Anyone treated or treating with homeopathy?

I understand that homeopathy as a treatment method comes under a good deal of scrutiny, both in the medical world as well as on forums like this at times. I am interested in hearing about direct experiences with homeopathic treatments for ITP.

Definitely not looking for an analysis or debate about homeopathy in general (I can find plenty of that elsewheres). Just direct experiences with it and this specific disorder. Also specifically interested in any success stories with homeopathy where a western medical doctor was still treating/seeing the patient in parallel...and what their reaction was to the response to homeopathy.

No need to post here if you'd rather communicate privately. I can be reached at melbyrd12@yahoo.com.

Thanks, Will

Hi Will,

Our son was dx on 5/6/10. He was at zero for 3 months. In that time we did IVIG and started prednisone. Both very unsuccessful and damaging to him (he was given hepatitis tainted IVIG). Our hemas (there were 3) decided at that point that since he wasn't responding to even basic treatments that it was likely he would be chronic (he was borderline age wise). We were unwilling to try harsher drugs as we do not believe ITP ever has to be "chronic." At that point we pulled all medical treatments and started homeopathy. It took a bit of work in the beginning as we had to "undo" the effects of several drugs (including the prednisone) but once we did his platelets took off. He felt really good emotionally within 15 minutes of taking his remedy. But it took two weeks before we went from zero to ten (ANYTHING was better then zero at that point!). We antidoted the prednisone and his platelets went up to 148K or something like that within a week or so. He has been up and down platelet wise (never lower then 35K) as his body has healed. About three weeks ago he went through a major healing crisis where we finally saw the IVIG and hepatitis antibodies leave his cells (he was really sick - called a healing crisis) and since then we've had no bobble in his platelets. They were going up and down every 3-4 days in large swings. We are continuing to see his body heal of all his other health issues as well. He had 40+ food allergies and we have one left that his body is healing. His thyroid was not working and it is now and he's growing again. His digestion/absorption of vits./minerals and general nutrition was very poor and he's absorbing and assimilating his food again. One thing I love about h-pathy is it doesn't just heal a single issue, it heals (or actually helps the body do its own healing) the entire body.

We are now treating our whole family for their food allergies and my autoimmune disease. Thus far, we are so very happy with the results.

Initially, we kept our boy under his hema but we quickly moved to our naturopath running his blood work as the hema was not real cooperative. One thing about trying to do allopathy along with h-pathy is that it REALLY slows down the function and work of the h-pathic remedy. It's not insurmountable, but one will never get a quick response and in some cases (as prednisone and benadryl were with us) it will actually inhibit the usefulness of a remedy and keep it from working.

I just posted an excellent article last week (a few threads back) on h-pathy and a nobel prize winner's study of it. You might find it very interesting.

If you're interested, you can PM me and I'll give you my h-paths name. She has treated many many ITP cases successfully (which is why we went to her) and can do so at a distance.

Best wishes!

patti

sorry to hear about your son. I to was diagnosed at a young age and have had problems off and on with ITP. I had my spleen removed after other treatments failed and it help for several years then I started having severe bloody noses and was hospitalized several times with them. I have had several different treatments by my specialists and they did not help.
I have started using vitamin K..100mcg's and taking 4 or 5 a day plus eating a lot of green veggies. Especially celery, I know it sounds silly but I think the celery has helped the most. I eat at least one stalk a day and have been able to get my platlets up to 109 from a low of 34.
I was tied of the drugs and the terrible side effects from them so I thought I would try natural methods. So far they seem to be helping at least more than the other methods, with no side effects. I have found over the years that I am better off at this point with the natual methods
but everyone seems to be different. I just wanted to pass this along and hope you can find a method that works also. Best of luck.
Daisy

I am using Homeopathy as well for treatment. My story is quite detailed in another post I have in this section called (My homeopathic Journey). Anyway, right now I am off all the prednisone, thanks to the homeopathy. My body is healing quite slowly as expected because the prednisone had suppressed my immune system for 1+ years.

Emotionally I feel great. My bleeding symptoms are almost non existent now. I am much happier. My count is still low but I was told with Homeopathy, you feel the healing first before it reflects in your counts.

