EK, 83 year-old OAP
Treatment: 21 days, C+9A+9M+4H - £670
A man with high expectations living with his wife and two middle-aged sons. He has
arthritis in his knees for 20 years and pain on various parts of his body including the
lower back. He suffered a stroke in February 2008 and a second stroke in May 2010.
He lived in severe pain everyday but consulted us because he was worried about the
numbness that developed after the second stroke. He also suffered frequent urination
and urinary incontinence. He is highly stressed with housing and family problems.
Observations: This patient was diagnosed with arthritis in 2000. He was due for knee
replacement in June 2010 but the operation had to be postponed since he suffered his
second stroke on 13 May 2010. Pain on his neck and upper back developed in 2005
and one year later he experienced lower back pain. In 2007/8 pain developed on his
left hip and thigh.
He suffered frequent urination 10 times a day and incontinence 4-5 times a day. He
also suffers a number of old age symptoms such as poor memory, hair loss and sexual
dysfunction. He had gotten so used to pain that he did not realise that his condition
may be improved. He was disturbed by the numbness on the left side of his body that
developed after his second stroke. He is often stressed over problems with his middleaged sons and quarrels with his wife. He is in serious financial difficulties.
The patient started treatment on 21 July 2010. After one session his pain generally
declined while his energy increased from 3-4/10 to 5-6/10. He enjoyed better
movement and the numbness receded to affect mainly his hand, fingers and knee.
On 28 July the patient reported that pain had vanished except in his knees. There had
been no pain at all on 25 July but severe pain recurred the next day when he was
stressed. The pain came and went from day to day. On 9 August the patient reported
no pain elsewhere except in his knees and lower back that hurt for 2 to 3 hours in the
morning. He also reported that his legs were no longer so heavy and his body had
become warmer. He was able to hold water better, having reduced urination to 4-6
times a day. There was no incontinence in the few days previous. His bloating
improved and his skin was softer.
On 11 August patient reported that he woke up with a clearer head but memory was
still bad. He was highly stressed and suffered recurrence of lower back pain for 10
hours the day before. He still suffered numbness in his left hand, fingers and knee.
Comments: In terms of Chinese medicine this patient’s conditions are caused by bad
circulation, energy deficiency, and organ dysfunctions some of which are the result of
degeneration in old age. The body’s natural decay is unpreventable and irreversible
but the quality of life can be, and had been, vastly improved by improving circulation
and revitalising the body to revive natural functions.
The holistic treatments produced significant benefits. The pain had largely subsided
and the patient’s body generally functioned better. He felt warmer and lighter; had
more energy and mobility. These changes together with the vast improvement in his
urinary function indicate that the patient’s overall health has improved drastically. He
became calmer, more cheerful and enjoyed a better relationship with his wife.
The other interesting aspects of this case are (1) the apparent relationship between
inactivity, exertion, and NSLBP, and (2) the relationship between stress and pain.
The patient usually suffered lower back pain in the morning when he awoke after 8
hours of inactivity. The pain would subside as he moved around and usually
disappeared after 2 to 3 hours. This suggests that NSLBP is aggravated by poor
circulation caused by inactivity. NSLBP also occurred after the patient had sat for an
hour or more or after walking for 30 minutes or more. Sitting for long periods is
inactivity; walking for long periods is exertion. This suggests that the best
management is light exercise without exertion.
There is evidence that pain rises and recedes with stress. We are currently studying
his relationship.
This case shows that even in the aged the body can be revitalised to resume normal
function. Better health improves the quality of life, prevents serious conditions from
developing, and reduces dependency on the health and social services.
___________________________________
21. 07. 2010 - Dr Huang
1. High blood pressure and high cholesterol over 10 years; currently on GP
medication. BP 168/66 mmHg.
2. First stroke in Feb 2008. Hospitalised 2 weeks. Lost the use of left arm.
Rehabilitation treatment revived function.
3. Lost proper use of right arm since hit by lorry 70 years ago.
4. Second stroke on 13/05/2010. Numbness developed whole of left side of body.
Hospitalised 4 days.
5. Numbness receded to now left arm to fingers and left thigh to calf. Frequent
pins and needles.
6. Left limbs weak.
7. Left calf pain when lifting leg.
8. Legs feel heavy 5~6 years.
9. Arthritis both knees 20 years, PL 7~10. Due for knee replacement on 13/6/10.
Postponed for at least 6 months because of stroke.
10. Frequent urination 10+ times a day. Needs to pass water within 30 minutes of
liquid intake. Last drink 8 pm otherwise needs to pass water.
