgery itself is never curative, only palliative, as it does not cure the underlying pathological process that caused the problem to occur. The morbid functioning which produced the ailment, remains unchanged by such removal. Surgery tends to be suppressive and closes a vent before the cause is cured, and a recurrence in that or another region of the body may follow, even in more vital organs. With the removal of the end product (pathology), Hering’s law of direction of cure is blocked, as symptoms cannot disappear in the reverse order of their appearance. The vital force may be able to find a vent or channel through some other point of least resistance, but otherwise the cure may be delayed or impossible. But true cure always must proceed in the correct order: “from centre to circumference… from above downward, from within outwards, from more important to less important organs, from the head to the feet… symptoms which disappear in the reverse order of their coming are removed permanently.”

Only when the patient is truly cured, but there remains a residual mechanical “mass”, can this mass be removed by an operation without damage to the patient.

Surgery can be essential in some situations as a means for preservation of life and a patient who refuses an operation, even when the pathology requires it, is a danger to

himself and his physician.

For instance, the most urgent cases, where danger to life and imminent death do not allow time for a homeopathic remedy to act. This would include life threatening situations such as, severe injuries and accidents, congenital deformities, suffocation, asphyxiation, injury from lightning, freezing, and drowning etc. “Only in such cases is it permissible and expedient, at least for the time being, to rouse the irritability and sensibility (the physical life) again by means of a palliative.”

[An alternative would be to apply oil with for example Aconitum a.k.a. Aconit Schmerzöl from Weleda very helpful from my own experience]

Other things that are the proper domain of surgery are cases where it becomes necessary to bring help to bear on the suffering parts by mechanically removing external impediments to cure. However, when the entire living organism demands effective dynamic help to be enabled to accomplish the cure, as it always does, this is where the service of the physician and his dynamic homeopathic remedies come in to accomplish the work of healing.

The following recommendations are mainly indicated remedies for commonly occurring ailments after surgery. For more details I refer to the Materia Medica and point out

that prescribing must always be done according to the laws and principles of homeopathy and the totality of characteristic symptoms, but never for the “name” of disease. Nothing in homeopathy is standardized. The choice of the remedy as well as potency and dosage need to be individualized to bring about a gentle, rapid and permanent

cure. Any disease state has to be studied and treated based on the individual symptom picture of the patient and dosage has to be individualized, taking into consideration

the nature of the patient, the nature of the disease and the nature of the remedy.

There are homeopathic remedies that are almost “specifics” for certain ailments, helping with a variety of frequently occurring symptoms and which are highly effective with most people in the treatment of clear, strongly indicated acute conditions. They have an affinity for a particular organ or tissue and usually the symptom picture is predominant whereas constitutional aspects of the remedy are minimal. These group specifics are reserved for diseases of a common (exciting) cause and fixed character with similar symptoms. Their indications are based on group anamnesis that can be used for fixed acute miasms (genus remedies) as well as for environmental disorders, mental trauma, physical injury and first aid treatment. Therefore, their use is in accordance with the laws and principles of homeopathy and very different from allopathic indications of specific drugs for specific diseases.

Emergency and post surgical treatment can be started with first-aid specifics, but we need to watch the individual symptom picture carefully to adjust the remedy (and dosage) according to the individual reaction of the patient. Surgery causes different healing reactions in each individual and, in case of complications, various factors determine the individual symptom picture that follows. Behind each reaction is the constitution of the individual patient, the individual sensitivity and miasmatic background.

Like any acute ailment, surgery may wake up latent psora and require the subsequent administration of antipsoric remedies to facilitate cure and prevent chronic followings.

Some guidelines for dosage which have proved to be effective in practice:

30c and 200c work best in acute conditions. Use at least a 30c, put one pellet (#10 globule) in 4 oz. of water and stir it to dissolve. Putting it in water makes it reach more

nerve endings and it starts to work as soon as it touches the mucous membranes. Take one teaspoon or tablespoon as needed (for children or babies one might only give a ½ half teaspoon), as often as every 15 to 30 minutes in acute cases, such as high fevers and accidents, or only every 2 to 6 hours in less acute diseases. Only use a remedy dry

if it is impractical or impossible to take it in water (the only exception is homeoprophylaxis). Repeat the remedy if the symptoms start reappearing, and then give another dose of the same remedy. Each time you take it, it must be succussed beforehand to increase the potency of the remedy, as the vital principle does not accept identical doses without opposition, i.e. without bringing out other symptoms of the remedy.

Decrease the frequency as you begin to feel better and stop taking the remedy as soon as you feel completely better. Otherwise, the remedy frequency can build up in your system and aggravate the symptoms which you are trying to cure. Make another cup if you need the remedy again. If you feel only slightly better, it probably means the remedy is correct but needs to be given more frequently or in a higher potency. If you don’t feel any better at the end of the first cup, the remedy is most likely not the right one. If no amelioration is seen within a reasonable amount of time you may need to consult a professional homeopath.

The remedy can be swabbed on the skin if the patient cannot swallow, ideally on the lips or another area with many nerve endings close to the surface.

If you are taking two remedies for the same injury, dissolve each one in a separate cup and take them apart (give one after another), intercurrently, leaving a suitable gap to allow the first remedy to work. This may be an hour after the first remedy in normal healing conditions and up to very short intervals like 10-15 minutes in extremely acute situations.

As a preventive, take the remedy dry, three pellets, all at once (hypersensitive patients only need one pellet), dissolved in the mouth in a 200c potency (only one dose). Alternatively, 30c in split doses, three doses can be given for pre-operative cases. Homeoprophylaxis is in accordance with homeopathic principles and every surgical case is

a lesser risk if it is well prescribed for beforehand. Prophylaxis remedies are capable of maintaining a healthy, “uninfectable” state, (this refers to any dynamic morbid agent) because the vital force is occupied by the reaction to a subtle but stronger similar homeopathic remedy that will extinguish the intruding weaker one in the living organism.

Arnica and Calendula creams can be used safely when indicated, however, taking the remedy in 30c or 200c orally, dissolved in water, will result in faster healing.

Never use Arnica ointment on open wounds as this may cause inflammation.

Recommended first-aid packet for the patient undergoing surgery:

Aconitum napellus

Arnica montana

Calendula officinalis

Nux vomica

Phosphorus

Staphysagria

Hypericum perforatum

If these remedies are taken according to the instructions of a professional homeopath, then a 30c or 200c can be taken. For self-medication, lower potencies (like 6c or 12c) are recommended. Higher potencies should not be prescribed by a non-professional.

Disorder

Repertorium:

Mainly indicated remedies

Preparing for surgery: In uncomplicated cases: Acon. Arn. Calen. Hyper. Nux-v. Phos. StaphIn complicated cases. individual homeopathic treatment is necessary.

Fear. anxiety. nervousness. acute distress. Sleeplessness: Acon. Arg-n. Arn. Ars. Coff. Gels. Ign. Phos. Puls. Op. Sil. Spig

Pain after operation: Acon. All-c. Arn. Bell-p. Cham. Coff. Hyper. Led. Mag-p. Staph. Rhus-t

Nausea vomiting gastritis: Ars. Ip. Nux-v. Phos

Constipation diarrhea, distension flatulence: Alum. Bry. Nux-v. Op / Aloe. Ars. China. Podo / Carb-v. China. Lyc. Op. Raph

Shock. collapse. Coma: Acet ac. Camph. Carb-v. Stront-c. Sul-ac. Verat alb,

Hemorrhage: Arn. Calen. China. Ferr-m. Ferr-p. Ham. Ip. Lach. Mill. Phos,

Anesthesia and side effects of drugs: Acetic acid. Carb-v. Cham. Nux-v. Phos

Wounds, scars, sepsis: Arn. Calen. Hep. Hyper. Lach. Led. Pyrog. Staph. Thiosin

Thrombosis: Apis. Ars. Both. Lach. Nat-s. Vip

Bedsore, decubitus: Arn. Calen. China. Fl ac. Graph. Hyper. Hydr. Lach. Led. Sul ac. Zinc

Surgical fevers: Acon. Arn. Ars. Bapt. Bell. Bry. Echi. Ferr-p. Gels. Hep. Lach. Merc. Nux-v. Puls. Pyrog. Rhus-t. Sulph. Verat v

Bronchitis, pneumonia: Aether. Ant-t. Bell. Bry. Ip. Kali-bi. Phos

Urinary troubles: Acon. Arn. Ars. Bell. Berb. Canth. Caust. Hep. Hyper. Mag-p. Merc c. Nat-m. Puls. Tritic

Paralytic or post-operative ileus: Arn. Carb-v. Op. Nux-v. Plb-met. Raph

Lack of reaction: Carb-v. Psor. Sulph. (Carc. Tub.)

Weakness and prostration: Ars. Carb-v. China. Mur-ac. (constitutional prescribing)

Pre- and post-operative care

Homeopathy is a powerful adjunct to the practice of surgery and will help to reduce fear. anxiety and nervousness prior to surgery. prevents excess bleeding. swelling. pain. unsightly scar tissue. reduces complications. promotes healing and encourages a fast post-surgical recovery. It is valuable as an antidote to allopathic medicine. to replace chemical antiseptics and also to replace local anestheticsin some cases.

Frequently. Aconitum. Arnica. Calendula. Hypericum. Nux Vomica. Phosphorus and Staphysagria will be all that is necessary to carry a patient through surgery. The most common problems arising out of operations are pains. bad effects of anesthesia. hemorrhages. slow healing wounds. gastric disorders like nausea and vomiting. And there may appear sleeplessness. septic fever. bedsores. surgical shock. jaundice etc. If these ailments are treated with homeopathic medicines. wonderful success can be achieved.

In difficult and more complicated cases. surgery has to be preceded by individual homeopathic treatment in order to ensure the best preparation.

Arnica montana is indicated in any case of trauma and shock and the first remedy to consider before and after surgery. It prevents shock. controls hemorrhage. reduces swelling and pain. prevents soreness. inflammation. suppuration and sepsis and promotes healing of wounds. Arnica has a strong affinity for the muscles. skin. connective tissue and blood vessels and is especially indicated if the patient feels beaten and bruised all over the body. Given before and immediately after an operation it is a powerful adjunct and should be given until symptoms manifest themselves indicating some other remedy. Dosage depends on the vitality of the patient and severity of the operation. Vital patients need higher potencies and a longer time to prepare. as they tend more to react with shock.

Fear. anxiety. nervousness. sleeplessness and acute distress

Fear and nervousness may weaken the immune system and prevent rapid recovery.

Aconitum napellus is the first remedy for any sudden and violent onset of shock or trauma. It is indicated in case of terrible fearbefore surgery. when anxiety. fear or phobias come on suddenly from shock and fright and when the patient anticipating surgery is extremely agitated or panicked. Severe anxiety. restlessness and intense fear with an unreasonable fear of dying. accompany the most trifling of ailments. Anxiety is severe and makes the subject feel like he is facing death – he may even predict the time of death. The patient is easily excited and startled. sensitive to light and noise. physically restless. tossing about and possibly sleepy. yet sleepless. Aconitum will also solve shock or fright stuck in the body or mind for a very long time. Think of it in chronic phobias with fear and anxiety that have developed after trauma in which the person experienced a fear of imminent death. Here it is a useful remedy to remove the remaining shock which may have terrified him. with or without his knowledge. and became a chronic and deep layer. Free-floating anxiety with sudden symptoms that come out of “nowhere” will often benefit from this remedy.

Aconite stands for the 4 F’s: fast – fever – fulminant – fright. Think of it also during pregnancy. contractions and childbirth.

Aconit Schmerzöl from Weleda

Aethusa cynapium. the patient fears any operation (Calc). and that he will not awaken from anesthesia. or that if he is to close his eyes. he may never wake up.

The patient who benefits from Argentum nitricum is nervous. anxious and hurried. talks about his symptoms with everyone and may suffer from brain fag. stomach troubles and emotional diarrhea. Diarrhea is green. mucus-like or similar to chopped spinach or in flakes. There is great apprehension before any engagement with profuse perspiration and diarrhea. Anxiety is liable to start weeks in advance.

Think of Arnica montana when the patient suddenly awakes at night with fear of death or when he fears the physician and does not want to see him. Arnica may also be indicated for fear remaining and patients deeply wounded and who re-live the horrors of an accident and injury will benefit from this remedy. Think of it in anxiety or fear caused by. or originating. from any physical situation with physical and emotional memories of the past shock. and continuing symptoms since.

Arsenicum album patient is thin. nervous. restless and full of anxiety and insecurity. He fears catching a disease. to be alone. death. and thinks it is pointless to take any medicine. The patient is weak and exhausted. suffers from fear and trembling. is in dread of the ordeal and is thirsty for water. little and often.

Carcinosinum will be of benefit for the patient who suffers from prolonged or even lifelong fear. unhappiness. worry in anticipation and obstinacy. The subject likes dancing. desires harmony. may be fastidiously tidy or the opposite. may enjoy storms. be sensitive to music. and sympathetic to others. Insomnia and constipation are common.

Multiple infections like bronchitis. whooping cough. pneumonia. tonsillitis. recurrent colds. influenza. glandular fevers (infectious mononucleosis) etc. but absence of childhood diseases or their appearance in adulthood -in severe form or rapidly one after another- are typical symptoms. Bipolar (such as < or > at seashore). contradictory and constantly changing symptoms (Tub) are very characteristic for this remedy. Also think of it when well selected remedies do not work or have only a limited action. or when there are partial indications for more than one remedy. but where no single remedy covers the case. (a history of cancer in the family). Think of Carc. in tumors appearing after fright.

Coffea cruda is a short and superficial acting remedy and mostly used in acute conditions. It is of benefit for the highly sensitive patient who has unusual activity of the mind and body. is full of ideas. quick to act and therefore suffers from sleep disturbances. He is sleepless before and/or after midnight. lies awake unable to close his eyes. Symptoms are caused by fear or fright. sudden emotions. such as over joyous events or pleasant surprises. mental excitation or overwork. persistent recurrent thoughts or

from too acute hearing. The patient is constantly thinking and talking. Possibly. he does not want to see the physician. who seems to frighten him. Coffea is also a remedy

for extreme fear of death. especially when occurring during labor or contractions. or from pain. All kinds of pains are intolerable and accompanied with fear of death.

It is a remedy for emergencies like drowning. choking. freezing and all cases where rapid excitation of the vital force is necessary.

Gelsemium sempervirens is of help for the nervous individual who suffers from too frequent bladder or bowel evacuations. It is useful when the patient complains about anxiety. apprehension. weakness and trembling prior to surgery. possibly accompanied by lethargy or headache. Anticipatory anxiety starts just before the event takes place. Everything seems to be all right until the person has to start. than he is overcome with fear and trembling. It is the first remedy for fear of the dentist (Acon).

Discouraged and paralyzed by fear. fears death and to be injured. especially in traumatic shock. and there is a tendency toward nervous diarrhea and aching limbs.

Thirstless. vertigo. numbness and urgent urination are other characteristic features of this remedy. It is a great remedy for the bad after effects of “hearing bad news“. stage fright and nervous dread of appearing in public. After hearing bad news the person is as if paralyzed. he can’t move. just sits there. trembling. There may also be absolute

want of fear. Also think of Gelsemium when a pregnant woman fears contractions and parturition.

Hypericum perforatum may be indicated for nervous effects of blows. accidents and concussions to the head and spine (coccyx!). It also removes the consequences of fright and effects of shock - provided symptoms agree. Think of Hypericum especially when severe nervous depression follows wounds. effects of shock. fright (and mesmerism).

Ignatia amara will soothe the nervous system if symptoms agree. It is adapted to individuals with nervous temperament. who are alert. nervous. rigid and apprehensive. morose. oversensitive and who overreact. Spasmodic effects and hysteria may be present. It may be indicated in very young children when admission to the ward is emotionally equivalent to loss of loved ones (Puls) and in ailments from hearing bad news. Think of Ign if convulsions or spasms occur after fright.

Opium is a great remedy to eradicate bad effects of shock and fear. which can live in the mind of the survivor for a very long time and indicated when fear persists afterwards. both day and night. The patient becomes afraid if the incident is recalled or the incident comes back continually before the eyes. The face expresses fear and fright. there may be involuntary stool after a fright and trembling or diarrhea may accompany fear. Think of it in children who suffer from complaints due to the fright of their mother during pregnancy or in ailments occurring after morphine intake.

Phosphorus is a valuable remedy for pre-operative anticipation. including dental operations. especially in children. Phosphorus is full of fears and their responsiveness manifests itself by a strong desire for affection. The patient usually has a hemorrhagic tendency and a thirst for icy cold drinks. carbonated drinks. juice. ice or ice cream.

Pulsatilla nigricans is probably indicated in very young children when admission to the ward is emotionally equivalent to the loss of a loved one (Ign) and will also restore the weak. weeping. female equilibrium. Also think of it in fear of seeing the dentist and if the pregnant woman suffers from fear before parturition. Constitutional features will help to choose this remedy. if indicated.

For fear of injections (pins and needles) Silicea and Spigelia are valuable remedies. Silicea is known for its strong fear of needles. but is hunting for sharp objects. Think of these remedies in fear of amniocentesis in pregnant woman.

Zincum metallicum helps patients whose nervousness shows itself by restless feet. The patient is nervous. exhausted. sensitive. easily excited and usually tormenting everybody with his ailments. He is very restless. constantly on the move. trembling and his muscles are twitching.

Pain after operation

Pain is often the first complaint after surgery and here homeopathic remedies supercede morphine which causes severe side effects. disturbs the stomach. stops peristaltic movements and urine and causes sleeplessness. Frequently. the character of pain indicates the seat of the action: pain involving nerves are sharp. shooting. lightning-like; pulsating pain indicates an encapsulated organ; sharp. splinter-like pain an ulcerated mucous membrane or skin; burning pains. the involvement of mucous membranes; dull. boring. gnawing pains that bones are affected and sticking. cutting pains indicate the involvement of serous membranes.

Homeopathic remedies by effect quieting the nerves are Chamomilla and Hypericum.

Aconitum will be of help when the pain is very intense. intolerable. driving to despair or crazy and + anguish and FEAR. The patient screams with pain. Pains are sticking

or tearing and sensations of burning. numbness. tingling. prickling or crawling are marked.

Allium cepa in neuralgic pains that are stitching. burning. tearing. thread-like. violent. almost unbearable and rapidly exhausting the strength of the patient.

Think of All-c in injured nerves due to amputation or surgical intervention and in traumatic neuritis.

Arnica will be of help when there is a sore and bruised feeling all over the body. The person is extremely sensitive to the touch and fears being approached because of this

and complains that the bed feels too hard. It will also relieve the soreness following parturition and promotes proper contraction of the uterus and expulsion of any portions that may have been retained.

Bellis perennis is useful for shock and trauma to internal deeper tissues or organs. especially of the pelvis. and if the patient feels bruised in the pelvic region. Lameness as

if sprained and much muscular soreness. In surgery of the abdominal and pelvic organs. breasts or trunk. gynecological surgery such as a hysterectomy or cesarean section.

the patient will greatly benefit from this remedy. Bell-p is a valuable remedy for heavily bleeding wounds. keloids. injury of nerves with violent pain (Hyper.). intense soreness and intolerance to cold bathing. The pain is unbearable. sore and bruised. worse by motion but often better on continued motion. It is a great childbirth remedy. extremely healing for the trauma and bruising of the cervix and birth canal and to bring back the tonus of the uterus. Think of it when there is the sensation of soreness and bruising in

the pelvic area. when the pregnant woman is unable to walk during pregnancy due to venous stasis or when the abdominal wall is sore during pregnancy or childbirth.

It will also come to the rescue when there is a deep tissue ache and bruising after organ removal. It is sometimes called the “internal Arnica”.

For post-operative pain in the lumbar region. Berberis vulgaris is said to be the remedy. Look for confirmatory symptoms.

Chamomilla is a valuable remedy for acute pain syndromes andwill be of help when aggressive pain is accompanied by intense irritability. numbness of affected parts and hot sweat. It is a major pain reliever for patients who are easily angered and oversensitive to pain. fretful and moody. The patient is beside himself. snappish. weeping and whining. peevish. ugly. uncivil. restless. impolite and impatient. It is valuable for muscular and nerve pain and especially in the aftermath of injury in children. The pain is unbearable – the patient cannot stand the pain and groans all of the time. Think of it for teething children who want to be carried around and want something. but then throw it back to you if you offer it. They may have one pale and one red cheek. Chamomilla is a valuable remedy for colic from anger. menstrual cramps. uterine hemorrhages of dark blood with labor-like pains and for painful labor spasms during delivery. especially when the pain is shooting upward or passing off down the inner aspect of the thigh. It is also useful for post-partum pains when the patient has stood a good deal. is hypersensitive and worn out. Think of Chamomilla for a toothache that is worse from warm applications and aggravates between 9 p.m. and midnight and to make the tolerance for dental drilling and grinding easier in both child and adult.

China shall be mentioned here because it is a valuable post operative remedy and has also strong anti-neuralgic properties. Neuralgias and pains are ameliorated by hard pressure and worse from slight touch and foggy weather. Pain may be sore or as if bruised. There is an excessive tenderness and sensitiveness of the nervous system. with a morbid sensation of general weakness and excessive. almost painful. sensitiveness of the skin of the whole body. Periodicity is marked. symptoms may be < every 2^nd day.

Coffea is one of the best pain relievers when pain is accompanied by nervous excitement and intolerance of pain (Acon. Cham. Coff). All kinds of pain are severe and intolerable. driving the patient to despair and possibly accompanied by fear of death. so that the patient is tossing about in anguish (Acon). It will be of help when the pain

is intense. stitching. burning. with redness and heat of the skin and possibly skin eruptions. Tension pain is characteristic; the pain is exhausting. disappears suddenly and < noise and draft. Coffea will relieve intermittent. jerking toothache > holding ice water in the mouth but returns when water becomes warm. Think of Coffea in ailments with

# laughing and weeping and for labor pains accompanied by extreme fear of death.

Hypericum perforatum is to lacerations what Arnica is to bruises. It is called the ‘Arnica of the nerves’ because it is a major first-aid remedy for nerve pain and damage.

and traumatized sensory nerves. It heals injured areas which have a rich nerve supply. such as hands and feet. fingers and toes (crushed fingers or toes) and coccyx injuries even many years after the trauma. Hypericum is useful for punctured. incised and lacerated wounds and when tissues are almost entirely separated from the body.

For wounds that are particularly painful and very sensitive to the touch. The pain is violent and intolerable. stitching. shooting. lancinating. intermittent. extending along

nerves and radiating to different parts of the body or over the whole body. It will relieve nerve pain that is burning. stinging. shooting. throbbing and more tenderness about the wound than the appearance would indicate.

Hypericum perforatum

It serves well after nerve trunks have been handled. stretched or when nerves have been cut through or bruised – here it will lessen pain. partial paralysis and palsy.

In paresis of the arm. when the patient has been inadvertently or unavoidably placed on the operating table with the upper extremity under the body producing postural paresis. Hypericum will come to the rescue. Also in paresis caused by entanglements of nerves in scars. when numbness remains after injury of nerves in the area of the operation scar. in facial paralysis resulting from forceps delivery (when Arnica fails). after laparotomy. amputation and phantom limb pain. lumbar puncture. brain or spinal operations and injuries. especially of the coccyx (after childbirth!). It is one of the main remedies for Tetanus prophylaxis (Arnica. Ledum). often superior to Arnica before or after tooth extraction and valuable as a post-operative remedy due to its analgesic properties. Hypericum is said to be superior to morphine after operations. It may be indicated where shock is due to pain.

