Guest guest Posted January 11, 2005 Report Share Posted January 11, 2005 I have a 77 year old patient who has been sufffering from idiopathic chronic pain for the last 35 years. Although she has been to many traditional western Dr's they have found nothing to be the cause and have even gone so far as to have her treated in a " Behavioural " hospital on two occasions. The patient believes that she has a parasite infection acquired while in Guam - the pain (deep bone, biting) started 2 months after her trip there. On initial intake the patients pulse was forceful in both mid Jiao positions, slightly superficial and rapid in the upper Jiao, but otherwise unremarkable. The areas of pain initially started in the groin and inguinal area and now extends to the lower back, hip and knee as well as in the head under the skin - like " push pins " - Patient also complains of confused thinking and low energy/motivation. She worries constantly about the pain, consumes plenty of water. BM's are best with plenty of salads and greens is occasionally dark. Appetite is strong - but patient craves carbs, chocolate and cookies. Patient takes no Rx meds, but uses ibuprofen for pain relief when necessary On initial treatment, pain relief was immediate, but in the following 72 hours the pain worsened considerably, fogginess of thinking returned. Questions Does anyone have experience treating parasites? Do you have suggestions as to why the treatment may have worsened the symptoms. (Sp 10, GB 34, St 44, SJ 6) Is there anywhere in the Mid West that provides " alternative therapies " / testing? Any input would be most happily received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 Hi, Sorry, I don't know your name (it is customary to sign our posts on CHA so we know who's saying what), but I wanted to reply to your post. First, if this were my patient, I would make sure tests were done to rule out (or in) the possibility of parasites. I haven't used them, but I've heard that Rocky Mountain Labs (or is it Smoky Mountain Labs?) provides test kits that you can order for your patient. You can probably find them on the internet. From your description of the patient's symptoms, and considering the climate in Guam, I found myself thinking that I would investigate the possibility of pathogenic invasion of exogenous wind damp heat as the initial cause, so many years ago. The symptoms described seem atypical of parasitic infestation. As far as her symptoms worsening with your treatment, I would want to know more about the case history. Also, what is your diagnosis and treatment principle? If tests reveal there is no parasitic infection, and her differential diagnosis point to external invasion of wind damp heat that has gone to deeper levels over time, you might need to look at combining acupuncture and herbal therapy to vent the pathogen. Without actually seeing the patient, what you report would guide me first to look at the possibility of a shao yang disease pattern, or a bi syndrome. Investigate whether there were any other events after returning from Guam that might also be contributing factors. By the way, deep, biting bone pain is also typical of bone cancer, in case this hasn't been explored as a possibility. In any case, good luck with this case, and let us know what further investigation and treatment reveals to you. acupuncture4health <acupuncture4health wrote: I have a 77 year old patient who has been sufffering from idiopathic chronic pain for the last 35 years. Although she has been to many traditional western Dr's they have found nothing to be the cause and have even gone so far as to have her treated in a " Behavioural " hospital on two occasions. The patient believes that she has a parasite infection acquired while in Guam - the pain (deep bone, biting) started 2 months after her trip there. On initial intake the patients pulse was forceful in both mid Jiao positions, slightly superficial and rapid in the upper Jiao, but otherwise unremarkable. The areas of pain initially started in the groin and inguinal area and now extends to the lower back, hip and knee as well as in the head under the skin - like " push pins " - Patient also complains of confused thinking and low energy/motivation. She worries constantly about the pain, consumes plenty of water. BM's are best with plenty of salads and greens is occasionally dark. Appetite is strong - but patient craves carbs, chocolate and cookies. Patient takes no Rx meds, but uses ibuprofen for pain relief when necessary On initial treatment, pain relief was immediate, but in the following 72 hours the pain worsened considerably, fogginess of thinking returned. Questions Does anyone have experience treating parasites? Do you have suggestions as to why the treatment may have worsened the symptoms. (Sp 10, GB 34, St 44, SJ 6) Is there anywhere in the Mid West that provides " alternative therapies " / testing? Any input would be most happily received. Chinese Herbal Medicine offers various professional services, including board approved continuing education classes, an annual conference and a free discussion forum in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.