Daisy, I'm curious about your definition of "one stalk" of celery. Do you mean one part of a bunch, or do you mean the whole bunch?

Hi Patti

My name is Dan , I,m new to this forum although I'v been diagnosed with ITP for over 3 years now.
So glad to read about the improvemetreating your sonnts in your sons general health, I would like to have the name and number of your sons homeopath , as I feel that all the conventional treatments (prednisone, decadron, rituxan) I have been treated with have donde more harm than good.

Thank you

Hi Dan,

I just sent you an email Should be in your inbox soon.

patti

Seriously - someone can diagnose and treat a disorder/disease/whatever long-distance?

Yes, it can be done. I believe I answered you when you asked the same question in this thread:
www.pdsa.org/forum/8-natural-treatment-methods/9683-finding-a-homeopathic-dr.html

Just to be clear, though, homeopaths do not make a diagnosis as you typically think of a diagnosis, nor do they treat particular disorders or diseases. Rather, they treat the entire state of the person, and look at the totality of their symptoms--physical, mental and emotional symptoms. The "diagnosis" would be, this person appears to be in an
"Arsenicum state", or a "Phosphorus state" or a "Crotalus horridus state" or an "Arnica state", whatever the case may be. It is necessary to be familiar with what are the common and usual symptoms of a particular disease. Then, you would give more consideration to symptoms that are not so common to most others with that particular disease. The symptoms that are what we call "PQRS symptoms"--or rather, "Peculiar, Queer, Rare or Strange" are often the most helpful, and are given more weight.

Also, the unique mind symptoms will usually point to the best remedy, more than the common physical symptoms, though they all are looked at. Most homeopaths will advise the patient to continue to be seen by and monitored by their diagnosing physician--they are not a replacement, but another treatment option or something to compliment the current treatment. CAM therapies (Complimentary and Alternative Medicines) have become something that today's physicians are becoming more and more familiar with, as patients are beginning to demand it. All medical colleges have at least some instruction about them, as medicine is swinging more towards integrative care.

As far as being treated long-distance, many homeopaths use Skype which is very close to 'being there'. But, a combination of phone and email interview, accompanied by photos or videos can suffice, as well. Remember, too, the homeopathic interview is typically 2-3 HOURS long--plenty of time to say what needs to be said. I don't know of many doctors or other therapists that spend that much time finding out about a patient. And, I'm not even including the extra time given to study the patient's case both before and after the interview.

So, yes--seriously it can be done!

April

My crew is living proof it can be done.

What if you miss something like an enlarged node since you obviously can't touch the patient? Is there no liability?

Try a search on 'malpractice homeopathy'. You sure can sue them. And win sometimes. And it looks like many companies sell malpractice insurance to homeopaths. The lawsuits I scanned seem to focus on missing something like 'the cancer that ultimately killed him'.
Erica

Can always count on the naysayers to join us on this board. :whistle: Since continuing to see a doctor was mentioned, I think she covered those bases.

I saw that and am happy to see that advocated. I can't help but worry about the people who do not follow that advice or view video homeopathy as a suitable substitute. (whoa - alliteration amok.)

I'm happy for the people who have positive stories with homeopathy...whatever floats your boat. I just don't want to see anyone in a bad situation because they don't understand the difference or are too desperate to care.

How is answering a question accurately equal to being a naysayer? The question was asked, is there liability on the part of homeopathy practitioners. Are you so averse to facts that this question can't be answered?

Sandi,

Each state is different, and I'm not aware of the laws for each state. But, in California, we have the SB 577 bill that allows homeopaths and other alternative health practitioners to practice homeopathy, as long as they adhere to some basic rules, which you can read here, if you're so inclined:
www.easychangeworks.com/articles-nlp/california-health-law-sb577.htm

At the very end is this clause:

c Nothing in this section or in Section 2053.5 shall be construed to do the following:
1 Affect the scope of practice of licensed physicians and surgeons.
2 Limit the right of any person to seek relief for negligence or any other civil remedy against a person providing services subject to the requirements of this section.

But, just because someone CAN be sued, doesn't mean that they will be sued, or that the lawsuit is reasonable.