Magnesium phosphoricum called the ‘homeopathic aspirin’ and is of special value in neuralgic pains relieved by warmth. heat and pressure and worse from cold. Irritable and oversensitive. sobbing and lamenting. He laments constantly about the pain with hiccoughs and the pain is driving him to frenzy. The pains are sharp. cutting. cramping and spasmodic. shooting. stabbing. lightening-like. come and go suddenly. rapidly changing place and causing restlessness and prostration.

Rhus toxicodendron will relieve restlessness. great rigidity. stiffness and soreness (especially in joints) after surgery when the patient cannot lie in one place and must change the position frequently to obtain relief from pain. The person feels better once he has overcome the initial stiffness. The pain is as if something were disrupted or as if sprained. as if a muscle or tendon was torn from its attachment or as if bones were scraped with a knife and affected parts are sore to the touch. The patient is very irritable. anxious at night and cannot stay in the bed. He may have a triangular red tip on his tongue. All symptoms are worse by humidity. when beginning to move and from resting. better with heat and continued motion.

Ruta graveolens will be of help in bone and periostal pain in and after surgery (including dental surgery) or when there is deep stiffness felt in the joints and muscles after surgery. Think of Ruta when there is a bruised. lame. sore. aching sensation all over the body. as after a fall or blow. and worse in the limbs and joints. All parts of the body upon which the patient lies are painful as if bruised. the patient is physically restless. tosses and turns in bed and there is a feeling of intense lassitude. weakness and despair.

It has special affinity for fibrous tissue. flexors. tendons. joints. ankles. wrists. cartilage. periosteum. uterus and skin.

Staphysagria is a powerful vulnerary after operations. clean cuts from surgical incisions or mechanical injuries from sharp cutting instruments. especially when followed by colic and painfulness. It is often indicated when neuralgic pain persists at the area of surgical incision. especially if the operation concerns the abdominal area. the lesser pelvis or genitalia. including circumcision or operations to correct phimosis. or after invasive procedures through sphincter muscles (like rectoscopy. urethroscopy. tracheoscopy or panendoscopy). The pain is strong. burning and stinging like the cutting of a knife and accompanied by sensation of coldness and congestion of the head. The patient is usually oversensitive. ill humored. irritable and angered. and possibly dwelling on sexual matters. Staphysagria is an important remedy for deep or painful wounds that bleed a lot. for the chronic effects of wounds and a good remedy to prevent peritonitis following abdominal surgery. Given before surgery it will allay the pain and prevent inflammation. Think of Staph for aggressive pain and slow healing wounds after organ removal or amputation with stitching. tearing pain along nerves.

Painful injections

Ledum and Hypericum the main remedies for painful injections.

If the pain in a puncture wound or after lumbar puncture is severe. Hypericum will come to the rescue. Pain is violent and intolerable. stitching. shooting. lancinating. intermittent. extending along nerves and radiating to different parts of the body or over the whole body.

Ledum is of value in acute pain in an injection sight when a part feels numb and cold. is swollen. pale and stained and when pain is ameliorated by cold applications.

It is also useful for abscesses occurring after injection.

Calendula and Apis should be considered also in puncture wounds. Burning. stinging. redness and swelling as well as aggravation from heat. are characteristic for Apis.

Pain after amputation

Allium cepa pain is almost unbearable and driving to despair. burning. stinging and rapidly exhausting.

Arnica sore. bruised feeling and a history of considerable trauma to the muscular structure.

Coffea will cure when there is increased nervous sensitivity and over-irritability of the entire nervous system. Pain is intense. stitching. burning and exhausting. it disappears rapidly and is accompanied by redness and heat of the skin.

Hypericum main remedy for injured. lacerated. cut through or disrupted nerves with violent pain and inflammation. Pain is intolerable. stitching. shooting. lancinating. intermittent. Ext. along nerves and radiating to different parts of the body or over the whole body.

Phosphorus will help in burning neuralgias when pain extends upwards and when neuralgic pain is ameliorated by warmth.

Spigelia anthelmia is a remedy for sharp. piercing. violent and suddenly appearing neuralgias. Pain can also be lancinating. stitching. darting. tearing. boring. burning and radiating (onwards). it is better from pressure and cold applications and worse from movement. touch and jar. It is of special value for injured nerves on the left side.

Staphysagria is a chief remedy andwill be of help when there is stitching or tearing pain along nerves. It is of special value for pain after amputation of fingers.

Symphytum will be of help in amputation neuralgia or injury of nerves when there is irritability of an amputation stump or of bones at the point of fracture with prickling or stitching pain. which is worse by touch.

Further mainly indicated remedies are Acon. Asaf. Calen. Ph-ac.

Nausea, vomiting and gastritis

Mainly indicated homeopathic remedies are Nux-vomica. Ipecacuanha. Arsenicum album and Phosphorus.

Think of Arsenicum in violent and incessant vomiting after eating or drinking cold water. especially when followed by severe muscular weakness. Vomiting may be accompanied by burning pain in the stomach and offensive diarrhea and there is frequent thirst for small quantities of cold water. The person is averse to the sight or smell

of food. suffers from fear of death and thinks it is pointless to take any treatment. He is usually chilly. extremely fatigued and exhausted from the slightest effort. irritable. anxious. and restless and fears being alone. Symptoms are usually worse at night – especially after midnight.

In Bismuthum subnitricum vomiting occurs as soon as water reaches the stomach. or as soon as it gets warm in the stomach. The patient complains about severe cramps or burning in the stomach or abdomen and there is an incredible stomachache accompanied by anxiety and thirst for icy cold drinks in large quantities. Always wants company and fears death and to be alone. Symptoms are better by bending backwards and rubbing or massage of the back. It is of special value when vomiting appears after an abdominal operation (particularly after laparotomy). in post-operative vomiting. especially of liquids. with great anguish of mind and restlessness.

Cocculus indicus is of help when there is nausea and disgust from thought. sight or smell of food. nausea with vertigo or faintness and dryness of the pharynx. Nausea is felt in the head with a tendency to vomit and the patient can hardly rise because of weakness. Retching may occur from smell or even talk of food. Symptoms are worse from riding in a car and from getting cold.

Colchicum autumnale will be of help when sight. smell and even thought of food causes disgust for food and nausea (especially fat. meat. sauce and fish). There may be vomiting of food. bile. slime and water and the patient may faint from the smell of cooked food and fresh eggs. There is an icy coldness or burning pain in stomach. exhaustion and sudden loss of strength. tendency to collapse with blue lips. nose. ears and nails and cold. sticky sweat.

Ferrum metallicum helps when there is postoperative vomiting induced by and occurring immediately after eating or at night (especially after cold water). Think of Ferr-m when vomiting occurs after tonsillectomy. There is intolerance of eggs.

Ipecacuanha is one of the main remedies for stomach and intestinal problems following narcosis and of value after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Most of acute complaints commence with constant. continuous. persistent nausea and just the thought of food gags the patient. There is disgust for all types of food and possibly vomiting

of food or bile. which occurs immediately after eating and is often accompanied by a headache. Vomiting does not relieve and the stomach feels as if sinking down or hanging. The patient is weak and cold. breathing possibly accelerated. His own saliva nauseates him. A clean tongue. profuse saliva and thirstlessness are characteristic features of this remedy. There may be yellow green or grass green diarrhea. full of mucus.

Nux vomica will be of help when the patient suffers from nausea and violent retching without actual vomiting. There may be vomiting. sour and bitter. and there is much belching. Symptoms appear especially after improper eating or over-indulgence in spicy foods or alcoholic drinks. Nausea is worse in the morning and from eating.

chilly. irritable. angry and constipated. He feels that vomiting would alleviate. he puts fingers down his throat and feels “that if he could only be sick he would be better”.

It is helpful for the bad effects of all kinds of drug mixtures including excessive use of medicines and narcotics.

Phosphorus is indicated when nausea and vomiting are caused by chloroform narcosis (anesthesia) and given before an operation it will remove the tendency. There is gastritis with burning heat in the stomach and craving for icy cold drinks or cold milk. which is vomited after a while. when it gets warm in the stomach (after 15-20 min). He does need to drink great amounts of water again to recover from exhausting and painful vomiting. Vomitus may be green or bloody. Symptoms are aggravated by warmth but everything > cold – the colder the better.

For nausea after radiation think of Ars. Cadm-s. Ip. Nux-v. Sol (Murphy).

Constipation. diarrhea. distension and flatulence

Diarrhea seldom troubles the patient after an operation unless he is a chronic sufferer. Constipation. on the other hand. is often the “gift” of surgery with no movements

of bowels. Especially in abdominal or gynecological operations there is slowed down, abnormal bowel function. Homeopathy will be of great help if constipation. diarrhea. distension. collection of gases. flatulence. bloating and pain appear after surgery.

Diarrhea

Aloe socotrina will cure when there is involuntary and sudden diarrhea. watery. mixed with gas. and which drives the patient out of bed in the morning (at 6 a.m.).

There is also urging for stool immediately after eating. after each bite or after drinking. involuntary stool during flatus or when urinating. Stool is accompanied by gurgling

and rumbling noises in the stomach. It is preceded by pain in the hypogastrium and relieved after the stool. When the desire for stool is felt, the patient rushes to evacuate as the sphincters so weak that the patient cannot hold back the passage. Stool may be lumpy like sheep’s dung. mixed with watery stool and gelatinous lumps. very offensive

and possibly bloody. The patient tends to be very weak after the movements of bowels and suffers from irritability. a burning sensation in the anal region and the sensation

of paralysis and insecurity in the rectum – there is no sensation during the passing of a stool or it is as if the stool passes with flatus. Physical symptoms also include burning pain after flatus and the presence of excess gases in the abdomen along with a constant feeling of fullness and dragging in the abdominal region.

Arnica Montana will be of help in diarrhea or constipation with offensive flatus like rotten eggs. when bowel functions are affected by traumatic shock – provided Arnica symptoms are present.

Arsenicum album is useful in the treatment of diarrhea in a patient suffering from a persistent burning sensation in the anal and abdominal regions and the constant urge to excrete. Diarrhea is often painless and the patient is possibly affected by persistent nausea. Stools are watery. very offensive and excoriating and the patient excretes much stool streaked with dark mucus. Diarrhea is followed by extreme weakness. coupled with chilliness. restlessness. Anxiety, fear of death and burning thirst for small sips of fluids or water. < around midnight.

Bellis perennis may have yellow painless diarrhea with putrefactive odor. worse at night and accompanied by a sore and bruised sensation in the area of the pelvis.

Calendula will be of help in diarrhea with flatulence when accompanied by vomiting and excoriated anus. There may also be constipation with flatulence. Think of it when other symptoms also point to this remedy.

China officinalis will be of help when the patient suffers from painless. involuntary diarrhea with violent purging during the day. (immediately) after eating or at night (more

in chronic cases). Stool is profuse and gushing. watery. yellow. colorless or dark. undigested. and accompanied by belching. passing flatus and bitter taste in mouth.

The abdomen may be distended with gas and very sore upon the slightest pressure. Passing gas does not ameliorate. The patient complains about great physical weakness. trembling. gargling and gnarling in the abdomen. Tends to have a very pale face with the presence of dark circles under the eyes and he desires usually sour. acid fruits and food.

Croton tiglium diarrhea that is forcibly expelled in one sudden gush (Aloe. Gamb) of copious. liquid or pappy stools. Stool is followed by great exhaustion.

Podophyllum will cure when profuse. painless (or sometimes painful) and exhausting diarrhea + a queasy feeling in the epigastrium and rumbling sensation all over the abdominal region. It is usually followed by cutting pains in the intestines and an empty. sick feeling in the abdomen. The stool is watery or yellow. frequent. gushing and mixed with gases – like water from a tap hole. or. greenish and dysenteric. The rectal region of the individual tends to be excoriated and is often prolapsed into the cavity. Diarrhea appears after eating and drinking and especially in the (early) morning. Bilious temperament and weakness are characteristic. the patient thinks he is going to die.

Sulphur is to be used in persons suffering from violent and urgent diarrhea at around 5 a.m. There may be persistent urging. constant colic sensations. severe itching and crawling sensations. along with persistent burning in the very raw anal region. The person often suffers from a prolapsed anal cavity. The stool is lienteric. mushy and frothy from the mucus content. They have the odor of rotten eggs and the individual also tends to suffer from a very bad body odor. He often becomes hot as a result of the diarrhea. suffers from an empty sensation in the stomach and has an increased appetite at around 11 h.

Veratrum album is of value for patients suffering from very profuse and painful diarrhea (sometimes painless). + cutting colic. cold sweats (forehead). coldness and possibly with simultaneous vomiting. The stool is very watery and green or blackish with a lot of flakes (known as “rice water stool”) and followed by collapse. extreme weakness or faintness. The patient has a strong craving for cold drinks and sour. acid fruits and is averse to warm food or drinks of any kind.

Diarrheas after opium derivatives often call for Mur-ac. Nat-m. Nux-v. Pulsatilla

Constipation

Alumina will be of help when there is terrible constipation and dryness of the intestinal tract. the patient must strain much. There is much pressing and pain in the rectum.

Stool hard and knotty like sheep’s dung. scanty. very difficult to expel and sometimes mixed with blood. The patient suffers from weakness. worse by walking. He desires

to lie down which however increases the weariness. Chilliness. but aggravation from warmth and aggravation of symptoms in the morning are typical. Think of it during pregnancy and in children when no other remedy is indicated.

Bryonia alba will cure persistent constipation with dryness of all mucous membranes and intense thirst for large quantities of cold drinks. Constipation is caused by lack of secretion in the intestines and there is no desire. Stool is hard and dry. as if burnt. and must be removed mechanically. Pressing causes congestion to the head and a sensation of numbness. Constipation is often accompanied by a headache and is worse in the morning. from motion. in hot weather and after getting warm or from cold drinks.

Heat and burning pain may appear after a painful stool. The tongue is usually covered with a thick white coating in gastric ailments. but may also be dry. brown. yellow

or dirty. especially in the middle. Think of Bryonia if constipation appears after delivery or after abuse of drugs and medicines.

Causticum when there is long-standing constipation without stool and unsuccessful urging for stool. and when stool passes easier when standing. Stool is painful and accompanied by anxiety and redness of the face.

China constipation and long-standing accumulation of hard feces in the rectum. especially when occurring after loss of vital fluids. childbirth or abuse of laxatives.

Hydrastis canadensis may be indicated when there is long-standing constipation and aggravation by laxatives. especially when there is unsuccessful urging for stool with

the feeling that feces do not even reach the rectum. Stools are coated with mucus due to the catarrhal condition of the mucous membranes and there is an empty. gone

feeling in the stomach. Patients are usually weak and emaciated. suffering from marasm or cancerous diseases. Profuse. ropy. stringy discharges from mucous membranes

are characteristic and may be white or yellow.

Natrium muriaticum patient suffers from constipation. incomplete. unsatisfactory and remaining stool. The stool hard. dry and crumbly like sheep’s dung or albuminous. Constipation can be very painful and may alternate with diarrhea. Look for other confirmatory symptoms such as excessive moisture or dryness anywhere in the body

or a mapped tongue.

Nux-vomica: Constipation a feature and is usually accompanied by congestion of blood to the head. The more straining. the more difficult it is to pass. and despite great

effort. only a little stool passes (the patient often reads while sitting on the toilet). There is long-standing constipation with frequent but ineffectual urging and the sensation

as if the anus were constricted. with subsequent loss of urging. Constipation is caused by the irregular peristaltic action of intestines – hence the frequent ineffectual desire

for stool. Nux vomica patients are usually chilly and irritable and often wake from sleep at three or four a.m. and only sleep half of that time until the morning.

Constipation may alternate with diarrhea. especially after abuse of laxatives. After antibiotics. narcotics or other medicines were given.

Opium will be indicated when there is reflectoric damage of bowels and elimination functions. or even ileus after operation or trauma. with red face. a swollen. hard abdomen and copremesis. Constipation without urging for stool is common. or there may be violent. pressing pain in the rectum. Stool has to be removed mechanically. is hard and round like black balls. dark brown. black or gray and crumbling and the feces protrude and recede. Laxatives do not have any effect. Constipation may alternate with diarrhea.

Usually warm blooded and lacks vitality. the skin is sweaty and there is hot perspiration over the whole body (except lower limbs). Think of it in newborns after the mother received analgesics/morphine during birth.

Plumbum metallicum will be of help when constipation is of the most severe type. Neither feces nor wind passes and the rectum is paralyzed.

Selenium when constipation is due to inactivity of the rectum and when there is unsuccessful urging for stool. Stool is hard. massive and difficult to expel despite strong pressing. and requires mechanical support.

Distension and flatulence

Carbo animalis is a useful remedy for flatulent distension after abdominal operations with > flatus and eructations (like Carb-v. opposite to China).

Carbo vegetabilis will help patients who suffer from distension in the afternoon. after stool. after eating small quantities of food. Even food that is easy to digest causes

much flatulence. distension and retained flatus. The upper abdomen (stomach and hypochondria) is distended and single parts of the bowels are like tumors temporarily. Belching. passing flatus and carbonated drinks ameliorate. Flatus is very offensive. hot and wet and possibly accompanied by involuntary stool. Think of it when there is excessive flatulence after abdominal surgery. especially in gastrostomy and gastroenterostomy. It will also release trapped wind inside the body after endoscopic procedures. which inflate the body slightly to facilitate movement of instruments. provided symptoms agree.

China officinalis will be of help when there is gas pain after operation or a distended abdomen. possibly with stomachache and diarrhea. It is as if all kinds of food are converted into gas. the abdomen looks like a pyramid almost ready to burst. and this accumulation of flatus passes neither up nor down. There may be a release of a large quantity of gas. with gripping pain. Usually the entire (or lower) abdomen is involved. distension is painful and <: morning/after anger/eating; and not > eructations/(frequent) passing of flatus; It is of special value in cases associated with loss of vital fluids and ailments occurring after the removal of gall bladder.

Colocynthis will cure distension when there is colicky pain that is relieved by pressure on the abdomen. on bending double and drawing up the limbs.

Dioscorea villosa is useful when there is abdominal distension. flatulence after eating. cramping pain in the area of the navel and paroxysmal colic’s <: lying/bending double;

>: stretching the body/massage of the back; The patient wants to stretch or bend backwards.

Lycopodium suffers from tympanitic distension of the abdomen with flatulence. rumbling of gas in the bowels and it is hardly possible to breathe. Everything that is eaten causes distension -the first bite- and the patient cannot continue to eat. Distension appears especially in the afternoon and evening. after stool and eating. Flatus and eructations not > or only for a short time. Usually the lower abdomen is distended and the abdomen is sensitive to pressure. Feet are cold and there are sour eructations. ailments from eating until satiation. or fullness after eating – even after the first bite. The patient is likely to get a late afternoon period of aggravation. the well-known 16 – 20 h.

Think of Lycopodium when flatulence appears after surgery. especially gallbladder operations.

Magnesium phosphoricum will help the patient who suffers from flatulent colic and colicky pain in the abdomen. forcing him to bend double. ameliorated by heat. warmth and pressure.

Opium is indicated when the abdomen is distended (area of the stomach or navel with pressing pain in the lower abdomen as if bursting). > movement. but recurring on sitting. Distension with flatulence. anti-peristaltic movements. eructations and vomiting + anxiety. inner heat and stupor. Bowels seem to be closed with constant urging for stool and urination.

When wind does not pass for a long time. neither upwards nor downwards. especially after abdominal surgery. think of Raphanus sativus. There is violent distension;

the abdomen is very hard and painful on pressure (hypogastrium). Feels that he will suffocate from the large swelling of his abdomen – which begins at the stomach. Constipation or diarrhea may be present. Raph may also be indicated in ileus. provided symptoms agree.

Staphysagria is indicated when colic and nausea appear after abdominal surgery and are worse after eating or drinking. during urging for stool and accompanied by urging to urinate. There may be colic with gnawing. stitching. biting pain. incarcerated flatus and a sensation of trembling in the inner organs. It may be indicated in post-op ileus.

Terebinthinae oleum has excessive meteorism with extreme sensitivity to touch. frequent colic. constipation with perspiration on legs and a rapid pulse. Pain in the intestines may cause frequent micturation.

Shock. collapse and coma

Shock is a medical emergency in which the organs and tissues of the body are not receiving an adequate flow of blood. which deprives them of oxygen and allows the buildup of waste products. This can result in serious damage or even death. Shock can be caused by several major categories of problems: cardiogenic. hypovolemic. anaphylactic or septic shock. It is recognized by pallor of the skin. a cold and clammy surface. weakness and prostration of the patient. relaxed muscles. a rapid but weak pulse and labored respiration. Often indicated remedies are Aceticum acidum. Camphor. Carbo vegetabilis. Strontium carbonicum. Veratrum album.

Aceticum acidum is of great use if collapse or slowly progressing weakness and prostration occur after traumatic shock. operations. anesthetics or injuries. There is excessive wasting and debility with vertigo and faintness; eyes are sunken and surrounded by dark rings. The patient suffers from insatiable thirst for large quantities of temperate water. worse at night. and he cannot tolerate cold drinks (but there is thirstlessness during fever). This remedy is an antidote to all anesthetic vapors. (cancer. aids. opium addiction. emaciating diseases or hemorrhages of any origin). Anemia and water retention with thirst are very characteristic.

Aconitum napellus will come to the rescue in injuries with fright. possibly followed by fever. when there is anxiety. fear of death and great restlessness. Symptoms begin suddenly and are violent. All senses are excessively keen. the patient is chilly when uncovered. feet are cold and the patient faints when rising from a recumbent position. Palpitations are common and the pulse is usually tense and thread-like. Think of Acon in shock from fright and septic shock.

Arnica montana is a traumatic remedy par excellence and indicated for trauma in all its varieties: Mental. emotional or physical and their effects recent or remote.

It is homeopathy’s “Miracle Remedy” in any injury. accident or acute trauma. surgery. dental work. chiropractic adjustment. Also called the “Sportsman’s Remedy”.

It is useful in preventing traumatic shock or collapse and disturbances caused by operations or injuries. The patient feels usually bruised and sore and denies being ill or

that there is anything wrong. although he is acutely ill (he really does not feel anything because of the release of endorphins from the shock). He sends the doctor away

and wants to be alone. The pulse is usually slow and weak. If the patient lies in a stupor. can be aroused. answers correctly and slips back into a coma. possibly accompanied by involuntary stool and urine. then Arnica will come to the rescue.

Arsenicum album will help in shock of injury when there is sudden collapse and danger to life due to acute collapse and heart failure. There is extreme. sudden weakness out of proportion to the disease. The skin is cold. pinched and livid. Sudden collapse may appear after diarrhea or during/after vomiting. Burning pain. coldness. restlessness. anxiety and thirst for water little and often are prominent features of this remedy. The patient wants external heat and cannot bear a breath of air. Symptoms usually < at night (after midnight).

Calcium carbonicum in case of septic shock from bone and other suppurations. There is a constant feeling of heat and coldness. with or without shivering. withered skin and emaciation. The patient who benefits from this remedy sweats from any exertion – even mental exertion – is constantly anxious about his affairs and usually phlegmatic.

Hands and feet are cold and damp.