11. Prostate. Painful urination – only 1st time in the morning, colour dark orange.
12. Urinary incontinence – Cannot hold water, wetting himself 4~5 times a day.
13. Neck Pain 5 years Pain level (PL) 7-8/10.
14. Pain on upper back 5 years PL 7-8/10.
15. Lower Back Pain 4 years, PL 6-8/10.
16. Pain on hip and thigh 2-3 years, PL 9/10.
17. Feels numb in left arm, leg and left side of body, pins and needles. Left leg
weak when walking like limping, left hand power ok.
18. Feels tired 3-4 years. Energy level (EL) 3-4/10.
19. Poor appetite 5 months.
20. Reflux after spicy food, 10 years.
21. Stomach pain after eating junk food
22. Bloating 2 months.
23. Flatulent 5 years, 3-4 times a day
24. Skin dry
25. Sleep well 8 hours through.
26. Bowel movement 2 times a day.
27. Poor memory, forget things easily 1 year.
28. Falling hair 20 years.
29. Whole body feels cold for 20~25 years.
30. Feels stress 10 years; stress level (SL) 6/10.
31. Weak erection 6 months.
32. Dizzy once a year.
Tongue: dark red, some purple mark. Coating: yellow and thin.
Pulse: string and tight.
Diagnosis: Sequel of apoplexy; Qi and blood stagnation.
Treatment: A+M+H
23.07.2010 - Dr Liu
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sleep well as before.
Energy better EL 5~6.
Left limbs weakness and pins and needles reduced.
Left fingers numb.
Numbness receded from whole of left arm from shoulder to fingers to now
only hand and fingers. And from left leg to knee.
6. Varicose Veins 10 years.
7. Left shoulder pain sometimes, worse at night time during sleep PL5. During
the day left arm no pain, when the patient walks left leg feels painful, PL4~6.
8. Right hip pain reduced to PL 7/10
9. Knees pain reduced, PL 7.
10. Can lift left leg better.
11. LBP in morning 10/10. Takes 3 hours to subside to 0 for the rest of the day.
12. LBP if sitting for one hour or more or walking for more longer then 20~30
mins.
13. Bowel movement 2 times a day.
14. Memory no change.
15. Stress SL 2.
16. Other symptoms no noticeable change.
Examination: Lower back both side of L4~L5 have slight press pain and the muscle is
a little tight.
Dr Liu taught patient exercises to improve circulation and strengthen his body.
Advised patient that his problems are caused by Qi blockage and deficiency (bad
circulation) and he should keep up the exercises everyday to aid recovery and
maintain health.
Tongue: Dark red, purple mark on top and edge; coating: as before.
Pulse: as before.
Diagnosis: As before.
Treatment: A+M
25.07.2010 - Dr Liu
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Back of leg still very stiff but better than before, 10% less.
Could not bend knees before now can bend 80%.
Left shoulder and elbow pain reduced, PL 4.
Left finger numb and pain, PL 2~3.
Left knee pain reduced, PL 5~7.
Right hip pain reduced, PL 5~7. Stand suddenly after sitting pain increases on
lower back, hips and thigh, PL 7. Walking PL 6; Sitting PL 5. Walking normal
today without stick.
7. LBP 3 years PL10 in the morning takes 3 hours to subside to PL0. Pain if
sitting for 1 hour or walk longer than 20-30mins.
8. Before numbness whole left arm from shoulder to finger, now only hand and
finger.
9. Varicose veins 10 years.
10. Sleep well.
11. Energy better, EL 5~6.
12. Both knees pain better left PL 6, right PL 5.
13. Bowl movement 2 times a day.
14. Stress SL 2.
15. Memory no change.
Tongue: As before.
Pulse: As before.
Diagnosis: As before.
Treatment: A+M
Patient walked in without his walking stick. Advised him that his body is still weak
and he should continue to use the stick for support.
28.07.2010 - Dr Huang
1. No pain on Sunday 25/07 but on Monday 26/07 both knees and hip PL10
lasted all day. Took pain killers 2 paracetamol x 3. Pain subsided to PL6-7 by
26/7 evening, did not affect sleep.
2. This morning knees pain reduced to PL5 but no hip pain. Left knee PL4, right
Knee PL3 after treatment.
3. Numbness improved a bit.
4. There was also a very uncomfortable, “very bad” feeling on right back
shoulder that came 5~6 times lasting 30-60mins, the discomfort spread from
shoulder to upper and middle back. This first appear 3 weeks ago and patient
can’t read or work because of it. The discomfort sensation feels like lightening
when cold.
5. Palpitation sometimes, happened today during treatment lasted about 5 mins.
6. Urination same.
7. EL5
Tongue: Red, coating: thin.
Pulse: Tense and tight.
