I am a 43 year old woman who has just suffered a second spontaneous pneumothorax. My condition is being monitored by chest X-Rays. I am currently taking Rad Brom to treat any possible adverse effects from the X Ray. Is this the correct remedy and what strength should I be taking?

Can you suggest any remedies to speed up my recovery by firstly helping by body to re-absorb the air trapped in the intrapleural space, and secondly by promoting the healing of the tear in my pleura sack which caused the pneumothorax initially.

I would be most grateful for any advice.

Jenny

Dear Jenny,

I would stop taking the Rad-b. unless there are actual symptoms to indicate a need for it. For the injury to the lungs, you haven't provided us with any symptoms, or described your general state; for instance, are you thirsty for cold drinks taken sips at a time, or do you desire hot tea? Are you in an anxiety state, or a feverish state, or debilitated....Is there pain on breathing? Difficult breathing? Are you restless? Apathetic? What do you do to make yourself feel better?

Just in general, since it's a tear, I would think of Calendula 30C once a day for a week; if you don't have Calendula, I would think of Arnica.

Snoopy

Dear Snoopy,

Thanks for your reply. I am in a state of indecision because my doctor has suggested that the air is removed from my lungs via a tube which will require a stay in hospital. As I am in considerable pain a quick resolution of this is desirable, although I do not relish the procedure and would rather let nature take its course. My indecision gives an indication of my current state of mind. I am unable to made decisions and feel quite anxious. I would rather not think and talk about how I feel. I would like to be invisible and can't stand a fuss.

I am not suffering from a fever neither do I feel unwell. I am not thirsty for cold drinks but do desire hot tea. I am short of breath and have to carefully pace myself in everything I do. I feel better when sat or stood upright and lying is quite painful. At night I lie mainly on the injured side and I find that I hardly move, waking only when my heads feels stiff from being in the same position for a long time.

I hope this information helps.

Kind regards

Jenny

Hi Jenny sorry to hear about your problem.

I think Bryonia is the remedy you need. Do you have any ??
If so which potency?

[ 30 April 2002, 19:16: Message edited by: Hoppitt415 ]

Jenny,

A spontaneous pneumothorax is a symptom of your chronic/constitutional condition. Regardless of the remedy decided on for this acute exacerbation, you should consider your Dr's advice on having the air that is now outside your lung but still in your chest cavity removed, this will help relieve your pain and some of the symptoms you have mentioned...it is not in conflict with your homeopathic treament in my view. Denise

Dear Hoppitt, Snoopy and Denise,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my messages.

My left lung has collapsed by about 25%. In a person of good health like myself an uncomplicated pneumothorax of less than 25% will generally will be left to resolve itself. In the case of a pneumothorax of more than 25% a tube is usually inserted to draw off the air. The problem with this procedure is that the tube must be attached constantly, and the procedure will take a minimum of 3 days, and could be possibly longer. I would also need to have regular X Rays to monitor the progress. I am unhappy about being in hospital for this time because I feel much happier and more comfortable in my own home with my family.

When the pain started I took Bryonia 30 for 2 days, that was before I realised what I was suffering from. I have recommenced taking them today, but I have also made an appointment to see a Homeopath tomorrow.

With regard to the other questions I prefer to be left alone except for my family. I feel tearful rather than angry, but I am easily irritated.

Thank you again for your suggestions and I will let you know how I get on with the Homeopath.

King regards.

Jenny

I can certainly understand the prescription for Bryonia, but let me ask you this important question: Are you better for company or do you want everyone to go away and leave you alone?

Also, along with the indecision and anxiety, have you been disposed to crying about this misfortune, or would you describe your state as more angry, or irritable, etc.?

Which side is affected?

Snoopy

Glad you took the bryonia . I would take it in water giving a good shake before each dose.

Is the irritability and the desire to be alone a change to your normal demeanor ?

This ,I think , gives weight to the choice of Bryonia!

by the way , as a radiographer I have Xrayed many patients with pneumothorax and have seen many resolve without intervention. I have also seen patients have a tube put in to drain and it is nothing to fear! Obviously though it would be better to avoid if possible.

Good luck!

My husband was treated as an outpatient for his spontaneous pneumothorax...the air was drawn out with a needle and syringe...I do remember that leaving the air was not a consideration as it would prevent the lung from expanding for too long a period of time, I think he had 2 Xrays, one before and one after drawing the air....I am sure that treatment varies in different regions...I do think this is the kind of situation that falls into the 'surgical' case realm of homeopathy because there are complications that can result from the displaced air...it can become an obstacle to cure..of course I do understand that the amount of displaced air is a deciding factor...I'm glad you plan to see your Homeopath and wish you well.
Denise

Jenny,

If Bryonia doesn't work, try Pulsatilla. It's in the rubric "Lying on painful side ameliorates", it's in the rubric "Lying aggravates", it's famous for it's crying and indecision.

Bryonia wouldn't want the family fussing over him or her either, and we're not sure if Jenny wants to be fussed over or left alone.

Good luck,
Snoopy