Camphora is a state of collapse with coldness. cramps. convulsions. mental anguish and lividity. Collapse is accompanied by anxiety. restlessness. and external coldness with internal burning heat. There is icy coldness of the whole body and the surface cold and clammy. The patient is very sensitive to cold and touch. yet he does not want to be covered and throws off all the covers. The patient suffers from sudden weakness. congestion to the head and chest. chill and chattering teeth (this condition is often found

in cholera). The skin is marbled; nails bluish. face pale or bluish. and lips are bluish and livid. Skin and breath are cold and inhaled air seems cold; respiration is slow and the patient sighs; the tongue and lips may tremble. Think of Camphora when there is weakness. especially after injuries or operations. with a rapid. feeble pulse. great sensitivity

to cold. tendency to diarrhea from shock. and exhaustion with nervous anxiety and stupefaction of the mind. Pain is ameliorated when thinking of it and there is scantiness

or retention of discharges. In acute conditions there is violent thirst. in chronic complaints thirstlessness. It will be of value when there is subnormal temperature and a low blood pressure after operations and in cases with violent convulsions. Also in apparent death and asphyxia of newborns (asphyxia neonatorum).

Carbo vegetabilis is lack of oxygen and this remedy is known as the “great corpse reviver”. It is suitable for acutely collapsed conditions after an operation of the most intense and desperate kind and when there is danger of dying from shock. The patient lies in a stupor and hardly yields to stimulants. He looks like he is dead. but the head is hot. Heart and circulation are weak. the circulation seems to be arrested and stagnant. the pulse is frequent but scarcely perceptible and the breathing is rattling. The patient is weak and exhausted. suffers possibly from hemorrhages of dark blood which are difficult to stop. from flatulent dyspepsia in the upper abdomen and cadaverous stools. There is icy coldness of the whole body with sweat. but aversion to being covered. Blueness and coldness due to lack of oxygen. cold sweat. cold breath. tongue and face. burning (internal burning with external coldness). and a desire for being fanned rapidly and closely are characteristic features of this remedy. There is aggravation from cold but the patient needs to have the windows open. Symptoms are worse by warmth and lying flat. Carb-v is of special value when symptoms occur after loss of blood or in debilitated patients.

China will be of help in threatening collapse and faintness with ringing in the ears. especially when occurring after exhausting hemorrhages. There is general coldness and possibly temporary blindness. the feeling of heat in the cardiac region and of the blood coming warm from the heart. The patient is pale. nervous. agitated. anxious and can hardly breathe. It may be indicated in asphyxia neonatorum and icterus neonatorum. especially when the newborn has lost a great many of blood.

In cardiac shock. heart trouble or bradycardia. with slow and intermittent pulse (every 3^rd. 5^th. 7^th beat missing). think of Digitalis purpurea. There is coldness of the skin. irregular respiration. deathly nausea. a faint-sinking feeling at the pit of the stomach. faint-like weakness and cyanosis with a great desire to take a deep breath to relieve suffocation. There may be the sensation as if the heart would stop if he moves.

Lachesis muta can be indicated in cardiac shock with pain in the heart and a sensation of suffocation. The shock apparently strikes the heart and the patient wants to tear everything away from the throat from anguish. There is rapid gasping and incessant sighing. The Lachesis patient is usually warm-blooded and talkative. suffers from hot flushes and a hemorrhagic tendency. All symptoms are better by free secretions and worse after sleep. or the aggravation wakes the patient from sleep.

Opium will come to the rescue in sudden and complete collapse with cold face and limbs. livid lips. rapid. small and weak pulse (barely perceptible). checked secretions and

an entire cessation of respiration. Pupils are contracted or unchanged with eyes rolled upwards and outward. possibly accompanied by convulsions. It will also come to the rescue when there is coma with complete insensibility. stupor. a blue and livid face. stertorous breathing and sleepiness. Sleep is heavy. stupid and comatose. May suffer

from sleepiness or inability to sleep or from sleeplessness from slight noises and acuteness of hearing. There is lack of vitality and reaction. and general insensibility of the entire nervous system with an inability to react to medicines. Painlessness and sensation of external numbness are very characteristic. The patient neither complains nor requires anything. He is usually warm blooded. the skin is sweaty and there is hot perspiration over the whole body (except lower limbs). Injuries or narcotics may cause ailments.

Think of it in ailments of old people. but also for newborns in apparent death and when children suffer from complaints due to the fright of the mother during pregnancy.

Phosphorus is of benefit when collapse threatens or in case of collapse with cold and pale skin and a feeble and scarcely perceptible pulse. accompanied by stupidity and possibly passing of urine and stool without restraint. The patient usually has a strong hemorrhagic tendency. burning pain and pain extending upwards. Sensation of emptiness or heaviness. external numbness and aggravation of symptoms by cold (except headache and stomachache). in twilight and at dawn. and thirst for icy cold drinks are characteristic features of this remedy. Ailments may appear during convalescence. from loss of vital fluids. after injuries. narcotics or x-ray.

Strontium carbonicum Collapse after surgery is said to be almost a specific. It is called the “surgeon’s remedy” and can be indicated in collapse stage or weakness after surgery. shock or other ailments after surgery and the chronic followings of blood loss or injuries. The remedy picture described in the Materia Medica does not list specific characteristics for the state of collapse. Agrawal writes that it is of use after surgery where there has been much cutting. a great deal of prostration. oozing of blood and almost cold breath and that it will relieve congestion all over the body. “Here Carbo vegetabilis will not give you desired results. Strontiana Carb is what is required.”

Kent recommends a 200c.

Other prominent symptoms flushing in the face and violent pulsation of the arteries. congestion to heart. lungs and head. The distinctive feature about these states is that

they are better by warmth and wrapping up and worse by cold.

Sulphuricum acidum will come in collapse with restlessness and a cold sweat. There is an irregular and finally suppressed pulse. The appearance of the patient resembles

the collapsed stage of cholera: extremities are livid. feet cold and clammy. the pulse is gone.

Tabacum when there is cold sweat. constant deadly nausea. giddiness and a cold body. especially the legs. The pulse is usually irregular. small. slow and feeble.

Veratrum album indicated for surgical shock with cold perspiration on the face and forehead – which accompanies nearly every complaint. Coldness. weakness. violence

and suddenness run throughout this remedy as well as profuseness of all discharges leading to prostration and collapse. Features are deathlike and the pulse is thread-like.

rapid and feeble. There is sudden. extreme weakness. blueness and icy coldness of the body or various parts (especially extremities) and the surface is cold and clammy.

The breath is cold and the face pale and sunken. There is profuse sweat. extreme pain and possibly delirium and terror. Collapse may appear with or after vomit or there is simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea with subsequent collapse. The patient may faint on least motion or exertion and has a thirst for large quantities of cold drinks or water.

The abdomen feels cold and chilliness increases by drinking. Symptoms may arise from internal bleeding or visceral hemorrhages. It must not be given too low as it is dangerous lower than a 3x.

Hemorrhages

Hemorrhages may involve internal and external bleeding and should be stopped as soon as possible as there is a danger of the person going into shock.

Aconitum will come to the rescue in acute hemorrhages of bright red blood when accompanied by anxiety. panic and fear of death. restlessness. possibly concomitant fever and thirst.

Hemorrhage is mainly prevented by pre-operative administration of Arnica which should be given before and after surgery. If there is any risk of a large loss of blood or the patient undergoes intravenous therapy. Arnica will help to prevent or reduce bleeding. It prevents blood from pooling under the skin and will minimize surgical shock that

can cause cardiovascular problems. Afterwards. it stimulates extravasated and stagnating blood on injured places to move on. so that it gets absorbed into the circulation.

This relieves swelling. pressure and pain of damaged areas. Fresh blood is enabled to reach the damaged area with healing and nurturing properties. The healing process is promoted and inflammation. suppuration and sepsis are prevented.

Belladonna is a valuable remedy for arterial injuries and hemorrhages of a sudden onset and with bright red. gushing and easily coagulating blood that feels hot to the parts

it passes. The pulse is usually full. rapid and bounding. Belladonna is useful in all forms of disorders that are congestive. intense and characterized by throbbing pains or pulsation. Think of it in uterine bleedings with bearing down pains.

Calendula is of great value in wounds that do not heal readily and continue to hemorrhage. It can even stop severe hemorrhages (also after tooth extraction) and can be given in potency or mother tincture. The stronger the hemorrhage the stronger the M.T. solution needs to be. Normally the mixture is 1:10 but may be prepared 1:1 in severe bleeding.

In case of blood transfusion and the risk of acquiring other people’s miasm, Carcinosinum may be of benefit as it covers all miasms. Also think of Thuja and look to see whether upcoming symptoms point to one of these remedies.

Carbo vegetabilis is a remedy for continuous passive hemorrhages and is especially useful for external or internal hemorrhages from any mucous outlet in broken down. debilitated subjects or when the vital force is exhausted due to loss of vital fluids. The blood is thin. fetid and black. passively flowing and steadily oozing.

The pulse is usually rapid and weak. Other confirmatory symptoms of this remedy are distension of the upper abdomen. flatulence. eructations. weakness and coldness.

China may be indicated during re-convalescence when the organism has been weakened by loss of blood. other vital fluids or by severe infections. The patient is pale. thirsty. perspires much and is disposed to hemorrhages. It will cure intermittent. profuse and exhausting hemorrhages. internal. passive oozing or bleeding from any orifices – even when long-standing. Blood is dark. blackish and clotted. Bleeding is accompanied by congestion. inflammation and subsequent edema. Loss of blood may be accompanied by ringing in the ears. anemia. weakness. flatulence and bloating. faintness and coldness and there is great irritability from nervous prostration. The person may become apathetic and indifferent. gets exhausted from slight exertion. is sensitive to draft and desires warmth. Periodicity of symptoms is characteristic.

Crotalus horridus is also characterized by a strong tendency to hemorrhages especially in advanced diseases. Blood is bright red or dark. not coagulated. decomposed. fluid and it turns black. There is sudden weakness and great prostration of the vital force and the patient gets tired easily from the slightest exertion. There is a tendency to sepsis and gangrene.

Crocus sativus we find passive congestion with dark. black or tar-like. tenacious. viscid. stringy. clotted blood with long strings of dark blood hanging down from the bleeding orifice. The bleeding is worse from any motion. This remedy has a hysterical manifestation with changeable moods and the peculiar sensation as if there is something alive inthe abdomen or chest.

Ferrum metallicum in hemorrhagic tendency and especially in bleeding from the uterus (all Ferrum’s). The blood is bright red. dark or black. watery. often mixed with coagula. There is pallor of the face with alternating flushing. labored breathing and the pulse is increased in frequency and strength. The patient suffers from great lassitude

and debility. There’s flushing. loss of appetite with aversion to food and the patients is usually constipated.

Ferrum phosphoricum is indicated in hemorrhages of shining. bright red blood from any orifice and often works well if no other remedy seems to be indicated. Discharges

are bloody and there is congestion with weakness and great prostration. The muscles are so weak that the patient can hardly walk around and desires to lie down. which ameliorates. The patient suffers from false plethora. easy flushing and a throbbing headache with excitement. The pulse is usually short. quick. full. soft and flowing.

It is often called for after ENT operations to control bleeding and relieve soreness.

Hamamelis virginica is called the Aconitum of the venous system and is a useful remedy for venous congestion and passive venous hemorrhages. phlebitis. varicose veins. varicose ulcers and profusely bleeding hemorrhoids with a burning sensation. The blood is dark and mixed with dark clots or it does not coagulate. Hamamelis will be of help for ailments after surgery and traumatic injuries when hemorrhages are accompanied by a hammering headache and a sore pain all over the body or in the suffering parts. as if bruised. The patient is exhausted. mentally and physically tired and averse to work but not agitated or nervous about the hemorrhage. i.e. he has a quiet mind. He is proud and wants respect. It is one of the main remedies for open. painful wounds accompanied by weakness due to loss of blood and also of help for hemorrhages during and after parturition when there is venous flow. dark and possibly bright red in between. Think of it also when there is recurrent bleeding during pregnancy or threatening abortion.

Also used on veins and hemorrhoids to relieve discomfort after surgery. It is said to be superior to morphine after operations.

Ipecacuanha is useful for bleeding from any orifice or organ if bright red. profuse. coagulated. gushing and with steady flow -active or passive- especially when accompanied by nausea. disproportionate weakness. hard labored breathing and fainting. The patient is usually irritable and thirstless. has cold skin and sweat. and a clean tongue (or only thin white coating). It is a remedy for narcotic and morphine addiction. for the followings of narcotics and injuries or inflammation of mucous membranes.

Kreosotum hemorrhagic diathesis and indicated for passive hemorrhages with dark. brown. offensive. clotted blood. It is of help for small wounds that bleed freely and

easily. but passively. as well as for the persistent oozing of dark. slightly coagulated blood after tooth extraction. The continuous flow may cause fainting and collapse.

Lachesis will be of help in hemorrhages of dark red or blackish. thin. non-coagulated and decomposed blood. It can be given prophylactically and will be of special value when typical Lachesis symptoms are present. i.e. when the patient is warm blooded. loquacious. suffers from hot flushes and a hemorrhagic tendency. Symptoms are worse after sleep and better for free secretions. Think also of Lachesis for profuse hemorrhages after a tooth extraction.

Ledum has a specific action on hematomas after traumas especially in cases with long remaining discoloration after injuries (black or blue). It works deeper than Arnica and will finish what Arnica has started.

Millefolium different kinds of hemorrhages and indicated for wounds. which bleed profusely. for wounds that do not heal due to constant bleeding. or when the wound is closed but bright red bleeding continues to appear from the margins. Think of it also in profuse. bright red. fluid hemorrhages from any orifices. after a fall from a high place

or after violent exertion. in bleeding from nose. lungs. uterus. after labor. miscarriage or abortion. It is especially of value if organs are injured. when there is internal bleeding and in hemorrhages of a mechanical origin. Hemorrhages are usually painless and without a fever. It can be given prophylactically before surgery (Lach. Phos) and useful as preventative in post-partum hemorrhage.

Phosphorus is a valuable remedy to stop hemorrhages after operations. including tooth extraction and delivery. The blood is bright red. thin and not coagulated; bleeding is intermittent and flows in fits and starts. Phosphorus is often indicated in patients with a tendency to hemorrhage. spontaneous hematoma or hemophilia. The patient complains about epistaxis. small wounds that bleed much and prolonged. or he reports hemorrhages after former tooth extractions or operations. The patient is of a friendly. warm. social and sympathetic nature. has burning pains. a thirst for icy cold drinks and possibly vomits after drinking. It is a valuable remedy for ailments after narcotics.

Sabina officinalis suited to protracted uterine bleeding (after abortion or parturition). and when there is bleeding of bright red fluid blood with dark clots. accompanied by labor like pains.

Secale cornatum will be of help in passive. slowly oozing. painless. dark. black and offensive hemorrhages. It is of value in nervous. thin and scrawny women (uterine bleeding when the blood is thin, watery and fetid, not coagulating. It is indicated when the entire body feels hot and worse from heat and covering. Secale is one of the main remedies for gangrene and gangrenous inflammations (distant parts).

Staphysagria is an important remedy for profusely bleeding wounds. for the followings of blood loss and loss of vital fluids. for the bad after effects of wounds and to promote healing in general.

Strontium carbonicum may be indicated for chronic sequelae of hemorrhages after operations with much oozing of blood. coldness and prostration. Other prominent symptoms of this remedy are flushing in the face and violent pulsation of the arteries. congestion to heart. lungs and head. The distinctive feature about these states is that they are better by warmth and wrapping up and worse by cold.

Sulphuricum acidum is indicated in ecchymosis of a blue-black color and for extensive hematoma and long-standing black or blue spots after Arnica and Ledum have failed. Think of it for wounds with large hematomas or wounds that bleed profusely. are inflamed. burning. swollen and fail to heal. Blood may be black and fluid.

Trillium pendulum stops profuse bleeding after tooth extraction. Also useful when the uterus is bleeding after parturition. especially when cold limbs and a rapid. weak pulse accompany bleeding. The blood is bright red and bleeding is worse on motion. Blood loss may lead to faintness. The patient is usually pale.

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Blood Bank

“Ferrum protoxalate 1x 2 grains t.d.s. serves the purpose of blood transfusions without the ill effects of foreign blood or subcutaneous or intravenous saline.

China 3 or 6 and Ferrum met. Ferrum Phos etc.. may also save lives in acute emergency. Thereafter give Ferrum met 2X and Calcarea Phos3X alternately each b.d. for two weeks or until a blood transfusion is arranged.”[10] If the recommended potencies are not available a 6X can be given alternatively.

Anesthesia and side effects of drugs

Anesthesia has the capacity to lower vitality due to the impression upon the nervous system (especially vasomotoric centres). The most common ailments after anesthesia appear in the digestive tract and find their expression in nausea. vomiting. loss of appetite. constipation or diarrhea. The patient may be drowsy or sleepless or suffers from concentration and memory problems including severe orientation problems and loss of time senses. Mainly the following homeopathic remedies treat bad effects of anesthesia: Acetic acid. Am-caust. Aml-n. Carb-v. Cham. Ip. Nux-v and Phosphorus.

Aceticum acidum is an antidote to all anesthetic vapors and an important remedy to think of for the bad after effects of operations including tooth extraction. chloroform-collapse. traumatic or surgical shock and hemorrhages. The patient is very weak and run down. He suffers from extreme nausea and vomiting. burning pain in stomach with icy cold sweat on forehead; he vomits after any kind of food or drink and has insatiable thirst for large quantities of temperate water. especially at night.

Ammonium causticum is a powerful remedy for the weak heart with slow. intermittent or irregular pulse and of help for the followings of chloroform-narcosis. There is great exhaustion and weakness of muscles with emaciation. Standing is hardly possible and the patient trembles from the least exertion. There may be collapse and possibly hemorrhage from the mouth. nose. eyes and ears. leading to faintness. It may also be indicated in thrombosis.

Amylenium nitrosum can be useful in resuscitating patients sinking under anesthesia (by olfactation).

Antimonium tartaricum is said to prevent bad effects of anesthesia and helps with a wheezy. loose. rattling cough that may follow an ether anesthesia.[11]

The Arsenicum album patient is very hypersensitive (Phos) and needs usually half or even a quarter of the normal recommended dose of drugs and anesthesia. and he is likely to over react because his system is overloaded and his vital energy suppressed. The patient is full of anxiety and fears and fastidious to the point of obsessive compulsiveness. The greatest fear is catching a disease. He is very weak and does not wish to be left alone. often has thirst for small quantities. is restless and angry. Peripheral neuritis or neuropathy may appear as a result of anesthesia[12].

Avena sativa is useful for the withdrawal from morphine. heroine and other opiates. It should be used in a Mother Tincture and low potencies (also think of Apomorphinum hydrochloricum. Ars).

Carbo-vegetabilis is an important remedy for ailments during re-convalescence. after parturition. accidents. for the bad after effects of loss of vital fluids and for exhausting. severe diseases. It will be of help in ailments occurring after operations (especially abdominal surgery). after long lasting anesthetics and abuse of medicines – provided symptoms agrees. There is severe loss of reaction. exhaustion and weakness on the slightest exertion. Also. acute collapse with desire for being fanned rapidly. chilliness. cold sweat. breath. tongue. face and skin and flatulence in the upper part of abdomen.

Chamomilla will be indicated after narcotics. long standing abuse of morphine. opium or cannabis. when the patient gets oversensitive. irritable. thirsty. peevish. restless and impatient. It has been found useful in antidoting the desire for morphine. for nervous reactions to local anesthesia (Cham. Gels) and for oversensitive states and mental irritability appearing from abuse of coffee and narcotics.

One maygive Chloroformum in homeopathic preparation. or the specific anaesthetic,according to isopathic principles. when the patient does not feel well since and when the symptom picture does not clearly point to a remedy. or when well indicated remedies do not act.

Iodium may be indicated in nausea and vomiting caused by chloroform narcosis according to Charette.[13]

Ipecacuanha is one of the main remedies for stomach and intestinal problems following narcosis and of value after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Most of acute complaints commence with persistent nausea and just the thought of food gags the patient. There is disgust for all types of food and possibly vomiting of food or bile. which occurs immediately after eating and is often accompanied by a headache. Vomiting does not relieve and the stomach feels as if sinking down or hanging. The patient is weak and cold. breathing possibly accelerated. A clean tongue. profuse saliva and thirstlessness are characteristic. His own saliva nauseates him. There may be yellow green or grass green diarrhea. full of mucus.

Nux moschata may be indicated after anesthesia. in shock after injury and in abuse of barbiturates. Especially this is the case if the patient is confused. has orientation problems and is sleepy as if in a dream. He is sleepy all the time and cannot keep awake. sleeps deeply. as almost in a coma and is snoring during sleep. The patient has the tendency to faint. especially due to pain or at the sight of blood. Dryness of usually moist inner parts. extreme meteorism after each meal. violent constipation with sleepiness (Op) and dryness of mouth without thirst are characteristic features of this remedy.

Nux vomica is one of the most important remedies in neutralizing the bad effects of narcosis. especially when no other remedy is properly indicated. The patient may have sleep disturbances after an operation and serious concentration and memory problems may develop. It is most often indicated when patients after surgery complain of sleep disturbances: they are sleepy during the day. but cannot sleep at night. wake up at 2-3 a.m. and cannot sleep again. Constipation and chilliness are characteristic. Nux vomicas are very sensitive people who are internally so stressed and fearful before going to surgery that they invariably come out with a lot of side effects. Anesthetics aggravate their already irritated and sensitive nerves. It will also alleviate the negative side effects of allopathic drugs like painkillers or antibiotics. provided symptoms agree.

Opium acts very strongly against hypnotics and narcotics. Think of it when the patient never really recovers after the operation. lies almost unconscious with half closed eyes and does not wish to be disturbed. The patient does not realize what is right or wrong. lies or says yes to everything. When enuresis or any other psychosomatic illness starts after discharge from the hospital. think of Opium – especially if the apparently indicated remedy fails to act. The head is hot and sweaty and there is a light feeling in the head. The face is alternately red hot and pale. the skin feels very dry and the patient may complain about thirst. constipation. and retention of urine or hot sweat during sleep. He sleeps very deeply. snoring. and may stop breathing on going to sleep.

Phosphorus is a valuable remedy for ailments after narcotics and given before surgery it will often prevent complaints. The patient may develop gastric troubles like nausea. vomiting. gastritis. asthma-like symptoms. and stricture of the esophagus. palpitation or arrhythmic states of the heart. other circulatory problems or ailments of the nervous system including disorientation. loss of memory. stupor or weakness. It will help to mitigate the tiredness and unclear feeling in the head after general anesthesia (chloroform narcosis).

Sulphur is one of the main remedies for ailments after suppression. abuse of medicines and vaccinations. It may be indicated in post-traumatic syndrome. metabolic disturbances of the injured. or those freshly operated on when venous stagnation or thrombosis occur and other Sulphur symptoms confirm the choice of this remedy.

Wounds. Scars and Sepsis

In uncomplicated cases. Calendula and Staphysagria are the mainly indicated remedies.

Apis will come to the rescue in puncture wounds that become very sensitive to the touch. red. swollen. edematous and painful. The wound is hot and the pain is usually burning. stitching or piercing and continuous. Cold applications ameliorate. The redness may spread like erysipelas and erysipelas or lymphangitis may develop from wounds or after operations.

Arnica montana promotes healing of wounds and prevents inflammation. suppuration and sepsis. Itis useful in wounds where the injury has more the nature of a bruise. when the parts are blue or brown and when the edges of the wound can be well united. The patient usually feels bruised and sore. Everything the patient lays down on feels extremely hard and the patient has fears of being approached or touched because of his sore and bruised condition. Touch aggravates.

