Itchy rash/hives after swimming and difficulty in breathing after shower

Hi Rishimba

Thanks for looking into my problem. My periods are still irregular. An endocrinologist had diagnosed me pcos and asked me to lose weight. She had even put me on metformin. I took medication and lost 15kg in six months but discontinued medication because I was told that metformin could become a lifetime drug. That's when I started taking lachesis on prescription. Since I also started working at the same time, and I generally have a lazy disposition, I started gaining weight. It's around the same time that the rash appeared. I also discovered the breathing/bloating problems around this time. My weight is concentrated in the chest and mid riff region. Could that be a factor?

Also, I was advised to take three doses of pulsatilla 30 in a day. It's been two days since this treatment. There has been little improvement in the rash. The effectiveness can only be tested once I resume swimming (I had to stop because the rash took on a fungal infection. This happened for the second time in a year). I should also mention that my sleep is disturbed. It gets better in the morning although I get dreams at that time.

Thanks!

Hi Rishimba

Thanks for responding.

I've posted a picture of my tongue so that you can tell whether it looks healthy or not.

I started Lachesis 0/1 in August 2013 and kept increasing the potency every three weeks till 0/13. I was asked to take a teaspoon of the liquid in the morning in a cup of water.Then it stopped working (I think). That's when the doctor gave me sulphur 10m 1 dose and phytum 30 for a month in Jun 2014. She gave me two doses of staphisgaria on Aug 2014 and asked me to continue phytum. I took hepar sulph 1m one dose in October 2014 and lactopen 30 for a month. I then took Sepia 10m dose and continued lactopen 30 for a month in Dec 2014. I gave up the treatment because it didnt work and consulted another honeopath. He put me on sulphur 6 for a month in Jan this year. That cleared everything up. But the rash came back when I started Swimming in April. The doctor also gave me hemidermus 30 but it didn't work. Eventually I had to allegra which also didn't work. Then I just took cetrizine. That helped, but only a little. Now I'm taking pulsatilla.

So what do you suggest?
Regards
Shivani

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Also, I'm not sure I understood what you meant by " proving lachesis " . Is it a serious matter?

Hi Rishimba

I would be happy to be treated here. I'm desperate to get rid of this rash. I went to the pool today, and, although I did not spend an hour in there, I've developed the itch again. The affected area becomes hot. So I'm guessing the pulsatilla didn't help much.

I've also attached a picture of what the rash looks like.

I'm thankful for your interest in my case. I will happily forfeit other treatment.

Waiting for your advice now.

Thanks!

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Patient ID: Shivani Gupta

Sex: female

Age: 26

Nature of work: currently unemployed, but freelance as plus size clothing model, previously employed as content creator with a fashion forecast magazine

Habits: being awake till late in the night, sleeping in till late in the morning, missing meals, eating junk food especially sweets, arguing with and nagging loved ones, trying to be loved by all and keep all happy, trying to be as honest as possible, trying to help people wherever the interest of self is not implicated, sometimes bend over backwards for friends but resent it to the point of hating them, watching American television whenever possible, try to keep abreast of trends but only superficially—not going too deep into details, also try to over analyse relationships/situations, avoid leaving the house, but if I do go out I have fun—especially if consuming alcohol, trying to keep things neat, clean and organised,


Please answer the following questions in a descriptive manner after careful analysis and recollection of previous experience and happenings.

1. Describe your main suffering? State the correct location of pain or suffering.

Since it disturbs my sleep and looks awful, currently my main suffering is this rash/hive situation. Earlier irregularity in periods bothered me. The rash is normally spread over the area where skin touches skin, for example groin area and inner and under arm area, but it is also scattered around forearm, chest, breast and shoulder blade area.

2. What other physical sufferings do you have in your body?

My right arm is weaker than my left which is why when I swim my right shoulder hurts. There is also a dull and debilitating pain in my left calve and ankle/heel area. This area is not as flexible as my left calve/foot/heel/ankle area and hurts when I walk, especially after I wake up in the morning. Other than that I have persistent pain in my left hip area I can feel it when I go out for brisk walks and jogs. Lastly, I am chest heavy which is why I experience back and neck pain if I sit for long hours. I usually can't sit straight up.

