Some conditions that we can experience later in life such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatism and osteoporosis can be very painful and debilitating, even making people prisoners in their own homes. Prescription medications are sometimes not always effective enough to reduce the symptoms and pain. Thankfully, homeopathic medicine has a long history of helping to manage pain in different conditions, acting as a great accompaniment to conventional treatments and medications.

David was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 20 years ago. In recounting the long history of his illness, David recalled two episodes of ‘tick fever’ where his condition markedly worsened. ‘I could hardly move for three days the pain and fatigue was so intense,’ he said. David described his current level of pain as ‘constant’, involving all his joints and ranging from a dull ache to a burning sensation, with electric-shock-like pains at times.

In addition to joint pain and debilitating fatigue and exhaustion, David suffered with a ‘foggy’ mental state preventing him from reading or concentrating on anything in particular. Although taking a lot of over-the-counter painkillers to deal with his distress, David reported being worn down by chronic pain, agitation and restlessness, especially at night. He described feeling increasingly despondent and depressed almost without hope of any improvements to his condition. When I asked David what he hoped to get from the homeopathic treatment, he stated that any reduction in pain and a more restful sleep would be most welcome.

David was prescribed a single dose of a homeopathic medicine which was indicated for the specific constellation of symptoms that he was  experiencing: joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances and debilitating fatigue, especially when associated with a tick bite or fever.

The medicine was repeated after one week.

At the monthly follow-up, Robert reported a marked improvement in the levels of both pain and fatigue. ‘I haven’t had a Panadol for 10 days and I’ve stopped needing to have an afternoon nap,’ he said. ‘My head is clearer and I’m just not as agitated or stressed out like I was. I’ve actually been  sleeping soundly and not waking up constantly as before … The pain has drastically reduced. I’m very happy with the results.’

LEE FORMICA,  professional homeopath, NSW