Sam's chief complaint was that he was getting recurring viral infections, had chronic gastroesophageal reflux, which was worse in Spring, and severe asthma with strider. The reflux began when he was one year old, about the same time he was weaned and solid food was introduced. The physicians advised that he would outgrow it, so they did not treat it at that time. He then began projectile vomiting and was diagnosed with many food allergies.

He presented with asthma in the Fall of 1994, which initially was treated with Benadryl. He had used an epinephrine pen at that time because soon after his vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) at 18 months he developed breathing difficulties with strider, a high-pitched crowing sound of his airway closing off when trying to breathe. The strider began with a head cold. His breathing was so bad he developed sternal retraction. The first diagnosis was reactive airway with bronchial spasms, until they later diagnosed asthma. He was placed on Pediapred and oral Ventalin, and was also sent home with a Ventalin nebulizer. Benadryl was used as an emergency palliative at that time, and he responded well initially.

Three to four weeks later, however, he was back in the hospital, diagnosed with severe asthma. He had several more episodes with strider.

If he so much as touched a food to which he was allergic he would vomit clear mucous and his airways would begin to close. He still suffered with reflux through to January 1995, causing chronic sinus infections from the force of the vomiting which in turn irritated his bronchials.

During a visit to a pediatric specialist he was tested for celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. He was given a barium swallow, plus a scope and biopsy of his duodenum to see what bacteria it contained. The results were positive for cystic fibrosis in every aspect except the sweat test. Ultimately they diagnosed severe and acute esophagitis. Zantac palliated his symptoms somewhat, by decreasing the acid burning so the reflux would not damage the esophagus as badly. Propulsid was given to empty his stomach more quickly so there would be less food in his stomach in case he had a reflux reaction.

In June 1994, he had undergone allergy testing. It was found he was highly allergic to rye grass. Spring mowing would cause him to produce so much mucous that he would vomit. Damp, wet nights were worse and they found he was also allergic to molds, milk, eggs and peanuts.

When I met him in late 1995, he had just spent an Autumn with recurrent viral infections, including one where he vomited bile for seven days. After that infection he was fine for one week, then he developed the symptoms of a head cold which progressed into vomiting, then to reflux, then back to a head cold, and finally went into his ears. He started getting symptoms of asthma in the second and third week. The pediatric specialists gave him Intal prophylactically to make him less sensitive to allergic triggers (Intal interferes with body's response to allergies, blocking the histamine reaction) so his lung tissue would not become inflamed.

That helped him somewhat, although he had to carry a mild "puffer" if he went outside in the cold weather. He used that twice a day and the Ventalin puffer as needed. His weight went from 39.5 pounds to 32 pounds with the repeated episodes of vomiting, reflux and illnesses. His mother had suspected a sensitivity to soy, but the physicians told her that would not have any effect on his symptoms. She decided to take him off soy products anyway, and it helped slightly with the mucous and reflux. Rice milk was the only "dairy" he could tolerate, and he could have nothing containing eggs, dairy, or soy.

His mother was by now totally disillusioned with the allopathic merry-go-round in which she seemed to have become caught up, and she was distressed that things had gone so badly for so long. She said she knew, as a registered nurse, that her son was not improving and at best was being palliated. She was afraid of what might lie ahead for him, with such a dramatic start to his life. At this point she decided to consult both a nutritionist and a homeopath. Sam could eat only pureed food and liquids, because of the severe reflux. He vomited meat, could not eat any solid foods and his esophagitis was severe.

Timeline of Causes

I took his case at this point, focusing on the various shocks and traumas he had experienced. His brief timeline was fraught with complications:

Pre-Birth: His mother had been diagnosed with mononucleosis and was just recovering from that when she conceived. When she had experienced the mono symptoms she was prescribed Augmentin, which antidoted her birth control pills, resulting in the pregnancy. She was in the military reserves and was waiting to be called up for Operation Desert Storm, while starting work full-time as an Intensive Care Unit nurse. She experienced a great deal of stress waiting for the phone call to the Persian Gulf. Once she was aware of the pregnancy, she stopped all medications she had been taking, e.g., Seldane and Sudafed for allergies.

Labour and Delivery: His mother gained 48 pounds during pregnancy, was vomiting while in labour and having a difficult time because the baby's head was transverse. After an epidural and an attempt to physically turn his head, they opted for a Cesarean section. The baby had a hematoma on his head, some problems with his cervical discs and his head was at a peculiar angle. His Apgar score was 9 out of a possible 10. He was circumcised while still in the hospital, and also received his first Hepatitis B vaccination.