Belladonna may be indicated in wounds where there is a rapid. sudden swelling of a bright red color and red streaks radiate from the site. There is intense. throbbing pain. lymph glands become red and swollen and lymphangitis may develop. It is especially indicated if there is fever. accompanied by flushed face. glaring eyes. dilated pupils. throbbing arteries. hyperesthesia of all senses and an excited mental state with extreme sensitivity to light.

Calcarea fluorica can be indicated for adhesions after surgery. for old scars that begin to itch. resorption of callosities. fistula and keloid scars. Hardened muscles. indurated and stony hard glands with threatening suppuration. as well as bone exostosis. are other characteristic features of this remedy.

Calcarea sulphurica will be of help in suppurating skin affections. The skin is unhealthy or infected. heals slowly and suppurates. The suppuration process does not resolve and there is thick. yellow. bloody pus. It will also cure fistula. suppurating fistula and old discharging wounds. provided symptoms agree. This remedy suits warmer individuals.

Calendula officinalis is a homeopathic antiseptic and excellent healing agent in all traumatic affections. It is the best remedy for abrasions and wounds with or without loss of substance. but with great soreness and pain. It secures primary healing of wounds by first intention. scarless healing. smooth formation of scars. favorable cicatrization with the least amount of suppuration and healthy granulation of the tissues. It inhibits keloid formation. prevents inflammation. suppuration. pyemia. sepsis and gangrene. and counteracts severe pain and loss of blood. Pain may be excessive and out of proportion to the injury due to probable nerve involvement. It is well known for the healing of clean. surgical cuts as well as large and lacerated. torn or jagged looking wounds with loss of tissue. i.e. for wounds in which the two sides cannot be united and where flesh or skin comes off in pieces. The wound is raw. red. inflamed. painful (as if beaten). and the parts around the wound are red with stinging pain in the wound during febrile heat. Think of it in suppurating wounds. ulcers. fractures and in all septic conditions. especially when no other remedy is indicated. It will be of help for thickened skin and old neglected wounds that start to stink. also. when there are wild flesh or keloids. ailments from bad cicatrization. excessive scar tissue and scars with extreme painfulness. phlegmonous erysipelas of traumatic origin. for burns. decubitus. ulcers at the amputation stump. abscesses. fistula and carbuncles. muscle rupture. suppuration. gangrene. granulations. breaking wounds. inflammations due to mechanical trauma. neuritis as a result of lacerated or ragged wounds or from surgical operations. It is ideally used for all neglected. offensive injuries threatening to gangrene and for septic wounds. Also for rupture of the perineum and the injured cervix or uterus in childbirth. wounds from dental operations that do not heal readily and continue to hemorrhage. lacerated scalp wounds. compound skull fractures. operations on the eyes or lids where undue inflammation and suppuration is to be avoided. All are aided by Calendula. The patient should always take a dose of Calendula ahead of time when extensive surgery is needed. especially if the patient is a slow healer. Calendula is not an antiseptic in the true meaning of the word. It inhibits the growth of micro-organisms. thus. germs do not thrive in its presence. It acts well in potency as well as in tincture or lotion applied locally. and both may be administered at the same time. The lotion acts more beneficially when warm. but the action of remedies is speedier and deeper when the remedy is used in water and taken orally. The wound in the majority of cases needs only to be dressed once a day unless it is very acute and there is much inflammation. In the latter case. it is best to leave the gauze on the skin and moisten it with lotion whenever it becomes dry. Only use Calendula on open wounds. never Arnica!

Carcinosinum is reportedly helpful for keloid scars from plastic surgery and reduces the incidence of keloid scars if given pre-operatively.

Echinacea purpurea is an internal antiseptic and can be used when the patient suffers from septic infections. lymphangitic inflammation and lymphangitis. crush injuries or blood poisoning. There is a tendency to malignancy in acute and sub-acute disorders. Consider it especially when there is high septic fever with irregular chills. heats and sweats. shivering in the back and when discharges are foul. The pulse is increasing. but variable. The patient is depressed. confused. weak and nauseated. Echinacea tincture can be applied locally as a cleansing and antiseptic wash for wounds caused by burns. chemical burns. high power current. x-ray (ulcers). freezing or wounds of soft tissue in general (1:10 or even less). It is called the “blood purifier”.

Fluoricum acidum is another remedy for old scars that reopen and for keloid scars. particularly when there are vesicles around the scar or when old scars get sensitive and sore. red and inflamed. are covered or surrounded by itching vesicles and when there is a sensation of heat in the skin. Violent itching is very characteristic. It may be indicated in decubitus. scar strictures. fistula (dental. rectal. lacrimal). adhesions after inflammation. injury. laparotomy. Pain is burning. stitching and there is a strong sensation of heat. The patient has the strong desire to walk in open air but does not get tired. Symptoms are better for cold.

Graphites will be of help when the skin does not heal and any slight injury suppurates easily. It also supports absorption of scar tissue. especially when there are burning pains of old scars. Hard scars. or scars becoming hard strands or knots. old scars breaking up and keloid scars or skin keloids after wounds or operation. scars that cause strictures (especially in early stage of keloids or fibrom) will benefit from this remedy. Typical Graphites symptoms are a discharge around the wound. chilliness. constipation without urging and offensive. large. knotty. undigested stool. Discharges are thick. yellow. white. stringy and honey-like.

Gunpowder is one of the best remedies for sepsis. septic suppurations and blood poisoning. Use low potencies (if there are no other symptoms pointing to another remedy).

Hamamelis is of value for cut. bruised. lacerated wounds. traumatic inflammation (Arn). for open. painful wounds with weakness due to loss of blood and when there is a sore and bruised feeling all over the body.

Hepar Sulphuris and Silicea might be indicated for infected wounds. in general septicemia and inflammations with pus formations.

Think of Hepar sulphuris when wounds bleed profusely. are painful and suppurating. Skin is unhealthy and every little injury suppurates. There is excessive sensitivity of the parts. great sensitivity to pain – possibly with faintness. There are chilly sensations. throbbing in the parts and sharp. sticking. splinter-like pains that are worse at night. from touch. dry cold wind. cold and draft and better by warmth and wrapping up the affected part. Discharges are usually yellow. bloody or fetid and the infection may spread by small pimples that form around the site. The patient is usually oversensitive. chilly. and exhibits a cheesy or fishy odor.

Hypericum is to lacerations what Arnica is to bruises and called the “Arnica of the nerves” because it is a major first-aid remedy for nerve pain and damage and traumatized sensory nerves. It heals injured areas that have a rich nerve supply such as in the hands and feet. fingers and toes (crushed fingers or toes) and coccyx injuries (after childbirth!). even many years after the trauma. Hypericum is useful for punctured. incised and lacerated wounds. when tissues are almost entirely separated from the body and for wounds that are particularly painful. with violent pains far around the wound. traveling along nerves and extending up through the limb. Think of it when numbness remains in the area of the operation scar. Hypericum perforatum will be of help in old scars that are freshly injured. bruised or broken with stitching. tearing pain. It is of special value for painful scars in nerve rich tissues. and for burning and very painful wounds. which are sensitive to the touch. Especially in puncture wounds (after Ledum) if there is extreme sensitivity and when the pain radiates from the site of the wound. It may be required in cases in which lymphangitis develops with red lines or streaks extending up the arms or legs and should be used in piercing wounds from pointed instruments to prevent tetanus.

Lachesis will come to the rescue when the wound is bluish. blackish or purple around the site. heals slowly and bleeds profusely. There may be ulceration with swelling. suppuration or sepsis. decomposition of flesh. gangrene with fever or lymphangitis after injury (also phlebitis. embolia). Old wounds break up easily. The patient is usually loquacious. hot-blooded. restless. uneasy and cannot stand anything tight around the neck. Symptoms are worse after sleep.

Ledum is a specific for puncture or deep piercing wounds inflicted by sharp instruments. Also for painful splinters and thorns. insect stings. and bites from poisonous animals and snakes. Think of it especially in penetrating wounds to the palms and soles of the feet. It will be indicated for cuts. section wounds. injection abscesses. bleeding of the eye. nose or bodily cavities when the wounded parts become livid and feel cold to the touch and to the patient. They are painful. suppurating and bleeding profusely. Blood may be black. There is a lack of vital heat and the patient feels cold even during fever. yet is averse to external warmth and relieved by cold applications. Ledum is a more effective prophylaxis against tetanus than the anti-toxin and no risk of unfavorable serum reaction is incurred.

Myristica Sebifera is also a remedy of great antiseptic powers. it hastens suppuration and shortens its duration. and is a good medicine for stubborn abscesses. It is of value in the treatment of skin. cellular tissue and periosteum. and for the treatment of abscesses. suppurations and traumatic infections. The tongue is white and cracked and there is a coppery taste and burning in the throat. Hands may be stiff. as if squeezing something for a long time. It is called the “homeopathic knife” as much more accurate and faster than a surgeon’s knife (to burst open the wound).

Phosphorus will be of help in small wounds that bleed very much and do not heal but break open again. The blood coagulates with difficulty. Look for other confirmatory symptoms.

Pyrogenium will be of help in wounds. injuries and small cuts that become swollen and inflamed. and if there are great pain and violent burning. very offensive discharges (carrion-like or of a foul odor). It will be of benefit when there are red streaks extending from the wound. lymphangitis. necrosis. gangrene or dead flesh. The patient feels sore and bruised. there is aching all over and the bed seems too hard. He can only lie in the same position for a few minutes and feels better by changing position. There is profuse perspiration. which is offensive and generally exhausting. and the perspiration does not decrease the temperature. All discharges are very offensive. The pulse is abnormally quick and out of proportion to temperature or there is a high temperature with an abnormally low pulse. The temperature may quickly oscillate between high and low. Loquacity is typical. It can be indicated during re-convalescence. after abortion or parturition. post-operative pyrexia and post-operative cases with sepsis or typhoid states. Think of it when best indicated remedies fail to act.

Rhus tox has a strong reputation in helping peritonitis and inflammation of abdominal tissue. especially when typhoid symptoms are present. It is a valuable preventative of sepsis in abdominal surgery and for erysipelas following wounds.

Silicea is one of the best remedies for suppuration and is indicated in chilly. constipated patients who are prone to infection and whose wounds bleed profusely. suppurate and are slow to heal. There may be stitching pain. Think of it when there is stitching in scars and for resorption of scar tissue (Thiosinaminum) especially when scar tissue is hard. shiny and glassy. It has many similarities to Hepar sulphuris and follows the latter when the thick. creamy pus gives place to a thin. ichorous discharge. Silicea will be of help in keloid scars. wild flesh. chronic abscesses and suppurations. ulcers of all types. fissures. and old scars or wounds breaking up or getting painful suddenly. hardened or knotty. Granulations. gangrene of wounds. cancer on the scar. fistula and gangrenous inflammations. all fall under the scope of this remedy. provided Silicea symptoms are present. Ailments may appear from injuries of splinters. It is also of value in complicated fractures that heal slowly. especially in children (Calcarea carbonica. Calc-p. Calc-f).

Staphysagria is a strong vulnerary after operations and is called the ‘surgeon’s friend’. It promotes healing of clean. incised wounds and injuries from sharp cutting instruments especially after abdominal operations. Also useful for operations of the female organs. after the use of urinary catheters (Arn. Calen. Staph) or any bougienage where sphincters are lacerated or stretched (rectoscopy. urethroscopy. tracheoscopy. panendoscopy). for puncture or lacerated wounds and after amputation. Staph will come to the rescue when there is pain in the site of the incision or wound itself and when the wound is unduly painful for no obvious reason. bleeds profusely and heals very slowly. The pain is stitching or burning. accompanied by coldness and congestion of the head. worse by touch and better by warmth. The patient is usually hypersensitive to pain and pain is accompanied by irritability and anger. The discharge from the wound may be greenish in color.

Sulphur will be of help in suppurations of all kinds (even inner organs). abscesses and chronic suppurations. old scars breaking up. badly healing skin and rapid decubitus with pain and inflammation on slight pressure. Look for confirmatory symptoms.

Sulphuricum acidum is a valuable remedy when prostration appears from wounds. for ailments after operation and surgical injuries. for traumatic or wound gangrene. wounds with large hematomas (Arn) or wounds that bleed profusely. are inflamed. burning. swollen and fail to heal. Blood may be black and fluid. Scars are red. blue and painful. It is especially adapted to old people. irritable and hurried. with hemorrhagic tendency and ulcers. especially when there is a weakness of the body and mind. sensitivity to cold. inner trembling and vibration of the whole body. A sour odor is very characteristic. Sulphuric acid is the most wonderful remedy following operations in which gangrene sets in.

Thiosinaminum rhodallin is a specific to dissolve scar tissue. adhesions and strictures. It is a valuable remedy for keloid scars – here also think of Carcinosinum. Silicea and Graphites.

Thrombosis

Thrombosis may occur at the 7th-9th day after surgery and can be prevented when the proper remedy is given prophylactically. especially in persons with a higher risk or tendency to thrombosis. Mainly indicated remedies are Apis. Ars. Both-l. Lach. Kali-m. Nat-s. and Vip.

Apis will come to the rescue when parts are swollen. puffed up. become edematous and of a shiny. red-rosy color. Burning like hot needles. stinging. smarting. prickling and lancinating pain with excessive swelling are the leading symptoms for the selection of this remedy. There is great debility as if the patient had worked hard and he is compelled to lie down. Symptoms develop rapidly and pains appear suddenly. Think of Apis in thrombosis of collateral veins with its circuit unusually developed and thrombosis in the middle of the bend of the thighs with a thick sensitive string all along the inner side of the thighs.

Arsenicum album will be of help when varices burn like fire and are bluish. especially at night. There may be violent pain in the region of the groin with thrombosis of great veins of that region. The general symptoms often alone lead to its successful application. Among these are the prevailing debility. irritable weakness and great exhaustion after the slightest exertion. nightly aggravation of symptoms. restlessness and anxiety. burning pains. fear. fright and worry.

Bothrops lanceolotus will be indicated when the blood is extremely fluid. black and possibly spouts out in jets. The patient usually suffers from great lassitude and sluggishness. Both-l is adapted to broken-down. nervous constitutions who suffer from septic conditions of the worst type. nervous trembling. swollen lymph glands. hemorrhages. black spots and inability to articulate. We find under this remedy the symptomatology of bleeding from body orifices. internal bleeding. thrombosis. thrombotic phenomena and vomiting of black blood or black stools. The pulse is frequent and tense.

In cases of threatened thrombosis after surgery. during climacteric. in adiposity and patients with severe varicose veins. Lachesis is often indicated. Any patient with a tendency towards thrombosis will benefit from this remedy when given prophylactically. Like all snake poisons. Lachesis decomposes the blood. rendering it more fluid. Hence. the hemorrhagic tendency is marked. The patient may already suffer from varicose veins. blue and purple. worse on slight touch and better by pressure and there may have been a history of phlebitis. The patient is usually warm blooded. suffers from hot flushes. is worse from heat. after sleep and is very talkative – jumping from one subject to another. He cannot bear anything tight anywhere. Symptoms mainly occur on the left side (or wander from left to right) and are better from free secretions. Also think of Lachesis in coronary thrombosis with myocardial infarctions.

Think of Natrium sulphuricum in hydrogenoid constitutions with sycotic dyscrasia. affections of glands and aggravation of symptoms from dampness.

Vipera communis affects the blood vessels. especially veins. causing inflammation. varicose veins. phlebitis or thrombosis. Veins are swollen and sensitive. There is a fullness and unbearable pain as if the limbs would burst. aggravation from limbs hanging down and amelioration from elevation. The patient is obliged to keep extremities elevated. Cramps in the lower limbs or blue lower limbs. are characteristic.

Bedsores and decubitus

Bedsores are mainly due to the static position (lying inert in bed) and immobility after an operation. Due to the pressure on tissues and resulting ischemia. the skin becomes devitalized and breaks down. Preventative measures are necessary. but once it has occurred. the parts should be kept clean. bathed three or four times a day with cold water or alcohol. J.H.Clarke recommends rubbing the parts exposed to pressure. with whisky. Glycerin ointment is also said to be one of the best preventative remedies. Below are listed the mainly indicated remedies. Also. think of remedies with a tendency to form ulcers and gangrene.

Arnica is said to be almost a specific remedy for decubitus. The patient who benefits from Arnica suffers from soreness of parts on which he lays. bedsores. decubitus and inflammations of a dark bluish color. with dying off of parts and possibly erysipelas. It is useful when boils and abscesses do not mature well. discharge. are absorbed and pass away. but thereafter new ones continue to form. Look for other confirmatory symptoms.

Calendula is a homeopathic antiseptic and restores vitality of any injured part where the skin is broken. It prevents suppuration. promotes healthy granulation of tissues. favorable cicatrization and rapid healing with the least amount of suppuration. The pain in the wound is raw. inflamed. excessively painful. as if beaten. and the parts around the wound are red with stinging in the wound during febrile heat. It is ideally suited for all neglected. offensive injuries threatening to gangrene. MT diluted in the ratio of 1:10 (or less) in distilled water can be applied on affected parts.

China officinalis may help in cases of venous congestion and paralysis of the wall of vessels. especially in fever. There is prostration and ulcers may be produced upon the skin. Think of China if wounds tend to get black and gangrenous. with moist gangrene and have very painful ulcers with boring. stitching. throbbing pain.

Fluoricum acidum will be of help in varicose veins. ulcers with red edges and vesicles. itching of cicatrices and decubitus when symptoms are worse by warmth. It is especially adapted to chronic cases with a syphilitic and mercurial history and for deep. destructive processes. It acts especially upon lower tissues.

Graphites has a strong affinity to the skin and will cure many skin ailments. Also. ailments from suppressed eruptions and discharges. provided symptoms agree. Skin is lumpy. thick and hard. excoriated with cracks and fissures. Discharges are usually thick. sticky. offensive. honey-like. foul. scanty and acrid. Ulcers are very sensitive. painful and offensive.

Hydrastis canadensis is a remedy for destructive processes with tendency to erosions. internal ulcers. mycosis. easily bleeding false granulations. aphthae. fistula. fissures everywhere (especially around the outlets) and for bedsores (decubitus). Think of it in old. cachectic. easily tired. debilitated persons with cancer or cancerous states and thick. yellowish. tenacious. ropy secretions.

Hypericum oil is a very valuable remedy for decubitus.

Lachesis will help in decubitus with dark. bluish. purple appearance with a tendency to malignancy. Think of it when bedsores occur in typhoid fever.

Ledum palustre is indicated in wounds with livid discoloration. which are cold to the touch but better by cold and worse from warm applications. It is one of the best remedies for painful and awful-looking bedsores.

Petroleum can be indicated for bedsores. Skin is usually dirty. dry. hard and thickened. There is a tendency to cracks and fissures with oozing discharges that are thin and watery. The skin of the whole body may be sore. painful and unhealthy. Every slight wound tends to suppurate and spread. the skin is slow to heal and there is a general tendency to fester. Skin symptoms are worse in the winter and better in summer and may cause diarrhea if suppressed.

Pyrogenium may be indicated in decubitus. Think of it in typhoid or septic fevers with sudden rise of temperature up to 103 – 106’F. dryness and burning of skin or cold and clammy skin. and rapid decubitus.

When veins are relaxed and the venous circulation is sluggish. skin repairs badly and bedsores easily form or the skin becomes indurated and chronically inflamed from pressure. Sulphur will compete as the remedy of choice.

Sulphuricum acidum is indicated in ecchymosis of a blue-black color. after Arnica and Ledum have failed and also for decubitus – provided symptoms agree. Erosions. hemorrhages of black blood and a tendency to form ulcers and gangrene are characteristic. Cicatrices turn red. blue and painful. Look for other confirmatory symptoms.

Zincum met may be indicated in cases that have been spoiled by allopathic medicines.

Surgical fevers

Aseptic surgical fever arises without bacterial infection. due to absorption of inflammatory effusions. hemorrhages etc. It occurs about 12-24 hours after an operation and will last from a few hours to four or five days. Temperature may range from 99° to 102°F. Septic fevers arise due to bacterial infection of wounds and absorption of ptomaines and come on within two days – slower developing than asepticfever. but with a higher temperature. The wound becomes red and inflamed with some secretion of pus and broken down tissue. Thorough cleaning of the inflamed area is necessary. Suppurative fever results from suppuration in the wound due to enclosed pyrogenic germs and the formation of abscesses. The fever develops in from four days to three weeks after an operation. gradually rises and may reach 102° to103°F. For traumatic fever. including catheter fever. Aconitum (simple continua). Arsenicum album (typhoid). China officinalis (hectic). Lachesis and Arnica (pyemic) are often indicated. according to J.H.Clarke.

Aconitum is indicated in high fevers when symptoms appear suddenly and are violent. The mental symptoms are important: there is anxiety and restlessness from the violent circulatory storm. the patient is fearful and panicky – possibly predicting his own death. There is dry and burning heat and the patient must uncover. He suffers from intense thirst for cold water. full. bounding and frequent pulse. Sweating relieves. Frequent chilliness is common. Symptoms aggravate in the evening until after midnight.

Arnica is the main remedy for fevers appearing after injuries. i.e. traumatic fevers. and can also be indicated in childbed fever (puerperal fever) especially when the fever is of a typhoid character. its indication being an indifferent. stupid condition. The patient is falling asleep when answering a question. feeling sore and bruised and the bed seems too hard. The head is hotter than the body. The patient may have involuntary stools and may suffer from internal hemorrhages and petechia.

In Arsenicum the fever has developed quite severely: there is a high temperature. fever is intermittent. periodicity marked with adynamia and exhaustion out of proportion to the disease. The patient suffers from cold sweat. possibly delirium with incontinence. great restlessness. anxiety and aggravation of symptoms after midnight (great heat about 3 a.m.). The pulse is rapid and weak and there is violent thirst during fever. but for small quantities frequently repeated. Heaviness and confusion in the head. vertigo. oppression and stitching pain in chest and even sudden collapse are characteristic. Think of it in septic fevers.

Symptoms of Baptisia are of an asthenic type. simulating low fevers and septic conditions. An indescribable sick feeling. extreme prostration. great muscular soreness and offensive discharges are characteristics of this remedy. It will be indicated in septic conditions with disturbances of senses. rapidly occurring symptoms. delirium. extreme sleepiness. confusion. stunning headache. stupor. erethism. involuntary scanty stool and the typical bruised and sore feeling all over the body. The bed seems to be too hard. Sweat relieves. Think of it in typhoid and cerebral forms of fevers.

The Belladonna fever is very high and remittent. In any condition where there is throbbing pain or where there is a pronounced red. flushed face with fever. glaring eyes. throbbing arteries. hyperesthesia of all senses and an excited mental state. erethism. violent delirium. headache. cold extremities. throbbing carotids or cerebral symptoms think of Belladonna. The skin is hot and burning and the heat seems to steam out from the body. It may be followed by profuse sweat which brings no relief. There is little or no thirst and the patient may have a dread of water. The fever is worse at night. Belladonna can almost be considered a specific for scarlet fever and traumatic erysipelas.

The fever of Bryonia is unmarked by the violence. acuteness and the general storm of Aconite or the decomposition and great debility of the acids. There is intense headache. dull and stupefying. with a sensation as if the head would burst at the temples. sharp pains over the eyes. faintness on rising up. dry mouth and a tongue coated white in the middle. Cold. chilly sensations predominate in fevers. and there is much thirst for large drinks of water at rather infrequent intervals.

China may be indicated in case of traumatic fever. Think of it especially in ailments caused by loss of vital fluids and when the characteristic features of this remedy are present.

