Hello everyone!
I'm hoping you can help answer some of my questions.

I've studied homeopathy on my own and from a knowledgeable teacher so I am somewhat familiar with the main remedies. I was in a car accident Dec. 13, a pretty serious one in which my car was totalled but none of my bones are broken, thankfully! I've been healing since then, mostly it is my left thigh and my lower back since my left side was struck directly. I had Arnica 30 with me and took it immediately and afterward in the hospital. It helped tremendously at the time. I got ahold of 200 and 1M potencies; I took 1M probably about 6 times total in the next few days and then 200C as needed. Ruta also helped at one point. Now I am hardly limping and walking almost normally though my back and thigh tire easily and my thigh is still sensitive to the touch. When I saw my doctor yesterday, she did range of motion tests, etc., said my bursa is inflamed and my shoulders are spasmed and prescribed Ibuprofen three times a day for a week. She says the ideal is 800mg though I am starting out much lower because I don't really like to take drugs.

So, here are my questions:
-Does Arnica have any anti-inflammatory properties?

-Ibuprofen seems to be in opposition to alternative medicine. Yet, my doctor seems convinced that it will take down the inflammation and everything will heal faster. Can you see any dangers in taking Ibuprofen for a week? Can you suggest any alternatives?

Any comments are appreciated.
Thanks,
Heidi

P.S. I've also been seeing a chiropractor which has been very helpful.

Heidi,
Ibuprofen is hard on the liver, and most especially the kidneys. It won't promote healing. It will simply suppress symptoms.

Inflammation is necessary to the healing process. The area is inflammed for a reason. You've already got the right 'hunch' and are asking some good questions.

If it were me, I'd go see an osteopath (much more gentle than chiro) if you have access to one, and have him/her check and do an adjustment if needed. It's not the same as a chiropractor.

Once seen by an osteopath, then you can see if any of the symptoms remain. And, of course, you probably need to rest and allow your body time to recoup at it's own rate.

Best of luck! I hope you feel better soon.
Lisa

[ 20. January 2004, 19:13: Message edited by: LisaAnnan ]

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"The significance of a fact is measured by the capacity of the observer."
Carroll Dunham

800mg a day or 3 x a day. If the latter that is far too high. 4-600 should be fine.
However if it is soft tissue that is hurting now think of Bellis Perenis to take. Spasms respond to Mag Phos

[ 21. January 2004, 01:26: Message edited by: Ricky ]

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RSHom - Registered Homeopath

Brufen causes stomach ulcer if taken for long period. One week administration of medicine is enough. I agree with Ricky not to take 400 mg tablet TDS. You can take 200 mg tablet TDS after meal and not empty stomach.

You can also give a try to homeopathic medicine as suggested by Ricky.

[ 21. January 2004, 05:11: Message edited by: Dr. MAS ]

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Hafeez
Forum Pk

Insert (Leaflet)

Most patients benefit from Ibuprofen with few side
effects.
However, serious side effects can occur, and generally tend to be dose related.
Therefore it is often desirable to use the lowest
effective dose to minimize side effects.

I vote for Bellis!

For once we agree on something Starburn!

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RSHom - Registered Homeopath