Case of IBS in A Rural setting
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2004 Mar / Apr VOL VI NO 2.
Dr Vishpala Parthasarathy
'Med

Introduction: The Stress and effect of stress is seen in all populations, be it Rural or urban, be it work - related or family-related. This case graphically demonstrates this.

Mrs MS, 48, came to me in Palghar Hospital in Oct ’03.
She complained of passing stools 3/day since 8 yrs. Current attack was for 10 days. Stools were semisolid, reddish and offensive with occasional mucus. Urgency ++  has to rush to toilet after food. Associated with abdominal pain before stools, with rumbling and gurgling in stomach. No fever or vomiting. The problem started with the separation of joint family in 1996. Later already existing loose motions were much worse after 7 inj following dog bite in 1999. Today no attacks come anymore. < eating vegetables < change of weather. Appetite is reduced and weakness ++. She has currently been treated with Homoeopathy with which she is better. The stools have reduced from 5/d  2-/d. Since1996 the stools have never been quite normal- in type, quality or quantity.

Patient as a Person:
Lean and short. 15-20 kgs wt loss in 3 months. Confused and anxious look? fearful
Warts on nose.
Perspiration: Scanty , more on palms, non offensive, non staining.
Appetite: Normal. Thirst Scanty. Craving: Hot food and drink2, Sweets2. Aversion: Spicy.
Stools were usually 1/d, satisfactory. Urine: no complaints.
Sleep: normal.
Thermal: C4H
Menstrual History: Menopausal since 2 yrs. Past cycle: regular 4-5/30, dark red flow, moderate quantity, non offensive, non staining.
O/H: has 3 living children; h/o 1 abortion

Life situation and mental state:
Pt comes from a poor family and even till today cannot spend money freely.
After marriage stayed in joint family for 18 years. Patient did all the work in the house while SIL did not do anything. Her husband worked for 20 years. Shared everything in house but was not appreciated.
1996: they separated with compromise and left brother with the money in mother’s name so no insecure feeling for the brother. (This history too was told with much promting and with few details given. Neither the Husband nor the patient complained on not getting their share).
Now husband does farming separately. There are little ups and downs, some times there are savings and sometimes not.
Pt worries much but husband says just enjoy the life as it comes.
Patient is very anxious by nature and superstitious. She is quiet and suppressed while husband is dominating and irritable.
Brooding3, never spends money due to worry about future and insecurity. Anticipatory anxiety. Talks very less. Everything was explained by her husband. Her case, mostly, was given by her husband.

Treatment and Follow - Up :