Echinacea is an internal antiseptic and useful when the patient suffers from septic infections. blood poisoning and septic conditions in general. Fever is usually high and accompanied by shivering and cold flashes all over the back. plus irregular bouts of chill. fever and sweat. There is chilliness with nausea. general weakness. sleepiness. a tired and exhausted feeling with aching in all limbs. The patient is unable to sit up from weakness. Symptoms tend towards malignancy in acute and sub-acute disorders.

Ferrum phosphoricum comes on in the first stage of catarrhal and inflammatory fevers and diseases before exudation takes place. Fevers occur mostly without chills and fever is accompanied by weakness and headache. The face is usually red and there is dry. inner heat. a soft. full. quick pulse and thirst. Sweating does not ameliorate the pains. Discharges from mucous inflammations are usually blood-streaked.

The typical Gelsemium fever is accompanied by chilliness. thirstlessness and vertigo and makes the patient too tired to breathe. He feels sleepy but can’t sleep. for every muscle feels as though it had been pounded. The face is hot. the nose runs. the back is chilly and he feels miserable. The mouth is dry but he does not want to drink. He wants to be left alone and rest. This remedy suits dull. stupid. apathetic conditions: the patient is dizzy and drowsy. Chill is partial and there is a full. soft. flowing pulse with an element of weakness in it. It corresponds especially to remittent types of fever and to fevers brought on by warm. relaxing weather.

Hepar sulphuris will be of help when unhealthy suppurative processes produce a hectic fever. It may be indicated in traumatic fever and fevers with sensitivity to light. severe and frequent vomiting of green. excessively acrid water. and tenacious mucous. with constant nausea or burning heat. insatiable thirst and violent headache. The patient is usually very irritable and sensitive to cold and draft.

Lachesis may help in inflammatory fever that is of a severe type especially when the parts about the wound take on a deep purplish color. become weeping. purulent. suppurating and gangrenous. The pulse is weak. rapid and intermittent.

Fevers occurring after surgery may call for Mercurius when the person complains about weariness. prostration and trembling. It is a slow. lingering and remittent fever. The fever is not as high and the skin not as hot. as in Belladonna. Fever spells occur particularly at night and are accompanied by general irritability of the nervous system. There is a dirty. unhealthy condition of the wound. with little tendency to heal and flabby granulations. Think of it in inflammatory fevers with great tendency to sweat. profuse salivation. dry throat and a great thirst for cold water. The tongue is usually broad and flabby with a pasty coating. Profuse perspiration does not provide relief and symptoms are generally worse at night.

The Nux vomica fever is usually accompanied by heaviness. tiredness and aching limbs. There is great heat. the whole body is burning hot. the face is red and hot. yet the patient feels chilly when uncovering and must be covered in every stage of fever.

Pulsatilla has thirstless fever. a hot head. dry lips and chilliness all over. especially in the evening. Chilliness predominates with the remedy. even in warm rooms. but external heat is intolerable and the patient is adverse to heat. He may suffer from one-sided coldness with numbness. partial sweat. or one cold hand. Think of it in fever with erratic temperatures.

Pyrogenium may be indicated in sepsis (puerperal or surgical sepsis) or a typhoid state after operations with delirium and sudden high fever. Fever is characterized by a very rapid pulse that is out of proportion to the high fever or there is (but rarely) a very slow pulse with high fever. It begins with pain of the limbs. fever is rapidly increasing. possibly until a very high temperature arises. and rapidly sinking again due to heart failure. It is accompanied by a frequent urging to urinate and clear urine like water. Discharges are offensive. bloody. thin. carrion-like and there is a sore and bruised feeling all over the body (Arn. Bapt). The bed feels too hard and the patient can lie in the same position only for a few minutes. ameliorated by changing position. There is severe constipation. especially in fevers. and the stool is hard and dry like small black balls (like olives). Think of it when well indicated remedies do not act. especially in most acute cases.

Ina Rhus tox fever. it commences with weakness of the whole body with a desire to lie down. soreness or bruised sensations in the limbs. aching of limbs and bones. great pain in the back. restlessness. worse while lying still. sickness at the stomach. loss of appetite. repugnance for food. great thirst and a dry tongue and mouth. It is useful on that borderline where febrile cases merge into a typhoid condition.

Sulphur lotum is useful in surgical fevers and septic states when there are flushes of heat and steaming sweat. It is an excellent fever remedy and comes in after Aconite when the skin is dry and hot and there is no sweat: the fever seems to burn the patient up. the tongue is dry and red and the patient is sleepless. restless and soon becomes drowsy. It is a chronic Aconite or a passive Aconite to the arteries. and will be indicated when Aconitum ameliorates pain. fever and anxiety but the fever does not disappear within 24-48 hours. The patient who benefits from this remedy suffers from irregular distribution of circulation. heat. burning sensations and redness of orifices. Sulphur is a valuable remedy for puerperal fever and septicemia. provided symptoms agree.

Veratrum viride suits cases similar to Aconite but has more of an arterial excitement and no anxiety.

Other often indicated remedies can be found under the rubric: FEVER; Heat. injuries. after (traumatic).

Peritonitis arises when there is pus in the abdomen. setting septic matter free into the abdominal cavity. There may form a local abscess in the wound and the inflammation may extend to the peritoneum and set up a fatal peritonitis. It may also be caused by a leak in the intestine due to ulceration or injury. Mainly indicated remedies are Belladonna. Bryonia. Arsenicum. Rhus tox. Lachesis. Mercurius and Echinacea.

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Bronchitis is a not uncommon result of ether anesthesia. and for this Belladonna has been observed to be the best antidote (J.H.Clarke). Also think of Etherum (Aether) in postoperative bronchitis and of Ipecacuanha for bronchial irritation after narcosis. Further. mainly indicated remedies are Acon. Ant-t. Bell. Bry. Carb-v. Chel. Ferr-p. Hep. Iod. Kali-bi. Kali-c. Kali-m. Merc. Phos. Sang. Sulph. Verat-v.

Urinary troubles

Suppression of urine may be partial or complete. In patients suffering from chronic nephritis it is usually an acute exacerbation caused by the irritating effect of anesthetics. Shock or hemorrhage with low BP may also cause retention of urine and result in scanty or absent urine with uremia. headache. severe convulsions. vomiting. stupor. coma etc. The alternating application of a hot and cold water bottle may help when the patient cannot pass urine.

Aconitum is one of the main remedies for retention of urine after parturition. or. in newborns.

Apis is a valuable remedy for retention of urine. dysuria. anuria. stranguria. recurrent urinary tract infections with scanty or suppressed urine. especially if there is burning and stinging pain on urination. There is frequent urging to urinate both day and night. but only drops are discharged. (Think of it also in glomerulonephritis and renal failure – it acts more on the kidneys than on the bladder.)

Retention of urine with pressing may call for Arnica and may occur after exertion. accidents. jarring. parturition. commotio cerebri or commotio spinalis. Look for other confirmatory symptoms of this remedy. like the sore and bruised feeling of the body.

Arsenicum may be indicated in retention of urine after parturition (Acon. Caust) or due to paralysis of bladder in old people. There is no urging despite the sensation of fullness. It will be of help when there is a previous history of inflammation of the bladder that might have been excited by surgery. and especially when the urine is scanty. high colored. contains pus. is passed with difficulty and causes burning.

Belladonna may be indicated in the congestive state at the beginning of trouble when there is pain at the close of micturation with usual symptoms of cystitis. There may be violent. burning pain on urination. burning in the bladder. bladder tenesm. frequent urination especially at night. irritation. congestion and extreme sensitivity to jarring. Urine is clear but gets turbid after standing. with a shiny. bright red or whitish sediment. There may be a discharge of hot drops. burning like fire. or pure hot blood. This remedy is to be followed by others as the inflammatory conditions become more marked.

Berberis will relieve if sediment is present and when the patient’s urine burns and scalds due to toxicity. Urine is greenish. blood red. with thick slimy mucus. transparent reddish. turbid or there is jelly-like sediment. There is burning and soreness in the region of the kidneys or a gurgling or bubbling sensation in the kidneys. Rapid change of symptoms and wandering. radiating pains are characteristic. Pain in the kidneys radiates to the bladder and then along hips into the thighs. There may be pain in the thighs and loins on urinating.

If there is much burning and smarting with urination. Cantharis will soothe. Violent burning (without bacteria) may occur in the whole urinary tract. including kidney and ureters and it is as if every drop of urine is burning like acrid acid. There is extreme pain before. during and after urination and shooting. cutting. stitching pain in the neck of the bladder. extending in several directions. There is urging for urination from the smallest amount in the bladder and urine is scanty. possibly bloody and may contain large amounts of pus. Cystitis is often caused by frequent coitus and usually progresses rapidly with blood occurring. Symptoms are generally worse from drinking – especially cold water – and better by rest and lying. Hot applications ameliorate. Ailments are often accompanied by increased sexual desire. Also think of Cantharis in retention of urine after childbirth (paralysis of bladder after childbirth. no desire to urinate).

Causticum is one of the main remedies for retention of urine after surgery or when involuntary urination is due to weak sphincters. Think of it in urine retention after operation. catheterization and parturition. Also useful when there is frequent and strong urging to urinate. paralysis of bladder. when the patient can only urinate when standing or when there is retention on standing. Occasionally. some drops may pass. or the patient may suffer from incontinence from coughing. laughing. sneezing or blowing his nose.

When there is considerable pus in the urine and it is passed with marked distress. then Hepar sulphuris may be called for. It will be of help in all followings of surgical injuries when suppuration occurs and other Hepar symptoms are present.

When problems occur due to injury of nerves with violent pains which are intermittent. stitching. lancinating and extend over the whole body. then Hypericum will be the indicated remedy. Think of it when symptoms occur after swelling and hardening of the female urethra with burning. soreness and sensitivity. especially when caused by instruments used for uterine prolapse.

Magnesium phosphoricum is of great value in vesical neuralgia after catheterization. with involuntary urination. enuresis nocturna and the sensation that the muscles do not contract. The patient sleeps restlessly due to an urging to urinate. He complains about cutting pain in the bladder before urination. spasms of the bladder and spasmodic retention of urine and tenesm with continued and painful urging. Cramping pains are very characteristic for this remedy. They begin suddenly. wander and are ameliorated by rest. heat and pressure. Mag-phos is a pain reliever par excellence and one of the main remedies for neuralgias. It will cure when Mag-phos symptoms are present.

Mercurius corrosivus has marked tenesm of bladder and rectum. It is useful if there is bile or albumen or a discharge of slime and blood together with urine. and if the tongue is coated with thick white slime or is dry and red. swollen and inflamed. Possibly. the patient has a strawberry or mapped tongue. Strong tenesm of the bladder is accompanied by intense burning in the urethra. Possibly. there is dysentery. Also. pain in the tibia. Urine is scanty. acrid. brown. bloody and albuminous. Internal burning pains are characteristic.

Natrium muriaticum has a weak sphincter with involuntary urination on coughing. walking. laughing or sneezing. The patient is usually depressed. cries only when alone and can’t pass urine in the presence of others.

Pulsatilla will be of help when there is urine retention with external redness and heat in the area of the bladder. accompanied by anxiety and pain in the lower abdomen. or involuntary urination when passing wind. coughing. laughing. sneezing or from fright. Tenesm of the bladder. cystitis or irritable bladder will respond to this remedy if Pulsatilla symptoms are present. The patient is usually thirstless despite a dry mouth. Moods and symptoms are changeable and symptoms aggravate in a warm room. Enuresis (nocturnal) is common and worse when lying on the back. Ailments may occur after parturition.

Staphysagria has a specific action upon. and predilection for the pelvic and genito-urinary organs. The patient may complain about an irritable bladder with frequent urging to urinate. There is a scanty discharge in thin stream. or discharge of urine in drops followed by a sensation as if the bladder were not fully emptied. Urine is mostly of reddish or dark yellow color. There may be difficult micturation or the sensation of a drop constantly flowing through urethra. Every time water is passed there is burning in the whole urethra. or there is burning in urethra when NOT urinating. i.e. before and after. but while urinating the burning ceases. Ailments especially occur after bladder or kidney stone removal and catheterization. There may be retention of urine after parturition. or the woman may suffer from constant urging to urinate after a difficult labor.

Triticum repens will cure when there is strong dysuria due to an inflammatory condition of the urethra with extreme irritation of the bladder. frequent. difficult and painful urination. constant urging and stranguria.

Paralytic or post-operative ileus

Opium can be indicated after an abdominal section. especially where opium or one of its derivatives were given before an operation. There is a loop of bowel which is completely paralyzed. accompanied by reversed peristalsis and pumping of bile into the stomach. The patient suffers greatly and brings up masses of bile-stained and foul smelling vomit. Painlessness with almost all complaints. sleepiness. lack of reaction. sopor and a heavy. stupid. comatose sleep are characteristic features of this remedy. The patient is usually warm blooded.

Further mainly indicated remedies are: Acon. Arn. Carb-v. Nux-v. Plb. Raph. Other remedies may be indicated depending upon the symptom picture.

Weakness and prostration

Arsenicum. China. Carbo vegetabilis and Muriaticum acidum are main remedies for debilitated states and will turn the scales for the better. if symptoms agree.

When Arnica is needed. the patient may also suffer from great weakness and debilitation after exertion. They must lie down after stool and there may be trembling. restlessness and lassitude. Think of it especially after trauma or injury with hemorrhages. and when there is the well-known sore and bruised feeling.

Arsenicum will come to the rescue when there is extreme exhaustion out of proportion to the disease but the patient wants to move. despite weakness. He is usually anxious. restless and chilly. has thirst for frequent sips. burning pain better by heat and midnight aggravation of symptoms. He does not wish to be left alone. Periodicity and alternation of symptoms is characteristic.

Also in Calendula we find weakness due to loss of vital fluids and out of proportion to the injury. or caused by inflammation. with suppuration and threatening sepsis. Always think of it after surgery.

No other remedy surpasses the weakness of Carbo vegetabilis. The vital force is nearly exhausted. the surface of the body cold. especially from the knees down to the feet. The patient lies motionless. as if dead. He is indescribably pale. breath is cold. pulse intermittent and thready. there is cold sweat on limbs and he desires to be fanned rapidly. Blood stagnates in capillaries. causing blueness. coldness and ecchymosis.

China is particularly indicated in weakness occurring after loss of blood or vital fluids. after parturition. violent diseases or during convalescence. It is said to promote hematopoiesis. There is complete exhaustion from slightest exertion with debilitating sweats. faintness. ringing in the ears and coldness. Periodic symptoms are characteristic.

Ferrum-metallicum may be indicated after loss of vital fluids (Chin) and anemia after blood loss when there is great weakness and prostration with a pale face and alternating flushes. The feet and body are often cold. The patient is nervous and gets tired easily. has a strong desire to lie down with a tendency to faint and to hemorrhage. Weakness is worse by walking and symptoms are worse for cold and ameliorated by slow movements and slow walking. Resting aggravates symptoms.

Muriaticum acidum will be of help when there is great muscular weakness. As soon as the person sits down. the eyes close. the lower jaw hangs down and he slides down into bed. The patient is restless but physically weak and physical weakness is liable to be followed by mental weakness. Think of it in septic states. when ulceration or weakness follows a major febrile illness.

Phosphorus will be indicated when weakness and gastric troubles follow chloroform narcosis. operation. x-ray burns and other injuries. A hemorrhagic tendency is usually present and the patient is sensitive. anxious and restless. suffers from an empty all gone sensation. nervous trembling. burning all over and in spots. Symptoms are worse when alone. in the dark and before a thunderstorm.

Phosphoricum acidum is a remedy for the bad after-effects of an operation. injuries. loss of vital fluids and for lack of reaction. It is suited to persons of originally strong constitution who have become debilitated by loss of vital fluids (or ailments from grief; mental debility followed by physical symptoms). There is weakness and debility. especially in the morning. and amelioration after a nap. The patient is apathetic. indifferent and listless and usually craves refreshing. juicy things and fruits. All discharges are profuse and debilitating (except diarrhea which may be exhausting or not).

Natrium muriaticum. Pulsatilla and Sepia are other remedies characterized by weakness and prostration and will be indicated when their symptoms are present.

Constitutional prescribing may be required after an operation for patients not recovering normally.

Lack of reaction remedies

Sulphur. Psorinum and Carbo vegetabilis may be useful post-operatively in the same way that these remedies aid recovery after acute illness when convalescence is slow.

Carbo vegetabilis may be indicated in ailments during convalescence. after parturition. exhausting and severe diseases. accidents. operations (especially abdominal surgery) and long-standing anesthetics or when there is extreme lack of reaction. Look for other confirmatory symptoms.

When the patient is powerless. hopeless. depressed and perspiring at night then Psorinum will come to the rescue. Medicines only ameliorate for a short time and there may be a shift of symptoms. It will help especially in chronic cases when there is a lack of reaction.

Sulphur is often indicated when there is a lack of reaction and in cases where well chosen remedies fail to act. Especially in acute cases. Sulphur will bring about a reaction.

Carcinosinum and Tuberculinum are other valuable remedies that may be indicated when there is lack of reaction. and especially when there are contradictory and constantly changing symptoms. Think of them when well selected remedies do not work or have only a limited action. or when there are partial indications for more than one remedy. but where no single remedy covers the case.

Some special types of surgery

Fractures

Fractures and especially the setting of the bones call for the attention of surgeons. but homeopathic remedies will support healing.

Arnica given at the beginning of treatment acts against shock. swelling. hemorrhages. pains and all morbid cases of fracture. The more time that passes until bones are set and placed in a cast the more the muscles draw together. Arnica relaxes the muscles around the fracture and is often necessary for the curative action of other remedies. It can be given while waiting for an x-ray. In stress fracture or fatigue fracture. where the bones are bent but not broken. Arnica. Ruta. Rhus toxicodendron. or Calcarea carbonica are mainly indicated. Pleurisy resulting from injury inflicted by broken ribs may yield to Arnica and if a complementary remedy is needed. Bryonia and Kalium carb compete for choice.

After a mechanical injury of the chest. think of Bryonia. It will be of great help in broken ribs when there are stitching pains in suffering parts. especially on pressure. and when the patient has the constant desire to take a deep breath. but hardly can and you don’t want to make him laugh because of the pain he will feel.

Calcarea carbonica acts especially upon the bones and should be given when repair is slow because of general anemia and nutritional disorders. It is indicated in conditions that lead or predispose to fracture or where surgical disorders arise from defective assimilation. Bones are soft and deficient in lime. possibly curved or distorted. and there is swelling and softening of bones with stitching inside. Complicated fractures with a slow healing tendency will benefit from this remedy. especially if children are concerned. Constitutional factors will help in the decision for Calc carb. Calc phos or Silicea in fractures that heal slowly. especially in children.

Calcarea phosphorica also promotes the formation of callus and supports healing of fractures. especially when there is a slow healing tendency. Thus. it should be given in cases that unite slowly or not at all (non union). It is of great value to assist a cure in older people.

Calendula prevents infection and promotes healing of tissues and should be taken into account in all injuries including fractures of bones. complicated fracture. slow healing fractures. muscle rupture. strain and sprain. Look for confirmatory symptoms.

Hypericum deals with sprains and complicated fractures of the hand and feet with strong laceration of flesh and any injury where unbearable pain indicates the involvement of nerves. When limbs are torn off or completely cut off. fractured skulls with slivered bones. injuries to the spine. spasms after injury. injuries from bone splinters (Sil). convulsions. meningitis. headache. epilepsy or seizures after injury of the head or spine (especially coccyx). commotio cerebri or commotio spinalis. all fall under the scope of this remedy and Hypericum will cure if there is symptom similarity.

For surgery and fractures where there has been much damage to the bone coating or which involve cartilage. tendons. ligaments. joints (especially knees) and the periosteum. Ruta will be of great benefit. It will be of help in injured. bruised bones. complicated fractures and slow healing bones. especially when dislocated and when wrists or ankles (Arn) are concerned. There is pain in bones as if bruised and sore. especially in parts lying on. and the patient feels that the bed is too hard. Also think of Ruta for broken ribs. If Hypericum is the ‘Arnica of the nerves’. then Ruta is the ‘Arnica of the bones’.

Symphytum has a special field in fractures as it facilitates union in broken bones in complicated cases. especially when there is irritability at the ends of bones. It reduces prickling. stitching pain and soreness of the periosteum. favors the production of callus and healing even when there is an extravasation of blood or suppuration. Once bones are set and placed in a cast it will speed recovery and promotes rapid healing. It can make the bones heal misaligned. if given before the bones are set correctly.

Tooth extraction and dental surgery

Arnica is indicated in a toothache after an operation or a filling in a tooth. especially if there is profuse bleeding. It will stop bleeding and accelerate healing of the gums. also after insertion of an artificial tooth or the removal of wisdom teeth. Given before and after tooth extraction. it is extremely effective in controlling pain. swelling. hemorrhage and preventing inflammation and sepsis. Pain is usually pressing. throbbing. pulsating or as if the teeth were ‘wiggling’. It has a sensation of pulling in the teeth while eating and the pain is worse from chewing. The patient usually complains about the typical bruised. sore feeling which is worse from being touched.

Calendula has a remarkable power to stop bleeding. to prevent inflammation. suppuration. sepsis and gangrene. Also. wounds from dental operations that do not heal readily and continue to hemorrhage. will benefit from Calendula. Think of it when gums are cut incidentally.

Chamomilla will do wonders to quiet children and adults and make the tolerance for drilling and grinding easier. It is an excellent remedy for patients who are oversensitive to pain. The pain is exasperating. accompanied by thirst. heat and redness of one cheek and perspiration on the head. Symptoms are worse by warmth and at night. better by cold and cold drinks in the mouth. The patient is usually irritable. impatient. screaming and frantic.

Gunpowder is useful when an abscessed tooth was extracted. It will enable the body to throw off the poison absorbed by lacerated gums and aids in healing them. Think of it in cases of septic suppuration and blood poisoning.

Hecla lava is usefulfor an abscess at the root of the tooth. abscesses and enlargement of bones after tooth extraction and to stop or reform changes of bones.

In case of suppuration and an abscess of the root of the tooth with violent pain. throbbing. burning or stitching like splinters and worse at night. think of Hepar sulphuris. The patient is oversensitive to pain and may even faint from pain. He is thirsty. irritable and chilly.

Hypericum may be superior to Arnica before and after tooth extraction when the nerves of the tooth are affected. for deep fillings that are close to the pulp and when pain results from treatment of root channels or from abscesses. Think of it after tooth extraction. in a traumatized tooth. injury to the front teeth. when nerves are damaged by injections. in tongue wounds and fractured jaws for the sensory nerve pain. Pain is stitching. burning. shooting. lancinating. intermittent and radiating upward along the path of the nerve. The nerve feels as if it is exposed and wounds are sensitive to the touch. Symptoms are worse from cold. movement. around 3-4 a.m. and better when lying on the painful side and keeping still. MT can be used locally on affected gums and teeth.

Mercurius solubilis et. vivus will be of help when there is bad healing after a tooth extraction with suppuration of the tooth and in abscesses or ulcers when accompanied by offensive breath. increased salivation and an indented tongue. There is a tearing. lancinating or pulsating pain which is worse at night and may occur immediately after filling the tooth. If pain occurs immediately or some time after filling the tooth. with a sensation as if the fillings are too tight. better by pressure. then Merc- i -f will be of help.

Nux vomica will be indicated for a toothache after a tooth has been filled and for pain of gums after a tooth extraction when the patient is nervous. irritable. impatient. aggressive. oversensitive to all impressions. chilly and constipated.

Phosphorus is very useful for hemorrhages of intermittent. bright red blood after tooth extraction. It is a valuable remedy for pre-operative anticipation including dental operations. Especially useful in children. in patients who tend to be easy bleeders and when constitutional Phosphorus symptoms are present.

