Client Case Studies

B.A., Female, age 32: Hormonal Imbalance, Severe PMS

This woman suffered from severe hormonal swings, specifically manifesting in extreme emotional outbursts prior to menses. In the days leading up to her period, she experienced huge uncontrollable waves of rage and anger which would lead to violent outbursts specifically against her partner and family. During these times she also experienced paranoia and the sense that everyone was her enemy, bringing up painful isolation and loneliness. She described her state as being like “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – there would be a cycle of anger, leading to sadness, guilt, then more anger; the surging emotions found their way out through conflict and aggression. “It’s so painful, I think I’m going crazy – I can’t help this malevolent spirit, this PMS!”

Along with the emotional upheaval, she also experienced recurring excruciating neck pain, as though “some demon grabbed me from behind” and stuck a piece of metal inside. At its worst, she would be incapacitated, able to function only by going on anti-inflammatory medication and having daily chiropractic work. She also experienced frequent nausea in the morning, and occasional dizziness.

Over the next three months of homeopathic treatment, both physical and emotional symptoms subsided and she “no longer went down any emotional roads of craziness.” After the first month, she said “I can see the pain process, and can see I’m recovering from something. Feels like my natural healing mechanism is getting refueled. I feel like I’m moving and inside my body feels much healthier.” Six months after beginning homeopathic treatment she wrote me “Things are good, great actually. I just had a really good cycle… this is a wonderful feeling. I feel stronger than I've felt in a long time.” One year later she writes: “It's such a different picture now, I see starting homeopathy was really a step towards greater healing. They way you explained Homeopathy was of great value, as well as just your presence. You are a beautiful spirit of loving help!

J.P., Male, age 32: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Depression and Sleep Disturbances

This man had been experiencing recurrent indigestion and intestinal problems since his teenage years. Diagnosed with IBS, his symptoms included extremes of diarrhea alternating with constipation, painful bloating, cramping, burning and difficulty digesting a variety of foods. Food would sit heavy in his stomach and feel like sludge putrefying inside, or other times move through his intestines so fast he was afraid he might not get to the bathroom in time.

At night, he would be unable to relax and instead lie awake with his mind on alert, his heart racing, ready for fight or flight. Other times he would fall asleep and then wake during the night with such a feeling of restlessness, he would have to get up and go for a walk. Every winter since childhood, he experienced chronic depression and hopelessness, to the point of having contemplated suicide. In his earlier years he self-medicated these feelings with alcohol and drugs but now was consciously trying to work through them and come to a place of understanding.

Within two months of homeopathic treatment, his symptoms were dramatically reduced to where his digestive symptoms were much less and his depression had transformed into hope for the future. Over the course of the next year, he went on to be largely free of all IBS symptoms and his sleep became consistently deep and restorative. Most importantly, he came to a deep sense of peace with his past and began to enjoy and express his natural leadership abilities in his life and at work. Whereas before the future only brought feelings of despair, he now experienced his own personal empowerment and excitement at the prospect of possibilities. “I feel hope, lightness, connectedness, joy. I can't thank you enough for all that you have done.”

One year later he writes: “Wow. I am amazed at how rapid my improvement was/is. You work miracles. Thank you so much for assisting me in this vital stage of my development. My faith/hope I owe in large part to your training and wisdom. I feel comfortable with my strengths and learn from my weaknesses. It cheers, and empowers, me to know that I have plumbed the depths to begin my healing process.”

D.C., female age 46

This woman came in after some months of a chronic inner ear inflammation in her left ear. She had been self-treating with Echinacea, other natural therapies and antibiotic ear drops, but it hadn’t improved. She saw a specialist, who diagnosed Tympanomastoiditis or inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cells. She had also had cysts in both ears for some months and her left eustacian tube had become blocked by the lump. She was constantly experiencing redness and aching in and around her ear, greatly reduced hearing, odd sounds of internal popping, and fluid leaking out. She also felt aching in her joints and the joints of her fingers swelled frequently. Upon examination, the ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist recommended surgery as the only recourse to remove what was now a polyp behind the ear drum, as such a condition could not be resolved any other way. The surgery carried a significant risk of permanent hearing loss.

Within one month of homeopathic treatment, her symptoms were much better, her hearing had returned, the ear felt normal and there was no further feeling of inflammation. At her request, another appointment was made before the scheduled surgery and the doctor was amazed - the polyp had dissolved and her ear was clear and healthy. While during the past 3 years she has had the occasional flare up of ear inflammation, homeopathic treatment continues to resolve the issue and return her to a state of good health.

Short Assortment of Children’s Cases

11 year old girl with continual colds and recurrent sinusitis through the winter months. She also woke frequently at night, needing her mother to come in and settle her. Emotionally, she was much more easily upset and had lowered tolerance for her siblings and was in particular disturbed by noise. Within 2 months of homeopathic treatment, her sinuses had completely cleared up, her colds became infrequent, and she was sleeping well throughout the night. For the last three years, she has had no lingering respiratory or sinus issues, even during the winter months.

10 year old boy who daily was exploding with anger and violent outbursts at home, throwing things, yelling, refusing to obey his parents’ requests or perform daily tasks such as teeth brushing or going to bed without extended tantrums. Through homeopathic treatment, his entire demeanor settled down and he became much more even-tempered , reasonable and content. The violence and destruction subsided, and he became cooperative and willing to do what was asked of him without upheaval. Both he and his family were able to enjoy daily life and activities together once again.

3 year old girl, clingy and demanding of her mother’s attention both night and day. Jealous of her brother, she would compete for her parents’ attention through a variety of attention seeking behaviors including whining, screaming, sudden tantrums and hitting or trying to hurt her mother. In order to try and keep the peace, her family was “walking on eggshells” but even that was never enough to keep small thing such as not buttering her toast correctly from setting off a screaming tantrum. She was a picky eater with a finicky appetite. Shortly after receiving a homeopathic remedy, she became much less volatile and demanding, exhibited greater independence and was now able to entertain herself for longer periods of time. Her appetite became much more consistent, for the first time she ate her meals eagerly and she took on a healthier look in general. Family life became much more relaxed and enjoyable for all.

12 year old girl with recurrent migraine-type headaches and stomach aches. She was frequently nauseous and easily carsick, and both her headaches and nausea were triggered by sunlight, heat and over-stimulation of activity and noise. Being at school all day would be exhausting for her and she would frequently come home with a headache and stomach ache. Within a short time of beginning homeopathic treatment, her symptoms diminished considerably, her mother described her as being “more robust” and her sensitivities were greatly lessened so that school was much easier to handle and became more enjoyable for her.

2 year old girl with continually weeping eyes, frequent colds and night waking. Even when she didn’t have a cold, her eyes would weep and be red and often irritable. Within a short time of beginning homeopathic treatment, her eyes completely cleared up, she became more resistant to colds and she regularly slept through the night and woke refreshed in the morning.

Susan Drury, RSHom (NA), CCH, RSCHom is a registered member of the North American Society of Homeopaths, the Canadian Society of Homeopaths and the Council for Homeopathic Certification. She regularly publishes homeopathic articles and newsletters and through her private practice and educational outreach, is dedicated to supporting people in their journey to improved health and well-being. Susan provides homeopathic services to North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the rest of the Lower Mainland, BC. She can be reached at 604-671-7863 or druryperry@shaw.ca.