Although totally breast-fed, he had a great deal of gas and was very colicky. When his mother drank cow's milk, and the first time she tried a back-up bottle of a cow's milk-based formula, his cheeks and scalp turned scarlet, then the skin crusted and oozed. She said, "It looked as though he had been scalded." (She also said that it was like having a new child after she had eliminated the dairy from her and the baby's diet.)

Sam felt better whenever the flatulence was expelled or after he had a bowel movement. He was a very happy baby generally who loved to be handled, rocked or carried. He enjoyed motion. He was sensitive to wind and would react by developing colic. His chiropractor, who also used some homeopathy, suggested a dose of Lycopodium 30C which worked wonderfully for the colic.

One month, Three weeks: Haemophillus Influenza B (HIB) vaccination with no apparent reaction.

One week later (Two months): Diptheria,Tetanus & Pertussis (DPTP), first vaccination, no apparent reaction.

Seven Months: He was getting up, pulling himself up and trying to walk at seven months, and he walked unaided at nine months. He weaned himself at eleven months.

Eighteen months: Measles Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccination produced heat, redness and swelling at the injection site (in hindsight his mother now sees this as the beginning of his asthma symptoms).

Nineteen months: Benadryl use began, environmental strider symptoms.

Twenty months: Mother was away in Reserves for two weeks, but stayed in close communication.

Twenty-one months: Asthma and medications began. Pediapred when it was very bad, antibiotics and Ventalin. He was hospitalised with wheezing and had some symptoms of reflux.

Twenty-three months: Began repeated sinus infections, more antibiotics, Ventalin "around the clock." Pediapred, oral Ventalin and a Ventalin nebulizer.

Twenty-six months: Tested for cystic fibrosis and celiac, prescribed Zantac and Propulsid, had scopes with conscious sedation (Versed). They said his upper small intestine was "friable" (bled easily) and had an overgrowth of bacteria, with three strains of respiratory bacteria including pseudomonas. Also subjected to a barium swallow and blood work.

Thirty-one months: Damp air caused his lungs to fill up again with wheezing. Vomiting and diarrhea began with a viral infection. Seven days of vomiting triggered the reflux once again, then the asthma symptoms followed as his lungs became irritated. He was hospitalised and subjected to testing. His pediatrician said he was not surprised because he saw these things all the time. He stated that "this will be his time," that "they always come back on their anniversary date," and that when children react during a particular season, they will be sensitive always in that season.

Treatment of Causes

First prescription: Sam's most recent trauma, and the one treated first sequentially, was at 31 months. He was given Arnica montana (for the physical trauma of the testing procedures), Staphisagria (for the "violation" of the invasive procedures), Opium (for the acute anxiety) and Nux vomica (for the drugs) all in the 200C and 1M to be taken at bedtime on two consecutive nights. His mother was prepared for a possible healing reaction, so when it occurred she was able to deal with it without having unnecessary anxiety and without resorting to allopathic intervention.

She reported:

In hindsight, he did have an elevated temperature, but no chills, headache, sore throat, pain or vomiting as he usually would. He continued taking fluids without difficulty and only complained about being hot. I don't think he had the flu.

In the last three weeks his bowels changed from hard, clay-like dark stools in balls with a strong odour to soft, formed, light brown with a mild odour. He experienced a five-pound weight loss.

His allergist asked to see him, but his mother said she was not in a rush to expose him to something that had given him an anaphlactic reaction in the past.

At his first follow-up, one month after his first set of remedies, his mother reported that he had a great deal of energy, his sleep was excellent and he woke feeling well. The caregivers at his pre-school said they had noticed a positive change in his personality, and that it seemed he was really very well. Mother reported that even as the healing reaction of diarrhea was occurring, it was as if he was not really sick, that somehow it was happening "around" him without affecting him.

Three weeks after the remedy she was a bit concerned about his breathing and had him checked at the hospital. She says now that she knows it was a healing reaction and feels sure that she could confidently wait it out if it happened again. She has been reading Dr. Robert Mendelsohn's book, How to Raise a Healthy Baby in Spite of Your Doctor, which I recommend to all my patients. She told me recently that it made her sick, that she, a nurse, should have known better. It upset her how she was previously "all tied into the allopathic chaos" with her son. She reported that she and her husband, who wholeheartedly supports homeopathic treatment, found bottles of antibiotics in their refrigerator and together they threw them in the trash. She is now researching the whole issue of vaccination.