Pyrogenium will be of value when there is a history of septicemia. in abscesses of the root of the tooth. for severe after effects of dental extraction and in any infection. suppuration or sepsis when the conditions began from acute infections.

Ruta graveolens will be of help in bone and periostal pain and after surgery. including oral/dental operations. When orthodontic patients get their braces tightened or their spacers put in. resulting soreness from spreading of the teeth usually responds to Arnica. but when Arnica does not work. Ruta will come to the rescue. It is also a good remedy following endodontic therapy after a dislodged tooth is re-implanted or where the file is overextended through the periodontal ligament into the alveolar bone. Ruta is the first remedy to think of for dry sockets (a dry socket may initially call for Belladonna if it has that acute. throbbing type of pain). Think of Ruta before and after a tooth extraction. for pain of a broken jaw when the bones are severely contused. for pain from an intra-alveolar injection. at the onset of an infected tooth socket and for a tooth loosened in the socket or dislocated due to trauma.

Trillium pendulum stops profuse bleeding after tooth extraction. especially when cold limbs and a rapid. weak pulse accompany bleeding. The blood is bright red and profuse and bleeding is worse on motion. Blood loss may lead to faintness. The face is pale.

Childbirth

Every woman who has just delivered a child should be given Arnica montana or Bellis perennis to counteract the soft tissue trauma. soreness and tendency to bleed. It can be given to the newborn as well to mitigate the trauma of passing through the birth channel and for bruising (for example in shoulder dystocia).

Aconitum will be of help when there is FEAR. especially of death. during pregnancy or parturition. It will help in violent contractions. rapidly occurring one after another and with unbearable pain. also. when there is retention of urine after childbirth. in painful aftermath and the followings of a slowly progressing and painful birth. It can also be indicated for colds or peritonitis after parturition or in childbed fever (puerperal fever). Children with difficulty breathing after a forceps delivery or protracted labor. who are panicky after birth (umbilical cord around their neck). who suffered from asphyxia. apoplectic symptoms. retention of urine. whose breath is feeble and heart does not get under way. will benefit from Aconitum. It is the first remedy to think of for the shock of birth and should be given to all newborns. Given in time. it will often prevent physiological jaundice caused by shock – when the skin is yellow from fright.

In case of real jaundice the symptom picture needs to be studied in detail. here think of: Ars. Bry. Calcarea carbonica. Cham. Chin. Merc. Nat-s. Nit-ac. Nux-v. Puls. Sulphur If jaundice is due to rhesus incompatibility or appears after a blood transfusion. Crot. horridus is often indicated.

For apparent death. think of Antimonium tartaricum when there is (white) asphyxia and the newborn is breathless. pale. cyanotic and wheezing. There is great exhaustion. no pulse. marble coldness of the body. cold sweat and anxiety.

Arnica promotes healing of birth wounds and prevents complications. It is a valuable remedy for mother and child during and after a difficult birth. when forceps were involved. and for sore and injured parts when there is strong bleeding (bright red with large lumps). Arnica will come to the rescue when the body feels sore. the pit of the stomach miserable. when pain remains for a long time and the child and/or mother only recover slowly. It will also come to the rescue when there is retention of urine or constant dribbling after parturition. in childbed fever or a very painful and long aftermath. Think of it when there is danger of abortion due to injury. falls. blows or jars. especially when the woman is nervous. agitated and feels bruised. It may also be indicated in vomiting during pregnancy. for long. weak and unsuccessful contractions and in asphyxia of newborns with cyanosis and the impression that the infant won’t survive.

Bellis perennis is useful for shock and trauma to deep tissues and organs. especially of the pelvis. It will be indicatedwhen the abdominal wall is sore during pregnancy or childbirth. or when the pregnant woman is unable to walk during pregnancy due to venous stasis. especially when there is the sore and bruised feeling in the pelvic area. Think of Bell-p in all cases where Arnica seems to be indicated but does not provide relief. it is sometimes called the “internal Arnica”.

Calendula is of help after birth when there is a rupture of the cervix uteri and perineum and also for the lacerated womb and injured uterus after a caesarian section. Think of Calendula in all wounds.

Carbo vegetabilis can be indicated in newborns with a low Apgar score or when born hypoxic (Ant-t). It may be indicated for the woman after childbirth when there is hair loss. sluggishness. slowness. exhaustion. weakness. retention of milk. enlarged veins. vomiting. distended abdomen and offensive flatulence.

Chelidonium is an excellent remedy for neonatal jaundice and will save the newborn from the treatment with light therapy in the hospital. especially if no other remedy seems to be indicated.

Hamamelis is of help for hemorrhages during and after parturition when there is venous flow. dark and possibly bright red in-between and when the patient is exhausted. has no sensation in the abdomen and is not agitated or nervous about the hemorrhage. i.e. has a quiet mind. Think of it also when there is recurrent bleeding during pregnancy or in threatening abortion.

Hypericum is especially indicated for injuries of coccyx during birth. violent pain in sacral region and hips. and severe headaches. It is of special value after instrumental delivery with forceps. Think of Hypericum when the newborn suffers from shock. cramps and twitching due to injury of the head. after precipitate delivery or too strong pressure during birth. It will be of value in nerve pain from surgical incisions. e.g.. cesarean delivery and episiotomy and also for labor pains that are very violent.

Pyrogenium is a valuable remedy for puerperal sepsis and has a reputation for expelling a retained placenta.

Think of Rhus toxicodendron for injuries caused by sprains. strains or dislocations.

Ruta may be helpful for injuries of the skull. cervical spine. nerve cords or dislocation of the shoulder joint.

Think of Trillium pendulum when the uterus is bleeding after parturition. especially when accompanied by cold limbs and a rapid. weak pulse.

Case studies

Just recently. (very recently) I had my wisdom tooth removed. The ordeal took a lengthy three hours because of the long roots extending downwards into my gums. Normally. pain pills and antibiotics would be prescribed – I refused the prescription pills and refused to take antibiotics. I had nothing but Arnica. one dose a few minutes after my ‘surgery’ was over. They said it would bleed a lot and they gave me all this packing gauze and detailed instructions for healing. I drove (I live approximately a 30 min drive from this dentist) home myself. Within 5-8 min the pain/bleeding stopped from the Arnica. I used no packing gauze. nothing! There was no bruising. no pain. no bleeding. Neither pain pills nor antibiotics were used. I ate that evening. The dentist called later that night asking how I was. as they always do with these extreme surgery extractions. I said that I took my homeopathic remedy. Arnica 30c. one #10 Globule. and I am approximately 90% better. He was in shock. not expecting me to reply in this way.

Gina Tyler. DHOM (www.ginatyler.com)

Patient: Female mid-40s. name; (left out for privacy reasons).

Surgery: Cosmetic Breast Implants

Day prior: Arnica 12c

Day one of surgery. Immediately after surgery: loads of pain – all wet dosing Arnica 30c. 200c. 1m. 10m. 50m as days progressed day one. day two. day three……….and so on. (one #10 poppy size globule in water)

Day 2 after surgery: 40% better. less pain.

Day3 after surgery: 60% better. less pain. no bleeding. no more bruising

Day 4 after surgery: No pain at all. 80% better

Day 5 after surgery: No pain. no bruising. went out to do gardening outside(no more arnica).

Day 6 after surgery: 90% better. grocery shopping/out to a movie. Had very stiff feeling. Gave Rhus Tox. Better by motion. better by slow stretch/limbering up. This helped greatly………..One dose. no more.

Second week after surgery: Some stiffness remains but no pain healing. No remedies.

Vitamins given for general healing; vit c. bromelain enzyme. zinc. multi vitamin.

A note: took allopathic prescription pain pills for only three days after the surgery. one pill every 12 hrs………………………………………….

Full recovery. no lingering complications. a quick and hasty recovery in my estimation. Patients recover in two-thirds of the time using homeopathic remedies after surgery.

Gina Tyler DHOM (www.ginatyler.com)

I have used Arnica pre-operatively for both a teeth cleaning and surgery for two of my Pomeranians. According to the vet. it went beautifully. I could tell she was surprised by the lack of bleeding and mentioned it to me. She had no idea that I had given the Arnica to the dogs. I gave a 30C to both. prior to being dropped off at the vet. and then a 200C after they came home. They both did well with no problems.

Carole Catsos. DiHom

“A ten-year-old boy is hospitalized after a serious head injury. He had been in a coma for more than ten days when he received a dose of Arnica 15 CH. The next day. he came out of the coma.”

Didier Grandgeorge. The spirit of homeopathic medicines. p. 34

“Edward. 12 days old. with a head measurement of 15.5 inches. presents with a fracture of the collarbonefrom birth. Bloody exudation at the navel. and conjunctivitis provoked by stricture of the left tear duct (in fact. the duct is blocked by calcium deposits). He heals well with Calcarea carbonica given to the mother (she is nursing. and homeopathic remedies pass to the child through the mother’s milk).”

Didier Grandgeorge. The spirit of homeopathic medicines. p. 51

“Barbara is about to bring twins into the world. I arrive at the maternity ward around 8 p.m. to find her full of intense anxiety. The cervix is not dilating; she is trembling. and gets up constantly to urinate. The midwife predicts that the birth will not happen until midnight. Before I go. I leave her a dose of Gelsemium 15 CH. One half-hour later. the future father calls me to tell me that the cervix is fully dilated; at 9 p.m. the young woman gives birth to two beautiful babies.”

Didier Grandgeorge. The spirit of homeopathic medicines. p. 88

“A ten-year-old boy had an operation several month ago for a facial sarcoma (cancer) of the right temporal region. After intense post-operative chemotherapy. his defenses drop to the point where blood tests show less than 500 white blood cells per cubic milliliter. He begins to develop a type of malignant staphylococci infection of the face. originating at his surgical scar. Of course. the child is under specialized hospital care. and the necessary procedures are done: perfusion of strong doses of three of the latest antibiotics. In spite of these efforts. however. the illness evolves slowly; his fever reaches 104°. On the third day. the child is in a semi-comatose state. on morphine. his fever holding steady at 104° and half his face red and inflamed with erysipelas. The doctors at the hospital meet with the parents to tell them that the prognosis is not a good one; they do not know if he will make it. His father calls me that evening. desperate. I go to the hospital to give them some moral support. though I do not have much hope of being able to help them in any way. It is a distressing sight: this child is literally rotting away before our very eyes. which makes me think of Pyrogenium. I advised his mother to put three globules of 7 CH in his mouth every hour. The next day. Saturday morning. a miracle occurs! The fever has dropped to 101.6° for the first time in three days. That evening. the swelling on his face goes down. and the pain disappears; the child smiles. Then the fever is gone. And. just on time: Sunday is his birthday!”

Didier Grandgeorge. The spirit of homeopathic medicines. p. 162

“Staphysagria has a great reputation. For clean cuts as in operations: for stretched sphincters. with agonizing pain that ensues. as was a hospital patient. after operation on the anus. He was in such pain and distress that a male nurse had to be arranged for to keep him in bed. Luckily. the R.M.O knew his work. and fetched a dose of Staphysagria. He came back an hour later to find the patient and watcher both asleep. These things. once realized. are never forgotten. They are more rapid. and more satisfactory than morphia. since they are curative.”

M.L. Tyler Homoeopathic Drug pictures. p. 761

I have used Ledum for the effects of an Epidural given during birth. which caused a headache!! One of my patients was the only woman in a hospital ward of six who did not get an infection after her Cesarean operation. I prescribed Calendula 6 alternated with Bellis Perennis 6 three times a day. I also have had success with Phosphorus when a tonsillectomy caused a hemorrhage five days later. A friend of mind had just had an operation for a Potts fracture and was pressing the morphine drip every five minutes. The nurse told me that they thought she had a low pain threshold. I gave 1 dose Coffea 30 and five minutes later she was asleep. When I went to see her the following day. I found she had told the nurses that she didn’t need the morphine drip any longer and it had been removed.

Rochelle Marsden (www.southporthomeopathy.co.uk)

Mrs. A.M. 29 years old. suffers from nausea and constipation after the birth of her first child which was born by cesarean section with general anesthesia. She complains about constant urging for stool but is unable to pass it or only passes scanty stool. Nausea is worse in the morning and she wishes she could vomit to alleviate the nausea. Ailments vanished after two doses of Nux vomica 30c (one #10 globule in a watery solution. 4 oz. of water. one teaspoon. split dose with preceding succussions).

Katja Schütt. DiHom

Mrs. M.L.. 42 years old. had all of her amalgam fillings (16) removed to be replaced by a better alternative. Dental work was done on four different days under special protective measures. Each time she was given Arnica 200c prior to surgery to prevent pain. hemorrhage. swelling and inflammation. Arnica in a watery solution and split dose (one #10 globule in 4 oz. of water. 1 teaspoon after prior succussion) was repeated afterwards each time when the pain in teeth or jaws (from over-exertion due to keeping the mouth open for an extended period of time) came back until it vanished completely. She did not need any allopathic pain killers and the dentist was impressed by her ‚bravery’ (the thanks goes to Arnica!).

After one session. the gums of one tooth on the left side became inflamed and discharged great amounts of pus. accompanied by burning on the vertex and itching of the scalp and legs. Submandibular lymph nodes were swollen. After Sulphur 200c (watery solution and split dose with prior succussion) 4 doses the first day and 2 doses the second day. the gums were completely restored.

Katja Schütt. DiHom

This is the case of a woman in her late forties undergoing knee replacement surgery. She was given Arnica 200c. 1 dose per day for five days prior to surgery. The morning of her surgery and then every two hours post surgery. 200c was also given. On day two. Arnica 1M was given. one dose. every three to four hours for three to five days. After that. she took it as needed. This woman took almost no allopathic pain medications and was up walking out of the house. without a walker. within one week.

Laura L. Harr. CCH. DiHom

A woman in her early forties broke her ankle in a number of places. Initially. Arnica 1M was given for the severe pain. After this one dose. her pain was alleviated tremendously within minutes. It was determined that surgery was needed as the ankle was broken in a number of places. Arnica 200c was given 1x/day for five days prior to surgery. The morning of her surgery and then every two hours post surgery. 200c was also given. On day two. Arnica 1M was given. one dose. every three to four hours for three to five days. After that. she took it as needed. No allopathic medications were taken. She recovered rapidly. much to the amazement of her physician.

Laura L. Harr. CCH. DiHom

“At her second confinement. the wife of one of my colleagues delivered a healthy child in a fairly natural way. No complication interfered: contraction was satisfactory; mother and child were cared for; an hour and a half later I went home. Fifteen minutes afterwards. an urgent summons reached me. Suspicion of the cause of it gave speed to my return. Pallor. drawn features and quiet apathy told the story at a glance. In a few minutes I removed a large amount of clotted blood from the uterus and stimulated new contractions. Meanwhile. by my direction. the nurse lowered the head and elevated the hips and legs and applied hot blankets. At the same time the doctor put a few pellets of potentized Cinchona upon the patient’s tongue. Circulation and respiration soon responded. Deglutition became possible. Then. a solution of the medicine was prepared and a teaspoon of it given every three minutes. The patient became able to see and count the fingers held before her and to tell of ringing ears. As improvement advanced. the doses were placed farther apart. No alcohol or other stimulant was given. Health was soon restored. No reason for the inertia of the womb. which had been the beginning of the trouble. could be found. It would have been good surgery to infuse a saline solution. I might do that in addition to what was done if called to a similar case today. But Cinchona triumphed without the aid of other medicine or of salt solution.”

E.Carleton. Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery. p.211

“The dentist had worked rapidly on my teeth. and incidentally cut the gums quite a number of times. He stopped. saying. “There! Doctor. I can’t do any more today. because the gum is so swollen. Let me put on some iodine. and you call tomorrow.” “Hold on. doctor,” I replied. “We want to finish the task today. Let me show you a new trick.” “I wish you would.” We sent to the nearest homoeopathic pharmacy for tincture of Calendula. to which we added an equal quantity of very hot water and I proceeded to swish it about in my mouth. In ten minutes the gum was so reduced in size that the dentist very readily finished his work. Hot water would have reduced the swelling. but in about thrice the length of time required by Calendula and hot water. That has been proven by repeated tests. Brine beats plain water. and Calendula beats brine. by virtue of its homoeopathicity to clean cuts.”

E.Carleton. Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery. p.222

“Every surgeon occasionally sees profuse hemorrhages from circumcision. even though the subject could not properly be called a “bleeder.” Such has been my experience a number of times and lately it was brought to mind by a boy six months old who presented a long. tight foreskin. It was retrenched. the inner skin (often called mucous membrane) divided and detached from the glands and its whole length and corners trimmed. Sponging made no impression upon the flow of blood. and four customary stitches and two unusual ligatures did not avail much. A small stream of clear Succus Calendulae was directed against the member for a minute. The hemorrhage ceased. Union was primary.”

E.Carleton. Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery. p.222

“In a recent case of inguinal hernia operated upon by Dr. Maynard at the Hahnemann Hospital. in which I assisted him. the most troublesome condition necessitating a remedy was a sense of burning and drawing in the site of the incision. with a great deal of gas and abdominal fullness. I recalled the statement once made to me by the late Dr. George P. Dunham in respect to Lycopodium in post-operative gas pains; and as there seemed to be no contraindications (and more especially as the hernia had been right-sided. and the patient liked warm food and drink) a dose of Lycopodium was given in the 200th potency. dry. on the tongue. The relief was satisfactory and no other remedy was needed. A suggestion of Dr. Maynard’s for the use of a tablespoon of old-fashioned molasses once or twice a day put the bowels to rights. and made unnecessary the every other day plain water enema I had prescribed.”

Dr.Woodburg. in: R.P.Patel/P.Elias. A treatise on homoeopathic surgery. p.54

MAGNA EST VERITAS ET PRAEVALEBIT !

Summary of indications for the mainly indicated remedies

Aceticum acidum

antidotes the effects of all anesthetic vapors

trauma. surgery

hemorrhages

post-operative or partum collapse/shock

weakness. prostration after injuries (Arn. Calen. Camph. Carb-v. Sul ac. Hyper. Verat)

it follows China after hemorrhage

Aconitum napellus

the first remedy for any sudden and violent onset of shock or trauma

disorders from fright. pre-operative medication before surgery to allay anxiety. especially fear of death. fear of the dentist; anxiety before or during delivery (especially C-section or forceps delivery); chronic phobias and fright remaining

shock after injury. surgery or childbirth

septic shock

ailments after surgery in general

useful after eye operations

post-operative chill and fever

shivering after catheterization

unbearable pains

post amputation pain

retention of urine from shock. after parturition or in newborns

hemorrhages with bright red blood

acute inflammations

ileus

newborns: shock. urine retention. jaundice (physiological. caused by fright). asphyxia neonatorum

Aethusa cynapium

fears of any operation (Calc) and not to awaken from anesthesia

Allium cepa

neuralgic pains (like a long thread)

post amputation pain

Apis mellifica

puncture wounds and painful injections

thrombosis

urine retention

erysipelas or lymphangitis

Argentum nitricum

great apprehension before any engagement. liable to start weeks in advance

Arnica montana

a traumatic remedy par excellence and indicated for traumas in all its varieties: mental. emotional or physical and their effects recent or remote

hemorrhages. black and blue marks

shock from injuries. stupor. coma. unconsciousness

the first remedy to consider before and after surgery

wounds

any bruised and sore condition of body or psyche

pain

post amputation neuralgia

pain after tooth extraction and dental work (fillings)

convulsions after medicines

weakness. prostration after injuries

decubitus

suppurating phenomena and septic conditions

traumatic fever

urine retention

ileus

childbirth: to start labor pains and relieve the sore and bruised feeling after delivery; to prevent post-partum hemorrhage and puerperal complications; retention of urine or constant dribbling of urine after labor; birth trauma from forceps or breech delivery. injury of perineum. cervix. uterus from childbirth. asphyxia in newborn. childbed fever; exhaustion after prolonged and difficult labor; when premature labor is threatened and associated with injury or trauma

Arsenicum album

anxiety

shock after injuries

gastrointestinal disorders: nausea. vomiting and diarrhea

weakness

septic infections/conditions and low vitality

urine retention

thrombosis

traumatic fever

Ars is a proved specific to counteract the effects of penicillin (penicillin allergy: Sulph. Tub. Clem)

no remedy brings more relief to the dying patient (provided symptoms agree)

Belladonna – Atropa Belladonna

fevers

hemorrhage

wounds

post-operative bronchitis due to anesthesia

inflammatory conditions

Bellis perennis

for all kind of traumas. especially of deeper organs and where Arnica does not heal completely

deep tissue ache and bruising after organ removal

childbirth. episiotomy. C-section

pain

Bryonia alba

constipation

traumatic fever

respiratory disorders (bronchitis. pneumonia)

Calendula officinalis

homeopathic “antiseptic” and an excellent healing agent in all traumatic and painful wounds

hemorrhages and the effects of loss of blood

ailments after operations

weakness. prostration after injuries

bedsores and decubitus

septic conditions

tooth extraction or dental work

post amputation pain

childbirth: for lacerations of pelvic organs. perineum. cervix. uterus

Camphora officinarum

collapse. sudden unconsciousness. fainting. shock

sepsis

weakness. prostration after injuries

asphyxia neonatorum

specific remedy for removing the too violent action of very many drugs whether unsuitably employed or given in too large of doses (universal antidote to all vegetable drugs).