BTW , It was thought that the primary risk for an unlicensed practitioner was through the client. But the recent cases made it clear that the state can pursue lawsuits against an unlicensed homeopath with little or no provocation.

Sandi, you said:

I'm happy for the people who have positive stories with homeopathy...whatever floats your boat. I just don't want to see anyone in a bad situation because they don't understand the difference or are too desperate to care.

And why wouldn't you be happy if someone found a way that brought their child's counts to normal and kept them there, didn't cause any side effects (but rather caused side benefits), didn't cost them a fortune and that left them with feeling like they'd really been listened to, and like their own observations were actually being noted and taken into account? I mean, why wouldn't this "float our boats"!? But, I'm really not feeling the love here. I find it disturbing that almost none of the regulars on this board seem even a little bit happy when you do hear reports of people getting better with alternative treatments. It's almost as if you're mad about it--jealous maybe? IDK. These are our kids, for God's sake! Do you have so little grace that you can't even pretend to be happy for our kids once in awhile, instead of the constant skepticism and snarky comments? Have you ever considered that there may really be something to it? I find it curious how you don't seem curious!

And, surely you see some irony in your concern over people not understanding their treatments or being so desperate that they may use a treatment before they fully understand it? Is that not the case for pretty much everyone who is thrown into the whole ITP fear-mongering machine that seems to be so prevalent? In my daughter's case, if I had been given accurate and truthful information on the side effects and expectations of WinRho or IVIG, I would have never allowed either of them to be given my daughter. And, I asked, but was out and out lied to. Both of them sent her into anaphalactic shock, and nearly killed her! You've shared many times on here how you were very ill from serum sickness with Rituxan, while in the next breath you heartily endorse it. Every single day on these boards, people write in about some awful, scary reaction they've had, or about the stupidity or lack of knowledge or insensitivity on the part of their physician or hospital. And, yes, I know that there are those who feel they've had very good care, and that they've benefited greatly, and that they're now in remission with some treatment. But, does it really equal health when your platelets might be normal, yet you're in constant pain, or suffer from depression or anxiety or struggle with other auto-immune diseases, fibromyalgia, or you're paying thousands of dollars a month to keep them up, or taking totally unknown risks with yourself or your child, etc?? Seems to me that the disease has only been suppressed, and has been driven deeper into the body. Not my idea of health, anyway.

Tell me, what grave dangers do you see for patients who might dare to choose an alternative approach? I would really like to know. And, do you always just assume that you must play the role of guardian for everyone else here?
Surely the majority of us possess enough intelligence and have reasoning minds, where we can gather information and make our own discernments. I do appreciate other's sharing their personal experiences on here, and I think all should be given equal respect.

April

eklein wrote: How is answering a question accurately equal to being a naysayer? The question was asked, is there liability on the part of homeopathy practitioners. Are you so averse to facts that this question can't be answered?

You know what? It's the constant harping and the fact that you never have anything positive to say on this board and the attitude with which it's said. Why do you bother coming here? Seriously? You don't use natural, not interested in it, and by all *appearances* seem outwardly hostile towards it. So why bother even reading here? Unless it's just to aggravate people.......


Sandi - if people don't follow what they are told (continue to be monitored by your doctor), that is NOT the responsibility of the h-path. I'm sorry, but people who do not follow directions choose to do so on their own accord. Just like doctors, there are good and not so good h-paths. The good ones do their job and do it well. The bad ones get what they get (usually no results and the risk of lawsuit). I would venture to guess in this country, more doctors are causing harm (looking at lawsuits here) then h-paths. Additionally, without an understanding of how h-pathy works, this concept would never make sense to you.

BTW, we are followed by a doctor that is in another state. I'm not talking about our h-path. We flew there once for a hands on with the boy and he's followed by phone the rest of the time. And BTW, the local hemos "approved" it in a letter to us (and the following doctor is NOT a hemo!). So shock of all shocks! Even some MD's think this is okay.