Diagnosis: As before.
Treatment: A+M+H
30.07.2010 –Dr Liu
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Sleeping well.
EL 6.
SL 2.
Left shoulder pain has gone.
Left arm still painful PL 5.
Left hand pain PL 6.
Lower back pain gone yesterday. Today feel painful when standing or walking
PL 6—10.
8. Both knees feel painful, Left PL 5; right PL 4—5.
9. Memory as before.
Tongue and pulse as before.
Treatment: A+M.
02.08.2010—Dr Liu
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sleeping OK.
No more pain at night except on knees when turning.
EL 6.
SL 2.
Numbness now only on left knee and left palm, Sometimes numbness spreads
up to elbows 3~5 times a week lasting up to 3~4 hours.
6. Left elbow no pain but feels numb.
7. Left hand feels numb.
8. No lower back pain except when sitting over 1 hour.
9. Knees pain left 4~5/10, right 2~3/10 rising to 6~7/10 when standing up
suddenly or walking.
10. Legs not so heavy.
11. Left shoulder no pain
12. Right hip pain PL 3~6.
13. Appetite better.
14. Less bloating.
15. Memory not good.
16. Other symptoms same.
Tongue and pulse as before.
Treatment: A+M.
05.08.2010 –Dr Huang
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Sleeping well.
EL 6.
SL 5.
Left lower back pain when walking. Right lower back painful.PL 5.
Left forearm, hand & knee fell numb.
Memory is not good.
Controlling urination better. Not leaking as badly.
Bitter taste in mouth.
Other symptoms same.
Tongue: red. Coating: yellow and thin.
Pulse: string.
Treatment: A+M+H.
09.08.2010 – Dr Liu
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sleep well.
EL 7-8/10
Stress high 8/10 “too many problems”
Pain only on knees
No pain anywhere else except in morning.
Left knee numb and very painful PL10 when standing suddenly. Had to take
paracetamol. Pain started on 6/8/10.
7. Legs not so heavy.
8. Body feels warmer.
9. Numbness only on left hand and fingers but sometimes spreads up to elbow. .
10. Left fingers are not swollen but feel as though they are.
11. Can now hold water 4~5 minutes but in holding water feels slight pain 2~3/10.
Pain vanishes after urination. No urinary incontinence last few days.
12. Frequency of urination reduced from hourly to 4~6 times a day.
13. Impotence more than 6 months. Would like to strengthen erection.
14. Left lower back pain in the morning, lasting about 2 hours, PL 8/10 then no
pain for rest of day.
15. Bloating better. Only sometimes and not so bloated.
16. Taking GP medication to contain reflux.
17. Still a lot of wind
18. Skin is softer, not so dry.
19. Memory no change.
Tongue is red. coating is thin and yellow.
Pulse: string.
Treatment: A+M.
11.08.2010—Dr Huang
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sleeping better, waking up with a clearer head.
Still forgets.
Felt tired yesterday EL2~3. Today EL 5.
Feels very stressed SL 8/10.
Relationship with wife better but problems with children and eviction.
Yesterday, lower back pain from 7am to 5 pm, PL6/10, took pain killers. Pain
lower than before, used to be PL8~9/10. Today LB pain PL3/10, Left lower
back pain in the morning, last about 2 hours, then no pain.
7. Left knee feel very painful when standing suddenly, Pain reduce when sitting
down. Left knee PL5/10, right knee PL 1~2/10.
8. Legs OK, not heavy.
9. Left shoulder no pain.
10. Left hand numbness reduced in hand to middle of palm.
11. No numbness in elbow.
12. Numbness in left fingers same.
13. Numbness in left knee same.
14. Could not control water yesterday afternoon but today OK.
15. Urination less frequent now 4-5 times a day; can hold water for longer.
16. Body warmer, not so cold as before.
17. No bloating.
18. Wind same.
Tongue: red. Coating: thin and white.
Pulse: string.
Treatment: A+M+H.
Advised patient that his main problem is bad circulation which is made worse by
tension add stress. His high expectations will not be met and he must take things as
they come to relax or his conditions can only deteriorate with age.
_______________________________
This patient suffers from bad circulation and energy deficiency. His body is weak and
dysfunctional and requires regular treatments to strengthen and revive normal
functions. He cannot afford treatment and has not responded to repeated offers of free
treatment.
Left untreated his conditions are likely to deteriorate, especially when stressed. He is
going through a very stressful period with housing and family problems.
He informed us in a short conversation on 21 October 2010 that he is in pain but his
urinary incontinence is much improved. He now urinates only 4-5 times a day instead
of every hour and suffers incontinence only once a week on average. His left hand,
fingers and knee are still numb.