Carbo vegetabilis

shock after operation or trauma. electric shock

collapse. coma. fainting. congestive heart failure. cyanosis – “the great corpse reviver”

external or internal hemorrhages

lack of reaction

digestive disorders: distension. flatulence. retained flatus

weakness. prostration after injuries

low vitality due to loss of blood (Chin) or after illness

for patients who have never fully recovered from the effects of previous (chronic) illness

ileus

postpartum bleeding following abortions

ailments after long-lasting anesthetics and abuse of medicines

when the patient is a barbiturate addict Carb-v is an almost sure antidote

Carcinosinum

prolonged or lifelong fear

lack of reaction

keloid scars

ailments after blood transfusion

NWS since vaccinations

(tendency to collapse. from shock)

Chamomilla vulgaris

acute pain syndromes

dental work

ailments after narcotics. long-standing abuse of morphine. opium

China officinalis

ailments from excessive loss of vital fluids. especially weakness

hemorrhages

neuralgias and pains

weakness

distension. flatulence. constipation. diarrhea

faintness. collapse

decubitus

traumatic fever

ulcers. moist gangrene

useful after the removal of the gall bladder

asphyxia neonatorum. icterus neonatorum

Coffea cruda

sleeplessness. nervousness

neuralgias. severe pain syndromes

toothache

post amputation neuralgia

ailments from narcotic medicines

Echinacea angustifolia

septic conditions and fever. septicemia. puerperal infections. blood poisoning. ulcers. gangrene

antiseptic wash for wounds

Ferrum metallicum

hemorrhages

weakness

post operative vomiting (especially after tonsillectomy)

Ferrum phosphoricum

fever and early stages of inflammatory affections

hemorrhages

weakness

Gelsemium sempervirens

nervous fear before an operation. especially fear of the dentist (Acon)

for the bad after effect of “hearing bad news” (Ign)

fevers

childbirth

Gunpowder

sepsis. septic conditions. blood poisoning

when an abscessed tooth was extracted

Hamamelis virginica

venous hemorrhages

wounds

traumatic inflammations

ailments after operations

chronic effects of mechanical injuries (Arn. Bellis. Con. Nat-s)

to relive the discomfort after surgery on varicose veins and hemorrhoids

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

any condition and wound where there is inflammation with a tendency to suppuration

hectic fever

Hypericum perforatum

first-aid remedy for nerve pain. damage and traumatized sensory nerves and especially for wounds which have a rich nerve supply – exquisitely painful injuries/wounds and when shock is due to pain

painful injections

pain and ailments after lumbar puncture

acute reactions after a vaccinations and injections when the needle has damaged the nerve trunk

to prevent or treat tetanus (to be given in high potency)

severe nervous depression following the emotional and physical results of physical shock

phantom limb pain (post amputation pain)

ascending neuritis after fractures. traumatic neuritis

weakness. prostration after injuries

urinary troubles due to nerve involvement

decubitus

in paresis of arm or hand when the patient has been inadvertently placed on an operating table with upper extremity under the body. producing postural paresis: paresis caused by entanglement of the nerves in scars;

extreme pain after/during delivery. afterpain from instrumental delivery. e.g. forceps/venous; facial paralysis resulting from forceps delivery (when Arnica fails)

dental work and surgery: root canal pain. dry socket pain. injury to dental nerves. traumatized tooth. injury to front teeth and fractured jaw for the sensory nerve pain; tooth extraction or fillings; toothache due to involvement of nerves

pain following surgery of detached retina; to relieve abdominal pain after laparotomy or hernia repair surgery; for surgery that involves the spine

Ignatia amara

apprehension; in very young children when admission to the ward is emotionally equivalent to a loss of a loved one (Puls)

ailments from hearing bad news

convulsions or spasms after fright

Ipecacuanha

hemorrhages

gastric ailments: nausea and vomiting

all disorders causing severe nausea

ailments from over-medication or strong medications. narcotics/anesthesia. injuries

bronchial irritation after narcosis

Lachesis muta

hemorrhages

decubitus

septic states and fevers

wounds: tendency to ulceration. destruction. gangrene. suppuration. decomposition. post-mortem room wounds

cardiac shock

thrombosis

Ledum palustre

specific action on hematomas after traumas. especially in cases with long remaining discoloration after injuries (black or blue); it works deeper than Arnica and will finish what Arnica has started

puncture wounds. painful injections and dental instruments

bad after effects of vaccinations and injections

jaw stiffness after dental injection of local anesthesia

prevents tetanus (Arn. Hyper)

bedsores and decubitus

after surgery on eyes or varicose veins

often complements Arnica

Magnesium phosphoricum

the homeopathic “aspirin”: for neuralgic pains relieved by warmth

urinary trouble after catheterization

flatulent colic. colicky pain in abdomen

Millefolium – Achillea millefolium

hemorrhages

post surgical disturbances

often useful after stone removal

prevents post-partum hemorrhages

Nux vomica

gastric ailments: nausea. vomiting. constipation

pain. labor pains. pain after tooth extraction

ailments after narcotics

paralytic ileus

fever

a good remedy to commence treatment of patients who have had an excess of allopathic medicines. provided symptoms agree

Opium -Papaver somniferum

post surgical ailments

ailments from fear or fright remaining

retained urine or involuntary urination

severe constipation. distension. flatulence

sopor. stupor. coma after injury

post surgical ileus (Raph)

childbirth: retention of urine following parturition. complaints in children from the fright of the mother during pregnancy or from morphine intake; constipation. retention of urine or vomiting of meconium in newborns; one of the chief remedies for fetal movements when they become excessive

ailments from the intake of opium derivates. narcotics or hypnotics

Phosphorus

hemorrhages

wounds

gastric ailments: nausea. vomiting

respiratory disorders (especially lungs)

ailments after anesthesia

reduces apprehension before operation (especially in children)

one of the best antidotes to Radium. x-ray or atomic radiation

ailments from loss of vital fluids

weakness

post amputation pain

Phosphoricum acidum

weakness

ailments from loss of vital fluids

lack of reaction

post amputation pain

Pulsatilla nigricans

in very young children when admission to the ward is emotionally equivalent to a loss of a loved one (Ign)

thirstless fever

urine retention

Pyrogenium

septic fevers and conditions. septicemia. pyrexia. puerperal or surgical infections. especially when selected remedies fail to alleviate

post partum wounds (Ars. Lach)

decubitus

lymphangitis. typhoid states. necrosis. gangrene

dead fetus for days with black. horrible. offensive discharge and retained placenta

Rhus toxicodendron

pain: sensation of stiffness. soreness and restlessness after surgery or injuries

often helpful after operations on tonsils and adenoids. appendectomy and dental surgery

inflammation of the eyes following cataract extraction

septicemia and typhoid conditions

fevers

erysipelas following wounds

traumatic paralysis without destruction of nervous tissues

to prevent sepsis in abdominal surgery

post-operative complications: besides Arnica one of the most often used remedies after surgery!

Ruta graveolens

bone and periostal pain in and after surgery (including oral/dental surgery)

it will ease discomfort and promote recovery after orthopedic surgery when involving tendons. cartilage. connective tissue. coverings of the bones and especially joints such as knees. wrists. shoulders. elbows. ankles or hips

before and after a tooth extraction. for pain of a broken jaw. when the bones are severely contused; after braces are tightened or orthodontic spacers are placed between the teeth. after a dislodged tooth is re-implanted; for pain from an intra-alveolar injection; toothache. especially dry socket. at the onset of an infected tooth socket; for a tooth loosened in the socket or dislocated due to trauma

follows Arnica well

Silicea terra

fear of injection

suppurations

Spigelia anthelmia

fear of injection

pain after amputation

Staphysagria

for deep. painful and profusely bleeding wounds

post surgical (neuralgic) pain

specific for clean cuts from surgical incisions

to prevent peritonitis following abdominal surgery

after surgeries involving the abdomen. stomach. rectum. reproductive organs; C-section. episiotomy. hysterectomy. prostrate surgery. cystoscopy. endoscopy. lithotomy. bladder or kidney stone removal. circumcision

for procedures that involve the stretching of a sphincter muscle

ailments after catheterization

post surgical colic. colic and nausea after abdominal surgery

pain and nervousness after tooth extraction

ailments after loss of vital fluids and blood loss

chronic effects of injuries. surgery and wounds

organ removal

laparotomy

post amputation pain. especially after amputation of fingers

post-operative ileus

childbirth: constant urging to urinate after difficult labor. retention of urine after parturition

Strontium carbonicum

ailments after surgery

shock/collapse stage after surgery (specific)

weakness after surgery

for the chronic sequelae of hemorrhages or injuries

photopsia after an eye operation. especially when the objects appear as if tinged with blood

Sulphur lotum

lack of reaction

suppurations of all kinds

fever (septic). puerperal fever

decubitus

diarrhea

ailments after suppression. abuse of medicines and vaccinations

septicemia

Sulphuricum acidum

weakness. prostration after injuries

ailments from mechanical injuries. operations and surgical injuries

collapse

hemorrhages and ecchymosis

wounds with extensive hematoma and long-standing black or blue spots

for wounds that do not heal and stitches breaking open

decubitus

traumatic gangrene: Sulphuric acid is the most wonderful remedy following operations in which gangrene sets in

Symphytum officinale

traumatic injuries of bones (fractures). cartilage. periosteum and orbita

phantom limb pain (post amputation pain)

Veratrum album

collapse or shock from injuries/surgery

weakness. prostration after injuries

deficient vital reaction

acute gastroenteritis . vomiting and diarrhea

when there is icy coldness of the body after fright

References

Luc de.Schepper. Classical Homeopathy for the Professional. New Dehli. 2006

Luc de Schepper. The people’s repertory. Santa Fe. 1998

Alan V. Schmukler Homeopathy An A to Z Home Handbook. Woodbury. Minnesota. 2007

J.T. Kent. The art and science of homeopathic medicine. Mineola. New York. 2002

R.v. Zaandvort. Repertorium Universale. Ruppichteroth

R. Murphy. Homeopathic Medical Repertory. New Dehli. 2006

M.D.Borland. Some emergencies of general practice. New Dehli. 2005

Ravi Roy. Homoeopathischer Ratgeber bei Notfällen. Murnau. 2001

S. Hahnemenn. Organon,New York. 1999

G.Vithoulkas. Materia Medica viva. www.vithoulkas.com

Y.A. Agrawal. Homoeopathy in surgery. Dehli. 1982

F.L.Compton. Homoeopathic preventative medicine. New Dehli. 1996

G.Charette. Homoeopathische Arzneimittellehre für die Praxis. Stuttgart. 1991

M.Seideneder. Mitteldetails der homoeopathischen Arzneimittel. Ruppichteroth. 2000

D.M.Foubister. Therapeutic hints for student of homoeopathy,New Dehli,

Rabe/Bhattacharjee. The homeopathic recorder. Place of surgery in homoeopathy (Hompath library)

E.Carleton. Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery. New Dehli. 2001

R.P.Patel/P.Elis. A treatise on homoeopathic surgery. Kottayam

G.Koehler. Lehrbuch der Homoeopathie. Stuttgart. 2001

S.R.Phatak. Materia Medica of homoeopathic medicines New Dehli. 2000

W.Boericke. Homoeopathische Mittel und ihre Wirkungen. Leer. 2000

W.A.Dewey. Homoeopathie in der täglichen Praxis. New York. 1992

D.Gibson. Studies of homoeopathic remedies. Beaconsfield. Bucks. 1987

E.B.Nash. Eexpanded works of NASH. New Dehli. 2004

H.R.Arndt. First lessons in the symptomatology of leading homoeopathic remedies. New Dehli,

Frans Vermeulen. Prisma. Haarlem. 2004

M.S.Jus. Bad effects of narcosis. www.shi.ch

E.Das Solved Model Questions (Oral) on Surgery. New Dehli. 1992

D.Grandgeorge. The spirit of homeopathic medicines. Berkeley. 1998

K.N.Mathur. Systematic Materia Medica. New Dehli. 2001

Pulford. Key to the homoeopathic Materia Medica. Wazirpur. dehli. 2000

Dana Ullman. The Consumer’s Guide to Homeopathy. Tarcher/Putnam. 1996

E.W. Hubbard. Homoeopathy as art and science. Beaconsfield. Bucks. 1990

S.Hahnemann. Organon of medicine. translated by J.Künzli/A.Naude/P.Pendleton. London. 1982

S.Hahnemann. Organon of the medical art. edited by W.B.O’Reilly. Palo Alto. 2001

[1] www.bihusa.com and hpathy.com

[2] S.Hahnemann. Organon 6th edition. paragraph 189

[3] S.Hahnemann. Organon 6th edition. vide paragraph 187

[4] S.Hahnemann. Organon 6th edition. vide paragraph 17

[5] J.T.Kent. The art and science of homeopathic medicine. p. 29

[6]< S.Hahnemann. Organon 6th edition. paragraph 67

[7] S.Hahnemann. Organon 6th edition. vide paragraph 186

[8] S.Hahnemann. Organon 6th edition. vide paragraph 26

[9] Y.R.Agrawal. Homoeopathy in surgery. p.9

[10] according to Y.R.Agrawal. Homoeopathy in Surgery. p.10

[11] Y.R.Agrawal. Homoeopathy in surgery. p.6

[12] M.S.Jus. Bad effects of narcosis. www.shi.ch

[13] G.Charette. Homoeopathische Arzneimittellehre für die Praxis. p.264

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About the author

Katja Schuett

Katja Schuett

Katja Schutt. Msc. HP. DHM. PGHom. DVetHom. has studied homeopathy with several schools. amongst which David Little’s advanced course stands out as it offers a really deep insight into homeopathic philosophy and materia medica (simillimum.com). Her current focus lies in working with animals and studying history. the old masters. and research.

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23 Comments

dr.rahul

March 23. 2010 at 10:44 pm

dear dr.schutt i have gone through your article over surgery and homoeopathy.documetation was good,mostly the cases were selective to assertain the role of homoeopathic medicines in surgical diseases…….but question arises is that whether selective method is that much effective in such cases??

or we should wait for the constitutional medicines while treating the chronic surgical cases…please give your valuable reply and if you got stalwarts comments over surgical diseases please mail me that on my email …….

thanks!!!

Reply

Katja Schuett Katja Schütt

May 8. 2010 at 7:11 pm

Dear Dr.Rahul !

The to applied and most effective method depends from the nature of the disease. Hahnemann distinguished between actue. chronic. and sub-acute diseases and prescribed in the Organon how to proceed in their treatment.

Acute diseases are of a short acting nature and self-limited. with a definite onset and ending. and characterized by a rapid illness-process (see §72,73 Organon). They commence with an initial prodomal phase. are followed by a period of progress. reach crisis quickly and ultimately a period of decline. during which there is a natural tendency to recover. sometimes only partial. They may also have an onset with sufficient virulence to cause death of the patient. The symptoms are violent but superficial.

Acute cases have to be treated according to the exciting cause (etiology. §5 Organon) and actual. acute symptom picture. with the acute (intercurrent) remedy. As the chronic symptom picture is suspended and the symptoms are rather sharp and pronounced. there should be little difficulty in finding the acute totality and remedy. and the acute anamnesis is quite easy (see §99 Organon). Bönninghausen’s repertorization method has proved itself in acute cases.

Chronic diseases are of a more permanent nature and lifelong right from the beginning. Symptoms start insidious with a small. often unnoticed beginning. with no definite onset. course or end. They are deep seated. Chronic diseases have a prodomal period but progress without a period of decline. continuing for the lifetime. possibly through latent stages. until they produce functional changes and pathology in the most predisposed regions of the body (see §72,78 Organon).

The treatment of chronic cases requires to take the whole chronic case of the patient. considering the most significant points in the whole history of the chronic disease (including miasms. §5 Organon). and to prescribe for the patient’s totality of characteristic symptoms. not just the partial symptom picture of the local malady or the more superficial symptoms !

In both. acute and chronic cases. the totality of symptoms is the only guide for the choice of the remedy. But the treatment of chronic diseases requires a more comprehencsive case anamnesis and considers a broader history and totality of the patient. leading to a different treatment strategy with necessary long-time case management. Also. the choice of potency and dose depends from the nature of the case. For example the remedial powers of centesimal potencies generally fit the energy of acute diseases the best. whereas LM potencies are best suited for chronic diseases.

I think the main point to consider is that only a TRUE acute disease will suspend the chronic symptom picture and requires a different remedy according to the exciting cause and actual symptom picture. However. acutes are often just an exacerbation (passing flare-ups) of the chronic disease – transient activities of latent psora. that returns to the chronic state after a short (see §73 Organon). Here the chronic remedy will often still be indicated – if the chronic symptom picture is still present and not suspended as in true acute diseases. In these cases. the chronic remedy is to apply more frequently and possibly at a higher potency. or. one of its acute complementary remedies. which is to be followed soon by the chronic remedy after the more acute symptoms have subdued. to prevent recurrence.

With patients whose chronic case history is known this is much easier to see. but if the patient just comes for the acute it may be more difficult. The totality of the more superficial acute symptoms may not suffice to find the true simillimum. unless they are really strange. rare. peculiar and uncommon. If the chosen acute remedy is similar enough to work for the more superficial symptoms. but only a merely palliative remedy. then we ideally have to follow soon with the chronic remedy to prevent recurrence. Hahnemann wrote that palliation may be “correct. useful and sufficient in acute diseases” – but never in chronic diseases. where palliation only relieves temporarily and requires increasingly large doses and yet cannot remove the disease.

For surgical cases. and all cases in general. it is to consider. that homeopathy acts in the realm of dynamics. where disease originates. and in the field in which the Law of Similars is operative. It relates to affections in which signs and symptoms are perceptible. to cases whose symptomatic likeness is perceptibly produced in the healthy prover by medical means. and to individuals. whose vital reactive power to remedies is not exhausted. obstructed or prevented. It relates not to affections with destruction’s incapable of restoration. nor to false diseases which are maintained by factors which have to be removed. or if the exciting cause is constantly operative.

Best regards,

Katja

Reply

chotu gupta

August 26. 2013 at 11:15 am

theacher homeo.doctor created the surgery or operesion

Reply

Dr.Mayank Shukla

September 14. 2010 at 11:28 am

Dear Maam,

I want to ask whether a homoeopathic doctor can opt for postgraguation in surgery? Is there any college across offering PG in surgery ?

Thanks

Reply

Katja Schütt

September 28. 2010 at 4:43 pm

Dear Dr.Mayank,

I received the answer from my colleague that homeopathic doctors in India cannot become surgeons. Legally not allowed.

Best regards,

Katja

Reply

Iva

January 13. 2011 at 7:55 pm

Dear Dr. Schutt,

I am writing you in regard to the article from above that relates to my case as well. I suffer from uterine fibroid that despite my efforts to heal it alternatively is growing continuously and I am afraid. I cannot any longer postpone the surgical intervention. recommended by all gynecologists I have visited within a period of 2 years. I have never had severe symptoms and therefore did not want to choose the surgery as a solution. I am a bit older than 30 and have not yet had pregnancies. I have started using Lapis Albus 5CH twice per day. Aurum Muriaticum natronatum 5CH 1xday. as well as Thuja Occ. 15CH 1xweek and Calcarea fluorica 9CH 1xweek /as the dosage was prescribed by a friend who is currently studying classical homeopathy/. but I have started it only 2-3 weeks ago.I am npw preparing myself for the surgery and I just wanted to ask you for your opinion how to take the pre- and post-operative remedies (e.g. my friend suggested I take Arnica and Staphysagria) as I suppose I should stop taking the rest of homeopathic remedies that I am currently using.

I wish I have started curing myself with the remedies of homeopathy a bit earlier when my ‘problem’ was smaller. but I know that even after the surgery I will continue with homeopathy as to prevent reoccurance.

Thank you for your reply in advance.

Reply

Dr.M.Zia

March 22. 2011 at 4:26 am

Dear Iva why you are considering surgery for your problem.Homeopathic remedy selected on the bases of totality of symptoms can treat you completely and permanently

Consult some professional homeopath not your friend who is student

Thanks

Reply

Katja Schuett Katja Schütt

May 2. 2011 at 4:36 pm

Dear Iva,

I’m sorry for being late in answering but I only read your post now. I hope you did not opt for surgery meanwhile and that homeopathy could help you. I’m sure homeopathy can help you if applied properly. which requires to adhere to the principles and laws as described by Hahnemann. Giving only one medicine at a given time is one of the basic laws and were obviously not followed by your prescriber. Please be so kind to consult a professional homeopath in person who can take your full case and ensure a proper prescription and case management. (Homeopath in Germany are not allowed to take cases online.)

All the best for you !!

Katja

Reply

MC Radko Tichavsky Radko Tichavsky

August 31. 2012 at 9:01 pm

Hola Katja comunicate conmigo por favor saludos Radko

Reply

Dr Ashok Lendwe

April 25. 2011 at 1:22 pm

Katja Realy nice article -Surgery & Homoeopathy. is an excellent introduction to the beginners as a mentor. Nice efforts & good study

Reply

Janda Smit

June 27. 2011 at 3:02 pm

Dear Dr. Schütt

My daughter of 4 and a half is going in for a Cataract operation in one week. She was born with the cataract but was not diagnosed before she was nearly 3 years old so we have waited to see how the cataract develops before operating. My daughter will be operated on in a University Klinic and the operation will be done by the Professor in Charge. here in Germany.

I am pretty new to Homeopathic remedies. but I have found they really do make a difference… So. I have heard that using some for my daughter before and after the operation may make the procedure more bare-able for both her and me…I am staying in the hospital for the duration of her stay…

I have read the article and compiled a list of remedies that may be useful for us. but I wondered if you could possibly advise better…

Thank you for an excellent article

Reply

Dr Shreya Deshpande

November 9. 2011 at 10:09 am

Excellent article Katja! Very informative… Thank you so much! 🙂

Reply

Katja Schuett Katja Schütt

March 2. 2012 at 8:16 am

Thanks. Shreya.

Reply

Kennedy Bell

May 18. 2012 at 11:35 pm

Dear Dr. Schuett,

Thank you for providing a great article! It is very informative! I am having a few elective plastic surgery procedures consisting of an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair. lipo and fat grafting. My goal is to reduce my recovery time and minimize complications. I am 32 years old. active with a clean bill of health (praises due). Currently to prepare I have been taking on a daily basis Iron 50mg. Emergen C and a multivitamin. As my day approaches my plan is to fast for 3 days to detox and to start taking Bio E Body Mend Homeopathic drop pre op. I am struggling in developing a post op regimine. Thusfar I have:

Bodymend

Arnica

Iron

Vitamin C

Vitamin e

Bromeline

In your article you discussed bellis perennis-staphysagria 30 and thiosinamium pellets for abdominal surgery and scar tissue reduction. What would be your recommended regimine for pre and post op. for I’m not well versed and I am having a terrible time at finding information to assist me with recovery. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Reply

nasiruddin

July 30. 2012 at 6:11 pm

Very informative article regarding surgery and homeopathy. However. I am suffering from depression since my heart surgery nine months ago and I do not see any mention of this common problem in your article. Please advise.

Reply

Mohammed Ilyas

August 23. 2012 at 10:25 pm

Thank you very much Dr.Katja Schuett

for such great information and great work from your valuable time.this is excellent work for humanity..God bless you happy and healthy..please be continue .. some other topics

Best regards

Reply

Evergreen Pritam Majumdar

January 9. 2013 at 3:57 am

Hello,Dr Katza,with my best regards to you and Master Hahnemann and my love to Homoeopathy,I wanna inform you that I’m just a student and a beginner in this magical world,but I just wanna know from you that is a postgraduate surgery degree available for a student abroad……….What should be the elligibilities regarding that coz I’m from India???

Reply

Life Force Homeopathy

April 23. 2014 at 5:30 am

Yes its a duty of the homeopath to inform his patients about curability. he should clearly explain whether the ailment can be cured or it will be not. The article is quite good and clear. good one keep posting.

Reply

gazi saiful islam

June 5. 2015 at 1:29 am

Very nice and Important article in field of Homeopathy. Many People suffer from surgery trauma or complications. From this article they can help them by knowledge …

Reply

Patrizia Sommerauer

August 3. 2015 at 2:47 pm

Hi I have been doing quite a bit of research for my grandma who medically seem sot be in a bit of a conundrum. I am on a whim hoping that you can help. The quickest summery is that she had a bleeding wound from a removed skin tumor on her face. At the same time she is on Coumadin due to a clot that is hindering her from having a sent put in (for which she is a good candidate) in order to avoid open heart surgery. Her skin is thin and almost see through and she has been prone to bruising for years. She is quickly loosing steam yet still tries to stand proud and upright. I think that Hamamelis would be a good fit. but am worried about the possible side effects with the blood thinners and the threat of a stroke. But ultimately she cannot have surgery until her wounds heal. Any suggestions?

Reply

Pooja Mishra

December 1. 2016 at 2:31 pm

Thanks Katja Schuett for sharing this useful post!

Here It’s clearly said that how homeopathy and homeopathy treatment is useful across other diseases.

Keep it up for next post.

Reply

Diana Gray

December 5. 2016 at 8:56 am

Dear Dr Schuett. we are a charity for animals and have an urgent question regarding one of our little dogs Stella. She had a benign mammary adenoma removed surgically in 2015. also 13 teeth that were rotten and lose in her mouth badly infected. Everything was fine until June 2016 when she had a anal gland abscess and days later was spotting blod after urination. She was treated with an antibiotic. She lost her appetite every since and started vomiting on day 12 when hopistalized. From there on she stoped eating. We were feeding her food and water by syringe in the mouth. In November 2016 she was sterilized since they found a 2 and a 2.5 cm cyst on her ovaries. After surgery she was given Mitrazapine as an appetite stimulant. Two hours later she had a seizure like episode. We discontinued the drug immediately and took her to the emergency room. They ran extensive tests. We believed it was a toxic reaction to the medication called Serotonin syndrome. Today. two weeks later she had a seizure in her sleep that lasted around 20 seconds. We are very worried about this little girl. Her blood work in September prior to surgery and this week in December about a month after surgery. is completely normal. She was diagnosed with mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension. After her antibiotic taken in June this year she developed acid reflux that is now worse. It seems her stomac is inflamed on top of the two seizure she had. We are giving her slippery elm with each meal and boiron acidil five times a day to regulate the acidity. We need your urgent guidance.