I'd like to answer this section of April's comments:
<<Tell me, what grave dangers do you see for patients who might dare to choose an alternative approach? I would really like to know. And, do you always just assume that you must play the role of guardian for everyone else here?
Surely the majority of us possess enough intelligence and have reasoning minds, where we can gather information and make our own discernments. >>

The danger I see with homeopathy specifically is that the person will forego traditional medical assessment and possible treatment. I don't think homeopathy poses any danger other than that, because it is no more or less than water and magical thinking. Since you ask. And nobody here is playing a guardian. In the case of each and every treatment, 'natural' and western medicine/big pharma, we provide research and personal experience to help people make their own choices. It is only on the natural treatment board, from a few participants, where disagreeing comments are not tolerated.

I also am shocked that you are calling Sandi 'snarky'. She is the most respectful and judicious administrator, providing amazing amounts of information and keeping the peace.
Erica

Until the Natural Treatment Methods section is renamed to "April's and Patti's Natural Treatment Methods [do not enter unless you agree with us]" section then anyone who is a member may come to this section and comment if they want to.

I think the kettle is calling the pot black by implying someone else is always harping and someone else is snarky, by telling people they shouldn't come in this section unless their thinking is agreeable to 2 certain people [good heaven's who is it who just turned a thread about a flu shot in the adult section into a tirade against childhood immunizations - not once commenting on the fact that I had told about a precious 3 year old child who DIED recently of complications from the flu].


PS - well of course more MDs than homeopathic practioners are being sued, think about it: there are more of them to be sued

eklein wrote:

The danger I see with homeopathy specifically is that the person will forego traditional medical assessment and possible treatment. I don't think homeopathy poses any danger other than that, because it is no more or less than water and magical thinking. Since you ask.
Erica

Because you don't understand it, does not mean it doesn't work. There have been some excellent articles posted here written by nobel prize winners that discussed the physics of it. They were deleted.

I would suggest you pull out a PDR and look at each drug in there and find out how many of them they have no idea how they work, they just know they do. And yet people take them with no question most of the time. There are enough studies and info out on h-pathy that someone with an open mind would have no trouble learning the physics of how it works. I had to do some digging (because most of the stuff on the web is garbage) but found some excellent stuff written on the physics of h-pathy.

Finally, if someone chooses natural treatment over chemical but the end result is not positive (ie they live), does that mean they should have gone medical? Is it not their choice? My MIL chose not to do chemo for her disease. She lived 2x's longer then they said she would and she felt well until the month before she died. Was she wrong? No. It was her choice. And in the case of kids, it's their parents choice. They were given to that parent by God and they answer to God alone. End of story. And there's a hot place in hell for those that don't do right by their kids.

And really, Erika, you're the snarky one.

patti wrote: And really, Erika, you're the snarky one.

Calling people names is not very Christian.

I might be a bit snarky at times. But Sandi is not! So long as that is clear!

Also, I'm very happy for anyone who experiences improved health! I just question the atribution of cause sometimes - and also I believe that magical thinking leads to bad decision making and spills over from one area of life into many. And affects others not just the magical thinker.

My last point - my first name has a 'c'.
Just to clarify some stuff - Erica

Wow! This is getting crazy! I do agree that if you (not any specific "you",just anyone)think that natural/homeopathic treatments are bad,magical,stupid...whatever, then maybe you should just stay off of the topic!!!! Let the people who believe/practice it talk about it in peace.And vice versa. Jeeze people! To each thier own! Aren't we all adults here?!

fly shouldn't that go both ways? if "you" don't believe in traditional medicine and think it is vile and evil then stay out of the traditional threads and let those who use it talk in peace.

As I said before - the pot calling the kettle black.

[and don't get on me - I use some natural treatments]

Yeah, I said"vise versa"....that means it goes both ways.

Okay, in real life, I would definitely describe myself as snarky at times. My husband would agree with that, so we can definitely end that debate. But here, I do honestly try to maintain a sense of fairness and professionalism. I do not say what I think every time I have a thought and I do allow people to have their say even if I don't agree with it (unless it gets out of hand, as it is here).