3. What mental sufferings / feelings do you have associated with your physical sufferings?

I feel awful about having so many problems when girls my age are fit and fine. I become underconfident sometimes. Sometimes I get motivated to fix all of these problems so that I can become like the person I idolise. Then I get demotivated- especially with the rash because I can't swim, swimming being my favourite exercise and the easiest to get fit. After that I just confine myself to home and become dull, underconfident and lazy. I keep procrastinating about fixing my problems. Eventually I get pumped up and work on it till another obstacle comes gets in the way. It's a viscious cycle.

4. What exactly do you feel when you are at your worst? Describe the sensation in your own words.

I feel that I will fail at everything in life. I feel that I am worthless. All my learning and experience is of no use to anyone and that I will never succeed at anything in life. That is why I keep staying dull or engage in menial work so that I can generate something of value. Or I just sit and wait for signs telling me to change the course of my life.

5. When did it all start? Can you connect it to any past event or disease? What was happening in your life just before these symptoms were noticed?

I have always been confused and rebellious. I have fought for every choice I made—at home, in life, in love and relationships. I've never taken the beaten track, especially because in the teen years of my life I felt encouraged/pressured by the people around me to do things/ make decisions they would never dare to. But sometimes when I look back, I regret them, for example, I stopped eating and took up smoking to lose weight in 2008. I lost 15kg in three months and joined my college fashion society, I had worked very hard to get in. But I had stage fright and I also was scared the whole time about being kicked out of the team. The pressure was too much and it showed on my face which is why I was asked to leave. That was a big blow. I remember a rash appeared for the first time then around my chin and lips. I had to eat multivitamin tablets and apply wide spectrum ointment to make it go. It was recurring but after I resumed a healthy diet it stopped. There were rash spells here and there but the multivitamin would stop it early on. The next time it appeared in an uncontrollable way was in 2013 August after I started taking Lachesis. I had joined swimming in April but I kept getting cold/flu. I had to take antibiotics for 15 days and not swim till June, I was that weak. I was also taking metformin at that time for my irregular periods. In June I got the rash again and I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed it as nummular dermatitis and gave me Allegra and corticosteroids for 15 days. The treatment almost cleared the rash in July, following which I decided to forgo allopathic treatment and was prescribed Lachesis. That's when the rash became permanent.

6. What time of the day do you suffer the most? What time of the day /night do you feel most energetic and happy?

I don't particularly enjoy mornings because waking up is difficult and I have nothing to look forward to. But it's around 3:30/4pm that my rash starts itching if I've gone swimming at 8 in the morning. I get energetic after 10pm but till 10pm I feel sleepy.

7. What are the things that aggravate your suffering and those that ameliorate the same? Example: time, hot or cold application, pressure, rubbing, but washing, eating, tight clothing, sweating, walking, climbing, stool etc.

Getting irritated after an argument or being unable to get what I want aggravates my suffering. I have also noticed that a full stomach triggers the itching especially if I've eaten wheat based products (I think). Walking, sweating, washing and Rubbing actually make it better.

8. Do you think your sufferings have direct relation to any particular external factor or are it something to do with your own biological changes?

Since I smoked regularly for five years, I think it may have grossly affected my lungs and sinuses. Perhaps I have bronchitis, I don't know. I generally have a frail constitution because I never took to mothers milk as an infant. Disturbed sleep could also be a contributing factor.

9. When do you feel better, during hot weather or cold weather, humid or dry weather?

I feel best during summer. Dry weather makes it difficult to breathe. Winter and monsoon are too dark, dreary and cold. Humidity isn't my favourite.

10. Describe your general mental set up? Please pick out the adjectives which best describe your personality; (at least 10)
Nervous, Anxious, Shy, Worrying, Paranoid, Proud, Unsocial, Guilty, Depressed, Hypochondriac, Untidy, Weepy, Emotional, Impractical, Confused, Suspicious, Jealous, Timid, Aggressive, Headstrong, Forgetful, Follower, Insecure, Immature, Impulsive, Rigid, Restless, Feminine, Empathetic, Introverted.

