By Jos. E. Wright, M.D.
A case of chronic appendicitis dating back six or seven years at which time patient had a “severe colic,” has been more or less tender over McBurney’s point ever since. Acute exacerbation’s were frequent, particularly after much physical exertion. Stitching, catching pains worse from motion, walking, etc., frequently obliged to stop walking and hold hand over painful spot. Bryonia 3x, every two hours. Relieved after a few doses. Tenderness disappeared entirely in two weeks, has had no discomfort in over three months. Keeps a bottle of Bryonia handy. Patient, a man over seventy, is appreciative and grateful.
Another case of acute appendicitis was that Mr. C. in the fifties.
Mr. C. was brought home from the office (expert accountant) with severe pain over the appendix, rigid abdominal rectus, nausea, diarrhoea. Temperature, 104. Mouth dry, wanted large droughts of cold water, was greatly aggravated by slightest motion. Could not permit palpation. Bryonia put him to sleep in less than half hour. Repeated at irregular intervals through the night. Temperature next A.M. under 100. Thirst and dry mouth practically gone. In the evening temperature had gone over 100. Soreness and swelling of the right epidermis, which I diagnosed infectious metastasis; Sulph. 6, in water, every hour. The complication disappeared in two days. Patient remained at home a few days, returned to business feeling, and now feels, better than he has for several years.
I regard both of these cases as complete recoveries from appendicitis. The indications for Bryonia were clear-cut and unquestionably that remedy is entitled to the credit of saving both of those patients from an appendectomy.
The complication in Mr. C.’s case was rather unique, but was, I am satisfied, a metastasis or, better, possibly an extension of septic matter from the appendix, which, to my mind, confirms the diagnosis.
If the claim that appendicitis is an infection is true, Sulphur played a very important role in clearing away the debris.
