Case Andries
A man of 5 years age comes with gouty pains since 5 years. The pains are in the elbows, knees, metatarsal joints, fingers. It started more on the left side, but lately is more on the right side. The pains are worse from pressure, < flexion and extension of the joints, better form cold water and worse from heat, < from slight touch, for instance from the sheets of the bed. It came in attacks of 2 to 3 days but gradually became more constant. He needs crutches for walking. When the joints are affected they are red and swollen. He feels exhausted then and sweaty. The attacks are worse in the evening, 9 pm.
It started after a bankruptcy of his manege. It company went worse and worse over the years due to the economic recession. In the end the tax asked so much money that it became bankrupt. This was a terrible shock for Andries. He always had worked hard to earn a good living for his family. His main goal was to give them a good life and he feels that he has failed. Later he started working as a truck driver and it took him a long while to reconcile himself with that job. It was difficult for him to get that job, because he was too old and too expensive. Due to his persistency he got the job.
Past history
At 4 years of age his tonsils were removed.
At 4 he had a pneumonia in the left lower lobe and this spot is still painful with draft.
At 2 he has had an ulcer in his intestine with pains in the stomach region and eructations.
Generals
Weather: -> war, sun, summer, < wet weather, < draft, -> thunderstorm
Sweat: < exertion.
Time: < 9 pm.
Desires: spicy (2), salt (2), sour, meat, fish, cheese, fruit.
Aversion: endivia, Brussel sprouts.
Worse: sauerkraut
Sleep: good, unless he has pain. He sleeps on his sides. No dreams.
Analysis
Gouty joints > cold applications is a strong indication for Ledum
Reaction
Within 5 minutes after Ledum MK he feels already so much better that he doesn’t want his crutches anymore. After a month he feels much better, although his knee still hurts, especially with staircases. His energy has become 505 better gradually
# months later it turns out that the amelioration gradually went better. Only 20% of his complaints are left. He feels much better, much less nervous.