I am nervous—fear making phone calls to people I don't know, especially if I'm trying to sell them something. I am worrying, suspicious and paranoid like my father who will not settle till he sees to it that everything is done right and can't trust anyone else's intelligence to do it right. I am confused, I never am sure of anything. I weep if I'm emotional especially if I believe that I have been wronged by someone, I cry when I get angry. I get jealous of people who might be better than me and then feel guilty about it. I am forgetful. I am empathetic only toward people I feel selfless love for. I can be impulsive at times and do more damage than good to my self esteem.

- How do you feel before or during a thunderstorm?

Indifferent. It doesn't affect me.

- How do you respond to consolation during your tough times?

I feel relief but no amount of fussing over me is enough. I need to keep being consoled.

- Are you sensitive to external stimuli like smell, noise, light etc.?

I think if I put too much perfume it gives me a headache. Also, I can't stand the sound of water droplets leaking out of a tap.

- Do you have any typical habit or gesture like nail biting, causeless
Weeping, talking to one self etc?

I bite nails and cuticles.

- How do you get along with your friends, family, your children and especially your husband / wife?

I get along very well with most friends but sometimes I feel like telling them off for things I can't stand in them. But because I like to avoid confrontation and not ruin the friendship I end up bottling my emotions. I judge and talk behind their backs with my loved ones or other friends quite often. Everything is open within the family so it's relatively easy to handle but there are disagreements at home and I usually either end up crying or really shouting my lungs out. I'm not married but I've been in a relationship for seven years. We love and are very comfortable with each other but there are far too many arguments than one can take.

-What is your profession? Do you love your profession? What is your dream job?

I am unemployed. I enjoyed my previous job as a content creator in the field of fashion but the office environment was caging and prohibitive of creative freedom so I quit. I like so many things but I don't know what I'll be good at. Rescuing strays seems like a very good job for me but I'm aware that it doesn't pay well. Besides I want to move to USA and take my parents with me eventually. I will have to find a career that is valued by them.

-Did you have any bereavement in life? How has it affected you?

There is one incident but I don't know if it is relevant. Someone I knew died at 60 in 2011. It came as a nasty shock to me. I was inconsolable for a very long time. But what really affected me was the fact that like her, my parents could die that early, that scared me to a point where I became inseparable from my parents. I stopped leaving the house and gave in to my parents’ every demand.

-Do you have any issues regarding your parenting by guardians?

Yes. My dad is a pusher, he wants us ( my sister and I ) to become independent and financially stable, but his his ways of motivating us are a little de motivating. For example, his initial reaction to our every request is No and there is never an explanation for the refusal. I wanted some money to get a portfolio, he refused point blank and said he doesn't want me to get into that field. He will also say stuff like we will fail in life and earn a meagre salary. His intention is pure, trying to get us to work hard and prove him wrong but to us it is demeaning.

-Can you remember any unfortunate incident in life that you want to forget?

Many. Being molested as a child, watching my parents fight, being stood up by men, watching my mom feel helpless because of her schizophrenia etc.

-How do you respond to music? Do you feel better or worse mentally listening to music?

Very well. It makes me feel good about myself and confident. Sometimes it helps me relive happy memories.

- What upsets you most in yourself and in others?

I hate myself for being unable to react the way I want in some situations. If I'm unable to disagree with someone because of the fear of tension/ confrontation I hate it. I also don't like being overweight and a prude. I don't like dishonesty in others, I don't appreciate a conservative/rigid person for example I can't stand people who discriminate based on race, colour, sex, academic performance and I also don't like people who put up pretences.

11. What are your fears and do you dream of any situation repeatedly?

I'm beginning to fear death, of myself and my parents. I also fear being so dependent on someone like my boyfriend that I can't pick myself if he weren't around.

I get dreams about being romantically involved with different people but there is no sexual consummation. It's not a good feeling.

12. What do you crave in food items and what are your aversions?

I like sugary stuff more than savouries, especially cakes with icing. I don't like green vegetables although I try to eat them because I know they're good for health. Bitter gourd and okra are the only greens I eat voluntarily and with gusto.

13. How is your thirst: Less, Normal or Excessive?

I think my thirst is less considering one should consume at least 3l of water in a day. I usually on get 1.5.

14. How is your hunger: Less, Normal or Excessive?

My hunger is normal but it increases when I swim.