I did say I was happy for anyone who can achieve normal counts, no matter what the method is. The end result is what is important. Just because I didn't use more than one sentence to convey that message doesn't mean I wasn't sincere. I admit I am a skeptic, but I did not and have not plagued any of you with that skepticism. For the most part, I've let you have the discussions in peace. I asked one question and was attacked.

April, do you not think I am aware of the damage medication has caused me? I recently also went through achilles tendinitis from an antibiotic, so you can add that to your list of my medical problems due to medications. I live with it every single day and I really appreciate having my having my medical history reiterated in such detail. Yes, medications can do damage; I admit it and would never deny that. I've read the book Bitter Pills and it is one heck of a scary book. But yes, I will still advocate Rituxan in some cases because that is what the patient has decided to do and that is what they want to hear about. There are more success stories than horror stories and that is what I keep in mind. I have also said many times that it is not a medication to take lightly.

You cannot convince me that taking the advice of a person over the Internet or on the phone is better than a face to face meeting with a doctor. You are a stranger and the world is filled with flakes. I am not saying you are one, you seem to be a legitimately caring person (until the posts today). However, I feel I would be lacking in my duties as overseer if I did not point out that people need to be aware and leery of anyone making claims of cures. We can discuss and give advice all we want but in the end, the patient's doctor makes the decision to prescribe. In your world, the patient's life is in your hands. Yes, ultimately it is the decision of the individual and they can be held responsible for their own choices, but desperate people do desperate things. I've seen it all.

I'm sorry I don't meet your criteria for a decent Administrator. If you feel the need for a new one, feel free to go to the complaint department. PDSA@PDSA.org I honestly don't need this drama all the time. It's time consuming, I'm not compensated and it's starting to be emotionally taxing. Who needs it? I have enough stress in real life, and THAT is what causes me to be snarky.

Because you don't understand it, does not mean it doesn't work. There have been some excellent articles posted here written by nobel prize winners that discussed the physics of it. They were deleted.

For the record, I never deleted anything like that. We had a web site malfunction a few months ago and a few posts were lost in transition (it was mentioned in the announcements). If they were purposely deleted, it wasn't done by me.

I found this one posted by you, and it is still intact.

www.pdsa.org/forum/8-natural-treatment-methods/12004-excellent-article-on-homeopathy.html

Okay, I apologize for my previous, confusing post. When I went back and read it, I see where you might take offense. Not really an excuse, but I posted it very late at night, after having been up quite late with the mother of a vaccine-damaged autistic child, and I was tired, and 'in a mood'.

Sandi, though I started my post addressed to you, the bulk of it was not meant to be some sort of personal attack or even specifically about you. The 'snarky' comment was not meant for you at all, and I totally agree with Erica (with a 'c'!) that 'snarky' is not an adjective I'd ever associate with you.

And, again, when I look back at my post, I see it looks like I was dragging out your medical history, but in fact I was just referring to your experience with Rituxan. Possibly some of the other fit you, but I was really just referring to the collective members on here--not you, or anyone else in particular. I know you do have many other health issues, and you've very graciously shared them on the forum from time to time. I really did not intend to throw it in your face- I'm sorry that you have to deal with all of that, and I apologize for making you feel bad.

Actually, I think you do a rather awesome job of administrating this site--I know it has to be difficult to walk a fine line between all the various personalities and keep the peace. I think for the most part, you do an excellent job. I am always impressed with how quickly you respond, and answer questions with knowledge, clarity and compassion. I've learned a lot from you, myself. I must say, though, I can't believe you are not compensated in some way, especially all of the time you devote to it! That just doesn't seem right.

In fact, I just had a thought...are you up for a little experiment? (And, I'm talking to Sandi here.) Being as you do have a number of issues you're dealing with, and you're a skeptic of homeopathy, and you're not being paid for this gig and don't have the money to try alternative stuff--would you be willing to try it out, with no charge at all to you? Then, you could report on your experience, good or bad. What do you say?
April

I'm debating about trying homeopathy. Have had energy treatments, long distance, in the past. Felt they helped. Diagnosed with ITP this past December. Did have 4 Rituxan treatments and 1 WinRho treatment. Platelets went up, but have dropped. Want to also try alternative practitioners. Homeopathy sounds like something I want to learn more about. Any comment?