Kent's cases 37: Ulcer Pulsatilla

November 15th.
Mrs. W., age 70. Ulcer in left ankle began with smarting, stinging pain,
with a little spot size of a pea. Next day it broke and ran a thin, bloody
discharge; flesh around spot was purplish red. The sore extended, and the
discharge became thick and yellow, until it is now somewhat larger than a
dollar. It is red and there are patches of yellow matter; looks something like
a sponge.

The cloths taken off it are slightly offensive. Ulcer burns, stings, smarts;
sometimes has a jerking sensation through heel; she wants it kept cool, it is
worse from warmth. Pain is something like splinters or buzzing. Limb from
knee down sweats profusely; not so the other. Foot begins to swell when
she gets up in the morning, swells until it is full and pains her much. About
3 or 4 P. M. she gets easier and can lie down.
At night all the swelling goes down, and when she lies quiet with her foot
on a level with her head she is easy. Upper side of arms from shoulder to
elbow are very sore to touch. Using arms makes them ache, a "grumbling
pain."
Cords of neck are somewhat sore. Cannot put her arms back, and cannot
reach out for anything, or the shoulder will catch her. Can put her arms
forward and over head, straight up. Sometimes middle fingers of hand,
generally the left, stand out in the morning so she can scarcely bend them.
84
Likes to sit with hands put together, the arms drawn toward each other and
head bent forward; she cannot sit with her arms on the chair, spread apart.
Has to fold arms and work herself over when she turns in bed.
Wants to drink almost every five minutes in the afternoon.
Puls. C. m.
All symptoms were removed and the patient remained well until
March 21st, 1893.
Rheumatism in right side; seems to be in hip-joint mostly. A steady pain all
the time; sometimes more intense. Sometimes when attempting to walk,
can hardly stand. Worse when sitting than when lying.
Cannot lie on right side. Heat relieves somewhat; cold increases pain. Cold
feeling through leg and foot. Flesh sore and slightly swollen. Came on
suddenly three days ago, and remains in same place. Feels well otherwise.
Appetite good.
Puls. m. m. Cured.