15. Is there any kind of food which your body can’t stand?

I think cheese and excessive chilly. I get loose motion, and immediate, after eating dominos cheese burst and very spicy anything.

16. Is your sweat normal or less or more? Where does it sweat more: Head, Trunk or Limbs?

I think my sweat is normal and spread equally across the whole body.

17. How is your bowel movement and stool type? Do you have any abnormal smell in the urine?

My bowel movement has always been a matter of concern, since I was a child. I am mostly constipated and I don't have a routine, something that got fixed temporarily while I was on Lachesis. It was even fine when I was taking sulphur. It also gets better if I drink a lot of water. I am especially constipated for a week till I get my period. Getting relaxing sleep and not waking up with a start in the morning also helps with the bowel movement.

Not urine, but I think my stool has a sort of metallic smell.

18. How well do you sleep? Do you have a particular posture of sleeping?

It varies. When the rash is at its worst I get disturbed sleep. Sometimes I sleep very well, especially if I'm not using my pillow.

I like to sleep on my back with my neck turned to one side, or on my stomach but I tried to change it to sleeping on my side after i read that it hurts the neck. I recently read somewhere that it's best to just sleep on the back so I'm trying to change it back.

19. Do you think you are able to address your libido in general? Would you say your drive is low, normal or high?

No I don't think I am able to address it. But I have a very high drive.

20. Do you have any strange, peculiar or unusual sensation, thoughts or feelings? How are you different from others?

I think my intuition is very strong. Also I believe strongly in the law of attraction because it works for me. I am not religious but.

21. What medications have been taken earlier by you to treat the diseases and do you have any particular symptom surfacing after the medication?

I had typhoid at 12, I don't remember what medicine I was given at the facility where I was hospitalised for a fortnight
Several antibiotics to fix my seasonal tonsillitis flares
I had pesticide poisoning at 17, don't remember the medication for that, I was hospitalised for nearly a fortnight
Terbinafin to fix a widespread ringworm infection
Emergency contraceptives, several times
Metformin to fix anovulation through weightloss, Aldectone for acne and Diane 35 for irregular periods— I discontinued the combination after a month. Withdrawal symptoms from Diane 35 were month long bleeding, pain toward the end cycle of periods and massive clots
Senecio 30 for irregular periods
Lachesis 0/1 to 0/13 for irregular periods-- led to skin rash
Staphysagria for irregular periods, jealousy and feeling caged
Lactopen 30 for irregular periods
Sulphur 6 for rash
Pulsatilla 30 for rash


22. What major diseases have run in the family in the last two generations both sides?

Kidney malfunction- both sides
Cardiovascular disease- paternal
Diabetes and overweighting- maternal
Mental ill health (schizophrenia)- mother
Skin disorders and seasonal flu- father


23. Describe your overall appearance with respect to your BMI, skin type, muscular or flabby etc.

My BMI is 29
Weight 83kg
Height 5 feet 8 inches
Fat percentage is high
Muscle mass is ok
Hind arm and thighs are flabby compared to forearm and calves
Most fat is concentrated around the chest and stomach area
Back is weak and there is a visible stoop in posture

24. What major diseases have you had in your life and when. Please write them in a chronological manner.

Typhoid at 12
Pesticide poisoning at 17
Fungal infection at 19
Rash on face at 19
Pcos at 20
Pain in right leg and ankle 20 onwards
Rash 21 onwards


(For Females)
25. If your menstrual cycles are not normal, please describe all irregularities, like pains, moods, flow type, clots etc. as below:
- Are your periods generally regular, early or delayed? What is the usual cycle duration?

Delayed

50 days

- Describe the sensations and locations of pain before, during and after the flow.

Before
Tender breasts
Mild cramps in lower abdomen
Dull ache in lower back

During
Excruciating cramps in lower abdomen and groin area ( first three days)
Excruciating pain in lower back ( first three days)

After
No pains or symptoms

- How do you generally deal with your sufferings during periods? Do you have any non-medical way of relieving your suffering?

Have to take brufen for the first three days

There isn't any other way to relieve suffering

- What is the duration of flow? Is it heavy, medium or light?