Second prescription: Cortisone, Penicilinum, Nux vomica 200C and 1M for the next event on his timeline, the medications prescribed at 23 months. The remedies were given as follows: The Cortisone, Nux-vomica, Penicilinum 200C in the same evening at bedtime, and the same remedies in the 1M potency at bedtime the following evening.

Second follow-up (about a month later): Sam experienced a return of old symptoms with much coughing, and cleared a great deal of mucous from his lungs. His mother said she got chills just thinking about it, because it was exactly what he was doing in the Spring when he went through this part of his illness.

He had some diarrhea, and on my recommendation his mother palliated the worst of the coughing with a Spongia tosta-based cough syrup, which she said "worked wonderfully." His cough resolved quickly and she reported he had grown and was cutting two new teeth.

His mother now mentioned that in the past, when he was on the Cortisone, he used to get a "black hairy tongue" (the nutritionist, who used the term, said it was the result of an overgrowth of bacteria). During this healing reaction the same symptom returned for three days, then "disappeared as fast as it had come." She said he really relived what he had gone though in the Spring, but with less intensity and of a shorter duration.

His coughs were now productive, the mucous was brought up easily and he did not get sick. He had not had a respiratory treatment in six weeks. At this time last year he was taking Ventalin around the clock every four hours and also was using Pediapred. Now he was able to play in the damp grass, or out in the cold weather, and run to the store down the street, with no reaction at all. In the past his parents would have had to nebulize him before leaving the house and again when they got to the store or immediately on returning home. He also had some symptoms of reflux, but after his parents stopped the soy milk, these disappeared.

He now had wonderful energy and sleep, was content and happy, and looked better than he ever had. He was cutting his teeth and his mother said his bottom was raw because of it, but on my recommendation began to use Calendula officinalis ointment (with lanolin) which helped. The nutritionist said on seeing him, "Look at him! His eyebrows are getting fuller, his hair is growing thicker and he has gained some weight." She recommended amino acids. His mother reported on the progress she had seen: "What we went through for two years — I don't remember life other than doctors and hospitals, at least going once a week for months, visiting specialists. No wonder we were so tired. I don't remember that other life now." They were looking forward to a vacation in the Bahamas!

Third prescription: MMR 200C/1M/10M

Follow-up (about one month later): Before he took the remedies, they visited the dentist. Sam had some decay at the gum line on his front teeth, as did his mother as a child. The dentist was abusive, accusing her of not brushing properly or of allowing him too many sweets. She knew it was part of his inherited weakness, but exacerbated by the destructivness of the constant vomiting.

He was doing very well. He had no signs of environmental allergies and was trying new foods now, where in the past he was fearful of reacting to them. His mother said he was comfortable, waved to everyone, was a real charmer, in short, a very happy kid.

His mother said she was so happy to have him medication free and chemical free. She thought back to the drugs he used to be on and how many kids are on so many drugs, and said it scared her. He was growing taller and needed new shoes.

After the MMR remedy he had no mucous production at all, but experienced some skin eruptions. He never complained and they healed quickly. He did have some buttermilk solids and produced some symptoms of reflux, but his mother said six months earlier it would have shut down his throat. He was eating "amazingly well," trying many more new foods. His fear of trying new foods was gone as was the fear of esophagitis. He was putting muscle on his legs, and was on a "meat kick," which his mother found interesting, as he never could eat meat in the past.

Fourth prescription: DPTP 200C/1M/10M.

Follow-up (about six weeks later): He experienced some symptoms of reflux on the second and third nights following the remedy, and again three weeks later. His caregiver reported that he seemed to have some trouble swallowing, that he couldn't seem to get food down his throat which lasted one day. (Note: I had the same symptom when I took DPTP, and it lasted several days, and on reading the symptoms of each disease state I now relate it to the Diphtheria portion of this vaccination.)

He had a slight fever one night, which was his first in many months during which he was lethargic and hot to touch and drank fluids. He felt fine once he vomited. His mother reported, "It is so amazing to watch him now with a fever and not treat it." He slept on and off and wanted her nearby, and woke feeling fine in the morning.

He visited the dentist (a different one, a female, since his mother said she seemed to have better luck with women health care providers) and he behaved wonderfully. He was relaxed, loved his visit and even picked her a bouquet of flowers when he heard he was going to the new dentist. The dentist and her staff were charmed by his behaviour.

Next prescription: HIB vaccination —Meningiotoxinum 200C/1M/10M. The remedy Meningiotoxinum is made from the vaccine material.

