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Aortic Valve Disorder
1) Introduction
Homoeopathy, if properly used, can cure almost any disease. The only real challenge is in the selection of the remedy. I have seen different practitioners apply different methods, sometimes giving frequent, heavy doses of medication. But when the remedy is selected properly, only a few doses at the right time can bring about a complete cure.
2) Patient Details
Mrs. P., aged 34, approached me on 8th December 2006 with the following symptoms:
1) Difficulty in breathing
2) Extreme anxiety
3) A murmur clearly audible in the heart on examination by stethoscope
4) High blood pressure
The echocardiography done on 2nd November 2006 at Manipal Hospital clearly showed a bicuspid and thickened aortic valve, mild aortic stenosis, and concentric LV hypertrophy. Her condition deteriorated further between 2nd November and 2nd December, and she was due to be admitted to hospital by 15th December 2006.
The echocardiography report of 2nd November 2006 is shown in Fig 1.
FIG 1: Echocardiography report of 2nd November 2006
After a detailed discussion with the patient, the following symptoms were taken into consideration and repertorized using Radar 9; a screenshot of the window is shown in Fig 2.
FIG 2: Symptoms selected for the case
Taking due consideration of the patient's behaviour in my dispensary and other factors, Arsenicum Album was selected as the probable remedy.
3) Remedy Details
Fri, 8 Dec 06 — ARS 1M, one dose, followed by placebo three times daily.
Fri, 15 Dec 06 — Patient reported better sleep, mental comfort, easier breathing, lower blood pressure, pain in the knee joint and right ring finger, and a sensation of falling forward. She looked much better, with a comfortable sleep and good appetite. She was asked to discontinue all allopathic drugs and continue on placebo only.
Sat, 20 Jan 07 — Patient felt slightly more tired; pain was reduced, but breathing was a little more difficult. ARS 1M was repeated, followed by placebo.
Sat, 10 Mar 07 — She had frequent headaches for the past week, relieved by pressure, and wanted rest. ARS 1M was repeated, followed by placebo.
Wed, 11 Apr 07 — Headaches reduced.
Wed, 2 May 07 — Feeling better.
Tue, 5 Jun 07 — Heavy headache. ARS 10M given.
Sat, 28 Jul 07 — Echocardiography showed the valves had improved significantly, and the abnormal murmur heard by stethoscope had almost disappeared. Report shown in Fig 3. Placebo continued.
FIG 3: Echocardiography report of 27th November 2007
Thu, 16 Aug 07 — Feeling better. Placebo continued.
Wed, 26 Sep 07 — Viral fever, body pain, and headache; heart sounded normal. ARS 10M given, followed by placebo. Fever resolved in 3 days.
Thu, 29 Nov 07 — Feeling fine, no complaints. Placebo continued.
Sat, 5 Jan 08 — Echocardiography indicated a normal heart, and the patient was asymptomatic. Final echocardiography shown in Fig 4.
FIG 4: Echocardiography report of 4th January 2008
4) Conclusion
In this case, Arsenicum Album alone was given — 5 doses in total over the course of a year. The remedy served not only the heart condition, but also other complaints the patient experienced from time to time. Homoeopathy can address a wide range of conditions when both doctor and patient remain calm and patient with the process.