5 days

First three days is heavy and then it clears out

- Do you observe clots?

Yes. Big clots.

- Do you have mid-cycle spotting? What are the days you have spotting?

No.

Only at the beginning of the cycle to indicate the onset. Sometimes there is no spotting.

- Describe changes in your mental condition or any other peculiar symptom that surfaces before, during or after the flow.

Before the flow I tend to be irritated and annoyed. I can be haggard easily. During I'm usually tired but calm. After I feel great.

- Do your sufferings increase or decrease as soon as the flow begins?

Sufferings definitely increase but I feel relieved about getting my period so I overlook the physical pain.

- Did you ever take birth control pills on a regular basis?

Only for a month to fix irregular periods, on prescription.

- Have you ever been treated earlier or recently for any gynecological irregularity? Please describe

I have been on treatment for pcos since 2011. I have taken allopathic as well as homeopathic treatment but nothing has shown permanent results. I discontinued the only medicine that did help stablize my periods and help me lose weight because it was allopathic ( metformin). Homeopathy has opened my eyes to several things I didn't pay attention to before but hasn't helped my periods.

I last consumed pulsatilla 30 in the morning. I was asked to take it 3 times a day for a week and the medicine is finished now.

I had a lot of self pressure and anxiety to keep myself in the team. It was during July 2008, summer time yet somehow I felt comfortable wearing black full sleeved t-shirts and jeans. I can't stand wearing jeans otherwise because they don't fit so well and restrict movement. Being kicked out after working so hard was the worst thing that could happen to me because according to my dad if one can't succeed at these small gigs, you can't survive this tough competition in the world at all. I didn't want him to know I was kicked out because he would keep reminding me about this failure and never let me take up modelling as a profession. So I lied to him and told him I left it because it was too much pressure. Obviously I was barely passing that year because I would only smoke and smoke pot sometimes. I felt like a failure, ashamed of myself, my weight everything. I was also unable to get into a serious relationship with someone who could accept me with my quirks. That too was very disheartening. I didn't cry much but I just felt out of place. I would put on a happy face and go out everyday. But I was dull inside. I have a few Select friends and they are there because I put them on that pedestal but at that time, I wanted to be friends with anybody who had a decent personality and would keep me company. I was desperate to be occupied. I didn't ever want to be left alone. I reduced exercising and started eating fattening things especially this cake that my friend used to bake at home. I only bought it to make her feel good, I used to hate its taste.

I wasn't swimming back then, only doubt cardio at the gym.

The Swimming pool is indoors but I noticed that I also get affected at outdoor pools. Depending on the weather it is hot or cold outside the pool.

Hi Rishimba

thank you so much for all of this. i have discontinued pulsatilla as suggested by you and as mentioned earlier i will follow your advice to the t.

Please shed more light on the antidoting method please. how much coffee and nux vomica should i take and how/with what?

thanks!

Since I don't enjoy black coffee, I'll just take the nux vomica as advised.

Thank you so much rishimba! Thank you so very much!

Thank you once again!

Is this going to be an extensive treatment?

Ok!:) Thanks!

I've started the nux antidote today. When exactly can I start sepia?

Just to be sure that we're on the same page, you're advice is that I take sepia next Wednesday, right?

I also wanted you to know that the itching is reduced by about 10% and I'm just about to take my third dose. It didn't scratch as much after three, today, by the way.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks!

I will keep that in mind, although the temporary relief is good!

Thank you. I will report to you Wednesday now.

Hi Rishimba

I took Sepia, as advised, today.

I have been feeling slightly better since nux vomica although some old symptoms returned. I started sneezing on coming under the fan and getting a runny nose, especially after swimming and on being irritated. Irritability has also increased. I use to feel these symptoms in 2013, before I even started lachesis.

I have in general been feeling more confident and stronger mentally, since nux. My sleep seems to be getting better but I still wake up due to inexplicable disturbance around 5am.

The rash has itched throughout the day, today, but lesser than how it would normally after a swim. The last dose of I took was at 7:30pm. Some areas are feeling visibly less irritated and bumpy as opposed to the normal hot and bumpy sensation and appearance.

I will give you a detailed account by Friday, or earlier if you if you'd like.

Thanks!:)