Follow-up (about one month later): He had been getting better with eggs, and even tried some food in the dairy category, which caused a reaction of hives but no vomiting. His mother said before homeopathic treatment he would have been almost anaphylactic, with strider and vomiting vast amounts of mucous, forcing them to use Benadryl. She said she was "thrilled" with the improvement. He tried some peanut butter and was fine. He began potty training himself after he took the remedy, which she considers a milestone.

She said he had been sighing in the last few weeks, that he did not get angry but would pout. He no longer fought and was not aggressive as were some of his friends. If angry he would sit down with a big huff, turn his back on the person with a deep sigh, think about it and ignore the person for a few minutes. Then he would rejoin the group.

Next prescription: Hepatitis B 200C/1M/10M and Natrum muriaticum, Staphisagria, Opium & Lachesis 200C (for the emotional shock of the labour and delivery and the first Hepatitis B vaccination. It was decided to give the emotional remedies over a longer period of time to avoid any unnecessary healing reaction). The Hepatitis B remedy is the potentised form of the vaccination material, since we want to balance the trauma of the vaccination with not only the viral material, but also the carrying agents inherent in every vaccine, which are sometimes more reactive than the actual virus.

(The emotional remedies, Natrum muriaticum, Staphisagria, Opium and Lachesis are used primarily based on the 25+ years of clinical experience of Dr. Jean Elmiger, and Rudi's and mine as well. In his research, Dr. Elmiger found that while we all may vary greatly in our acute reactions to any shock or trauma, that once it recedes into the past the individualisation tends to dissolve. It was found that these remedies treat for the unresolved past shocks of an emotional nature.)

Mother's Report

Phone call to mother to confirm status of the case to date: It had only been two weeks since the Natrun muriaticum, Staphisagria, Opium, Lachesis 200C one dose. She said he discharged all kinds of pea-green runny mucous from his nose for about five days, but he was not at all sick. "He has been running around fine, no cough, no fever, energetic, playing all the time, sleeping well — he is fine!" She reported he was not pouting as much now, but was acting out his emotions, was more demonstrative, which she said she thought was more appropriate for a three-and-a-half year-old. His mother elaborated:

There is such a difference between this summer and last summer. It is 180 degrees. This child has so much more freedom now. We really saw significant change in first two months of homeopathic treatment. It was very immediate. Within the first month we decided to stop all medication on our own, and he was off the Zantac, Propulsid, Pediapred, and Ventalin, with no antibiotics. Just once or twice where it was extremely cold out, if he started coughing he would have a Ventalin treatment preventively before he went outside, the last of his Ventalin nebulizer treatments.

There were times when we would see the recurrence of old symptoms, especially with the second or third remedy. The previous spring he had had an overgrowth of bacteria, and had a black hairy tongue. When gave him the remedy for that time period, seven days later that black hairy tongue returned for one or two days, then disappeared. It was very quick, and had none of severity of the first time, it wasn't a systemic reaction — just "here I am and here I go." It was so shocking to realise, and from then on, no one could convince us that something wasn't happening, or that the remedies weren't working.

A year ago you couldn't take him out at night, he would need a respiratory treatment, then would have a reflux problem and vomit clear viscous stuff. There were times when we would be visiting my parents at the beach and we would leave to go home, and as we would drive from their apartment the air would be so damp that he would go into respiratory distress, and we would have to turn back. This summer has been particularly wet, and he is always outside, playing with friends, chasing lightening bugs — nothing stops this child!

He went from a liquid and pureed diet at age three, in several months to a full, normal diet. In the past it was too painful for him to swallow things like vegetables, toast — anything toasty or crunchy. Now he eats sandwiches, toast, vegetables, even French fries, and has a normal diet. I no longer have to worry about the texture of foods.

The physicians had told us he wouldn't outgrow any of this until he was seven, and that we should be prepared for his severe anaphylactic reactions to food until he started school. But already there has been such an improvement — the child can open the fridge and take out his own food, where before we were afraid he would have a crisis if he so much as touched the wrong food. We don't have to worry at a party if someone hands him a cookie, we now know his life is not endangered. He is a healthy child, all of his weight has been regained and he weighs 40 pounds. He is healthier-looking, to look at him you would never know he had been diagnosed with severe asthma and gastroesophageal reflux. People would not have any idea now of all that he has been through. Now he looks like, and leads the life of, a normal 3 1/2 year old child.

After the first dose my husband was very skeptical, but by the second and third remedies it was great — Sam wanted to handle the little packet with the remedy in it, and his dad told him no! That these remedies were more precious than gold, and that meant a lot to me that he recognised and acknowledged all these changes too.