Reply

Muriel

May 5. 2017 at 4:28 pm

I just want to thank you for the invaluable. comprehensive article. My mom went through complete hysterectomy last July and I had to go through hernia surgery 2 weeks ago. She did no have to use any painkiller (other than homeopathy) and I was off advil the next day and off any painkillers (except homeopathy) on day 4. We are both healing superbly. Wonderful information.

Reply

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[Luc de Schepper]

A dentist skilled in homeopathy will amaze you with the results he obtains. The patient should always take a dose of Calendula ahead of time when extensive surgery is needed or if the patient is a slow healer. A dentist colleague of mine has told me that he can actually see the wounds granulating (starting to heal) right before his eyes when

he pretreats with Calendula.

Appendicitis.

[J.T. Kent]

“It is deplorable ignorance that causes appendicitis to be surrendered to the knife. You need not run to a surgeon for every case of appendicitis if you know Bry. Rhus-t. Bell. Arn.!”

[Steven Guth]

Going into the operation I was spacing out for a week. To many possibilities of things going wrong. The classic things... infection. a possible stroke. pain. botched medical procedures. even fate catching up. I tried to enter a meditative. desire less state.

The operation? A double hernia. The one on the right had been playing up for years and years. getting worse week by week over the last 3. It started again about 8 years ago and it was horse riding that set it going again. Horse riding is fun. Certainly for me it recreated images of having ridden before. in a group of people. priests perhaps. in Italy in the middle ages.

As to karma. well my whole lower abdominal area is weak. I suspect the result of death by torture again in the middle ages. I can visualise the dungeon in which I died. sort of rotting up from the intestines. I understood the nature of the weakness years ago and as the time for the operation approached I went back into those images and tried. as best I could. to pull the energy associated with my premature death at that time in off the walls of the dungeon.

I know from experience that death scenes reflect into current bodies. A friend with a deformed shoulder who was machine gunned; an unsettled Japanese friend with Hari Kiri scars on her stomach. An angry men who died with hatred on his lips in a battlefield.

So I did what I could to re-energise the area and I didn't feel that I was winning until about 6 months ago. From that time I asked about for a surgeon ("ask the theatre nurses") and searched for a GP who would understand my chemical sensitivities. I even checked the date with an astrologer. I also asked the 'I Ching'. it made the suggestion that

I should tell all my friends about the operation so that their light. their prayers. their love and concern would help during and after.

So the time approached.

When I checked into Hospital I immediately came into contact with the Hospital's central Deva. An immense being able to function in many different places and levels at the same time. Left waiting for an hour I meditated and asked her (well it) why she didn't clear up the ugly demonic junk that wisped up and down the corridors. jumping on and off people and generally breeding in the aching thought forms that the sick manifest around themselves. Yes. hospitals are full of sick people and they - both the people and the hospitals - stay that way. She told me she couldn't work in that area. the junk was too close to humans and needed human energy to clear it up. She could only care for and work with the spirit aspects of people. with their intelligence. with their thoughts and with their compassion ... but not with their fears and lusts. She seemed centred over the operating room area - which was also the centre of the hospital and seemed most concerned with surgery procedures and the caring for souls during the anaesthetic process.

So when I was wheeled on my bed to the operating area and given an intravenous blank out injection I committed my soul into the Hospital Deva's care.

I awoke. about 2 hours later was checked over and wheeled back to my room with morphine drip attached. The operation seemed to have gone well enough and

I was much relieved to find I hadn't end up with a stroke.

I was given a button and told to press it for pain relief. Pressing it would pump morphine into my veins and into my body and my mind. I found that a single shot took about five minutes to work and after a feeling of nausea let my consciousness dissociate from my body and move around more freely into worlds that were purely imaginary.

It made it easier to get to sleep and using the technique of repeating doses every half hour I got a couple of hours out of the body relaxation and sleep.

The morphine drip came off after the first day and slowly things started to get better. I made sure I kept flat and turned sufficiently to keep drainage moving away from the wound. The site bruising was masked by the local anaesthetic but even so things felt sore for 4 or 5 days.

Perhaps my first realisation something was strange was the thought that I'd had 5 to 7 years extra put onto my life ... and to achieve this I'd had to make a deal with the forces of death.

Forces of death? Well. you see. modern allopathic medicine uses poisons. selective poisons. to achieve its aims. The "pain killers" that are part of modern medicine are a poison that effects the links between body and mind. so slowing down the healing process. Anaesthetics are ways of creating a "little Death".

So there I was lying in a hospital bed and realising that I had made some sort of Faustian deal. What. I wondered did the forces of death want from me? They give me more years (because the right hernia was getting really bad and becoming something that was affecting my whole body) - but what did they expect in return?

It slowly dawned on me that they didn't want anything. It was their deal and they were just going to take over more of my body so that they could live a better. a more human like life in the world of human consciousness.

Having made their deal with me. so to say. my spiritual work would be weakened. Meditation would became really difficult and I began to realise that it all probably meant that I wouldn't be able to bring my work on the Double into any useful completion.

And to know about the Double is to be able to understand more about human life. habits. wars and relationships.

So the struggle continues. I try to get out of being robbed of my contact and relationship with my higher self by working desperately to grasp at and fulfil my spiritual mission in this life. And I try to get the Double to again take possession of my body by doing things that I like and enjoy.

After a few days I became aware that I had in my memory images of the cutting up and ripping apart process (they opened up the layers between the skin to insert a plastic net which is was then stitched down; it took about two hours.) I was watching the whole procedure from a point about a foot above my throat. I was terrified of what was happening to my body and felt that death was sure to follow as infection set in.

As I became I of my memories I realised the terror that was still in my body - I flinched when anyone walked nearby - and when given a massage by a friend I realised the huge amount of tension in my limbs -relax arm. relax- and still tension remained.

Also I became aware that I was still out of my body in two ways.

1^st my Double -my body mind- was still a foot or so outside and could see no point in going back inside to occupy the space it held inside the workings of my body.

"You will be dead within days. so why bother?"

2^nd my higher self simply was off. out somewhere past the edges of the solar system living in other existence. having abounded any hope of carrying on with things in this

here and now.

Strange?

Not really. Stop to think. 100 or 150 years ago such wound would most probably have meant death. 200 years ago a wound like I am carrying would definitely have meant death within days or a week ... and probably would have been the result of a hunting injury or a battle. Going back from there one could go back tens of thousands of years when a certain death would have resulted from such an injury.

So we are programmed to leave and not return to our body after major injury. A bit like the rabbit being eaten a fox simply isn't sees but doesn't know and has no feeling pain.

So - it seems that anaesthetic removes the conscious body's memory of the surgical work but not the body memory or the soul memory of what happened.

As this realisation dawned I slugged to pull my body mind. my double back inside. It was difficult if not impossible. I got the message - perhaps from the Hospital Deva - that the problem was that my blood and lymph where poisoned and just unable to carry the higher self or even the double inside.

Concerned. I made up a Bach flower remedy to help me ease the terror and fear out of my system. I than added flowers to give me a greater impulse to incarnate and continue my life. It seems to be working. but its taken about ten days.

Now. I suspect that this excarnation process is common to all surgery but that younger people just have so much desire and will to keep going that they usually just get back together and keep on going with their lives. But not so older people. I think the higher self often doesn't see the point in coming back and so they gradually fade away into senility. I suspect that the double also has a reluctance to re-enter and fill all the spaces in the body ... and the gaps it leaves are soon grabbed by the strange and inhuman things that wonder down the corridors of hospitals.

ZEIT ONLINE

Gesundheit

[Hartmut Wewetzer]

Operationen am Meniskus sind oft unnötig

Reißt der Meniskus im Knie. wird bisher operiert und der Knorpel geflickt. Eine Studie aus Finnland zeigt nun: Die Schmerzen lassen oft auch nach. wenn Ärzte nichts tun.

9. Januar 2014 13:07 Uhr 6 Kommentare

Meniskusprobleme plagen viele Menschen. Vor allem bei Älteren neigen die beiden halbmondförmigen Knorpelscheiben im Kniegelenk dazu. einzureißen. Das schmerzt.

Bei vielen Patienten wird schadhaftes Meniskusgewebe im Rahmen einer Gelenkspiegelung entfernt. Allerdings zeigt sich mehr und mehr. dass der Nutzen dieser Operation zweifelhaft sein kann. Auch ohne Eingriff bessern sich die Beschwerden oftmals. Oder aber eine Scheinoperation erbringt das gleiche Ergebnis wie ein echter Eingriff.

Das haben finnische Ärzte nun belegt.

An der Untersuchung nahmen 146 Patienten zwischen 35 und 65 Jahren teil. Sie hatten zwar noch keine krankhaften Veränderungen im Kniegelenk. aber Beschwerden.

die auf einen meist nicht durch eine Verletzung bedingten Riss des inneren Meniskus und damit auf Verschleiß hindeuteten.

Bei allen Patienten wurde eine Gelenkspiegelung vorgenommen. aber nur jeder Zweite wurde bei dieser Gelegenheit auch tatsächlich behandelt. Bei den anderen wurde eine Meniskusbehandlung lediglich simuliert. Die Patienten selbst wussten jedoch nicht. ob sie tatsächlich operiert worden waren. Auf diese Weise waren persönliche Einflüsse auf das Behandlungsergebnis zwischen beiden Gruppen angeglichen worden.

In den nächsten zwölf Monaten wurden Operierte wie Nichtoperierte immer wieder verglichen. etwa in Bezug auf Knieschmerzen nach sportlichen Übungen.

Es zeigte sich kein bedeutsamer Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen. "Diese Ergebnisse widersprechen der gegenwärtigen Praxis. Teile des Meniskus bei verschleißbedingten Meniskusrissen zu entfernen". schreiben Raine Sihvonen vom Hatanpää City Hospital und seine Kollegen im Fachblatt New England Journal of Medicine.

Die Studie ist nicht die erste ihrer Art. Schon 2002 hatten Mediziner in Texas bei Patienten mit Kniegelenksarthrosen (Kniegelenksverschleiß) die Gelenkflächen entweder geglättet. nur gespült oder einen Eingriff sogar völlig simuliert. Auch hier zeigte sich kein Unterschied.

Reicht womöglich ein spezielles Training?

Altersbedingte Meniskusschäden sind häufig. meist verursachen sie noch nicht einmal Beschwerden. Das geht aus einer Studie von Bostoner Medizinern hervor. die das rechte Knie von Bürgern der Stadt Framingham in Massachusetts im Alter zwischen 50 und 90 mit einer Kernspinaufnahme untersucht hatten. Jede fünfte Frau zwischen 50 und 59 hatte einen eingerissenen oder gar zerstörten Meniskus. bei Männern zwischen 70 und 90 waren sogar 56% betroffen.

6 von 10 der untersuchten Personen hatten trotz Meniskusriss keine Schmerzen.

Vor Kurzem erschien im New England Journal eine weitere Untersuchung. die routinemäßige Meniskuseingriffe infrage stellt. Der Orthopäde Jeffrey Katz von der Harvard Medical School und sein Team verglichen die Behandlung von Personen. die 45 oder älter waren. Beschwerden aufgrund eines Meniskusrisses hatten und bereits Anzeichen von Verschleiß im Kniegelenk. Die eine Hälfte der Patienten bekam ein Trainingsprogramm verordnet. bei der anderen wurde der Meniskusriss operativ behandelt. Auch hier stellte sich nach einem Jahr heraus. dass die Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen nicht ins Gewicht fielen. "Die Ergebnisse legen nahe. dass es zwei Behandlungswege für Patienten mit Kniearthrose und Meniskusriss gibt". fasste Katz zusammen.

Noch weiter ging die Präventionsmedizinerin Rachelle Buchbinder von der australischen Monash-Universität in einem Kommentar. Sie forderte dazu auf. die "gängige Praxis zu ändern". Weltweit würden Millionen chirurgischen Risiken ausgesetzt. und das bei einer Behandlung. deren Nutzen unklar sei und die erhebliche Kosten verursache.

"Jeder Patient ist anders". kommentiert dagegen der Orthopäde Wolf Petersen vom Berliner Martin-Luther-Krankenhaus. Petersen hält es für denkbar. dass insgesamt zu häufig operiert wird. Allerdings müsse die Entscheidung für einen Eingriff individuell getroffen werden. Die Ergebnisse der Studien ließen sich nicht schematisch übertragen. Zudem gebe es nach wir vor klare Gründe für eine Operation. etwa eine plötzliche Verletzung. bei der ein Meniskus zu nähen und damit zu erhalten sei.

Leserkommentare:

ChristianBW

09. Januar 2014 13:32 Uhr

1. Vorsicht OP

Auch nach meiner Erfahrung scheint Einiges daraufhin zu deuten. dass manche Knie-Operationen unnötig sind oder teilweise sogar zu Verschlechterung oder negativen Nebenwirkungen führen.

Ich würde dazu raten bedächtig vorzugehen und ggf. weitere Meinungen einzuholen -gerade auch wenn ihr Orthopäde meint- "ist nur ein kleiner Routineeingriff - Sie können quasi fast gleich nach der OP wieder selber nach Hause laufen und bald wieder "hüpfen".

Ich hatte z.B schon Probleme und 6-8 Wochen massive Schmerzen am Innenminiskus und bereits einen OP-Termin. Als mir schließlich eröffnet wurde. dass ich nach der OP einige Wochen nicht gehen. nicht Autoutofahren könne. und das Bein stark schonen und hochlegen müsse. verschob ich wegen beruflicher Verpflichtungen den Termin - und siehe da. währendessen ließen die starken Schmerzen nach und heute mache ich sogar wieder schmerzfrei Sport bis hin zum Skifahren (halt ein bisschen vorsichtiger und langsamer). Na ja. mein Orthopäde meint irgendwann sei ich doch für eine OP reif. Als ehemaliger Leistungsportler hatte ich des öftern Problemchen. Verletzungen und Kontakte mit Orthopäden. Mein Resümee: Auf jeden Fall. soweit möglich. zuerst konservative Behandlung. Schonung und v.a. Geduld. die mir auch manchmal fehlt(e)

Cromagnon

09. Januar 2014 15:52 Uhr

2. Vor vielen Jahren hatte ich ein Problem mit dem Knie. und ...

... ein guter. älterer Freund ( ein Arzt ) bot sich an. mein Knie anzuschauen. Seine Vorgehensweise unterschied sich deutlich von der eines Krankenhausarztes (der mir bei einem Wortwechsel bedeutete. dass ich nicht ausgebildet sei. mein Knie anzuschauen) und war Vertrauen erweckend. Seine Schlussfolgerung war dann eine exakte Beschreibung des Schadens mit dem Rat. die Ärzte so lange zu meiden. wie ich mit den gelegentlichen Schmerzen leben könnte. Nach mehreren Jahren und nachdem mein Freund auch schon nicht mehr lebte. habe ich wegen Dauerschmerz einen Facharzt aufgesucht und das Kniegelenk ambulant reparieren lassen. Das Gespräch vor der OP werde ich auch nicht vergessen: "Lassen Sie sich hierher bringen. Sie können danach mindestens in der ersten Woche nicht mehr Auto fahren und nur mit Krücken laufen - und das nur kurz." "Ich kann also nicht fahren und nicht laufen - und wie komme ich dann ins Büro?" "Vielleicht werden Sie auch krank geschrieben?!"

detlefluehrsen

09. Januar 2014 17:48 Uhr

3. Es gibt eine Alternative

Ich bin mit starken Schmerzen im Knie ins Krankenhaus gegangen und man war sofort dabei. meinen Meniskus zu operieren oder gar ein neues Knie einzusetzen. Mit meinen damals 84 Jahren hielt ich das für geldschneiderischen Unsinn und habe eine konservative Behandlung gewählt. Mit Wärmpolstern. Massagen und kleinen gymnastischen Übungen (Baumeln lassen) war ich nach einer Woche wieder nach Hause zugehen. allerdings immer noch nicht schmerzfrei. Eine Physiotherapeutin beseitigte den Schmerz völlig und dauerhaft mit einer französischen Methode genannt Mikrokinesi (einen Form der Ostheopathie). Leider wird diese Methode von den Kassen nicht anerkannt

Zakkyoro

09. Januar 2014 18:34 Uhr

4. "wenn Ärzte nichts tun"...

... verdienen sie kein Geld. Es mag bald die Zahl der Kniearthroskopien zurückgehen (alle sind bald operiert). aber es gibt einen Hoffnungsschimmer am Horizont. die Zahl der Schulterarthroskopien steigt und steigt.

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Karlos111

09. Januar 2014 19:03 Uhr

5. Wers mag. soll die Operation lassen

Ich hatte einen gerissenen Meniskus in Begleitung einer netten Baker-Zyste.

Ich lies es operieren und würde es wieder tun. Der Gedanke. daß das eingerissene Stück immer wieder durch das Knie gewalkt wird. würde mich nicht befriedigen. Auch wenn manche Spezialisten aus dem esoterischen Lager das Gegenteil behaupten: ein gerissener Meniskus wächst nicht mehr zusammen

und ein abgenutzter Knorpel baut sich durch Nahrungsergänzungsmittel nicht mehr auf. Ich bin heute schmerzfrei und betreibe mehrere Sportarten.

DrMorX

gestern 10:51 Uhr

6. "wenn Ärzte nichts tun..."

...werden sie verklagt.

Viele denke bei unnötigen Behandlungen ginge es vorwiegend um Geldmacherei. Meine Erfahrungen decken sich damit nicht. Eine überwiegende Anzahl an Diagnostik und Therapie geschieht auf Druck der Patienten und dann später über die Juristen. Es ist schier unmöglich einem Patienten zu sagen: "Schonen Sie sich ein bisschen. das wird von allein besser" oder "Wir brauchen diesen oder jenen Test nicht. weil es egal ist was dabei herauskommt. Es ändert an der Therapie nichts". Seitens der Patienten herrscht ein blinder Aktionismus. der über den juristischen Druck von den Ärzten durchgeführt wird und dann verinnerlicht immer angewandt wird. Auch bei jener Hand voll Patienten. die vielleicht lieber nichts machen lassen würden. Denn niemand lässt sich gern verklagen. (Mit)Schuld daran ist die sogenannte Beweislastumkehr vor Gericht. Man kann einfach nur schwer beweisen. dass nichts-tun die bessere Variante ist. Also wird alles gemacht. was möglich ist. nicht (wie es sein sollte) was nötig ist.

Im 1. Kommentar von ChristianBW ist die gängig Einstellung bereits treffend beschrieben: "Schonung und v.a. Geduld. die mir auch manchmal fehlt(e)".

Antwort auf ""wenn Ärzte nichts tun"...

ZEIT ONLINE

Gesundheit

[Haluka Maier-Borst]

Bertelsmann-StiftungAb in den OP. egal ob es nötig ist

Von Mandelentfernung bis Knie-Ersatz: In Teilen Deutschlands operieren Ärzte häufiger als sie müssten. zeigt eine Studie. In anderen Regionen fehlt es an Eingriffen. von

Operieren oder nicht operieren? Die Antwort auf diese Frage scheint in Deutschland nicht nur medizinisch begründet zu sein. Ob zum Skalpell gegriffen wird. darüber entscheiden inzwischen wohl auch finanzielle Überlegungen und die medizinische Infrastruktur. Das legt eine neue Studie der Bertelsmann-Stiftung nahe. deren erste Ergebnisse heute veröffentlicht wurden.

Für die Studie haben die Forscher die Häufigkeit von Operationen in allen 402 Kreisen und Städten Deutschlands ausgewertet. Dabei kamen sie unter anderem zu dem Ergebnis. dass Ärzte in manchen Regionen Kindern die Mandeln acht Mal häufiger herausnehmen als in anderen.

Ein solcher Eingriff hängt auch davon ab. wie einfach ein HNO-Arzt an ein Krankenhausbett kommt. um die Mandel-OP durchzuführen. "Wir konnten sehen. dass mehr Mandeloperationen durchgeführt werden. wenn in einem Kreis auch eine hohe Zahl an HNO-Belegstationen vorliegt". sagte Marion Grote Westrick ZEIT ONLINE. Sie hat die Untersuchung geleitet.

Die Gesundheitsökonomin und ihre Forscherkollegen konnten aber nicht nur Hinweise auf regionale Überversorgung finden. In manchen Kreisen scheint zu wenig operiert zu werden. So war in Landkreisen. in denen es keine eigene HNO-Abteilung in Kliniken gab. die Zahl der Operationen extrem niedrig. Möglicherweise wurden also OPs. die eigentlich notwendig gewesen wären. nicht durchgeführt. weil die Infrastruktur fehlte.

Grote-Westrick und ihre Kollegen fanden ähnlich große regionale Unterschiede für Blinddarm- oder Prostata-Eingriffe in allen Altersgruppen. Auch für Kaiserschnitte. Gebärmutterentfernungen oder den Einsatz künstlicher Kniegelenke unterschied sich die Operationshäufigkeit je nach Kreis um das bis zu Zwei- oder Dreifache.

Zu viele oder zu wenige Knie-OPs?

Überrascht waren die Wissenschaftler als sie sich etwa die Häufigkeit der Eingriffe für künstliche Kniegelenke ansahen. "Je mehr niedergelassene Orthopäden es gab. desto seltener wurden künstliche Kniegelenke eingesetzt". sagt Grote Westrick. Sie vermutet. dass Orthopäden in Kreisen mit vielen Fachkollegen ihren Patientenstamm erhalten wollen. Sie würden demnach seltener ihren Patienten eine OP empfehlen. weil sich das Problem dadurch womöglich dauerhaft lösen ließe. Der Patient wäre vielleicht beschwerdefrei. aber für den Orthopäden verloren.

Doch kalkulieren einige Orthopäden wirklich so? Eine frühere Studie der Bertelsmann-Stiftung kritisierte noch. dass in Deutschland viele Knie-OPs unnötigerweise durchgeführt werden. Vor diesem Hintergrund wären Kreise mit einer geringen Operationszahl also eher ein Positivbeispiel.

Fest steht zumindest. dass in Deutschland schon seit geraumer Zeit große Ungleichheit in der Versorgung herrscht. Seit 2007 führt die Bertelsmann-Stiftung Untersuchungen dazu durch. Vergleicht man frühere Studien

und die aktuelle miteinander. zeigt sich. dass das Ausmaß der regionalen Unterschiede über die Jahre nahezu gleich geblieben ist.

Einfache Unterschiede in der Bevölkerungsstruktur sind dafür kaum verantwortlich. "Wir haben nicht nur einfach die Daten des Statistischen Bundesamtes genommen. sondern haben sie auch standardisiert," sagt Grote Westrick. Damit haben die Forscher versucht. Faktoren wie unterschiedliche Einkommensverhältnisse und Altersstrukturen herauszurechnen.

Die Experten der Bertelsmann Stiftung empfehlen nun den Ärztekammern sowie den zuständigen Aufsichtsbehörden dringend. die auffälligen Regionen genau zu prüfen und eventuell neue Standards zu etablieren.

Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum