Abstract: Not everyone with cancer has cancer pain, but some do. If one has cancer that has spread or reoccurred, the chances of having pain are higher. Cancer-related pain is quite underrated and most of the times un discussed – most of the times the doctors do not ask about the pain or offer any pain management treatment, sometimes as the patients avoid the issue as they do not want to BOTHER their doctor, due to fear of addiction and also due to fear of side effects.
Cancer pain takes many forms. It can be dull, achy, sharp, or burning. It can be constant, intermittent, mild, moderate, or severe. Most cancer-related pains are manageable and controlling pain is an essential part of cancer treatment. But unfortunately, the medicines available over the counter and on prescription have a long list of side effects such as sleepiness, constipation, gastritis, etc
This is a case of a 23 yr old female from a village near Kurukshetra, Haryana. She was suffering from metastatic carcinoma of the spinal cord and reported acute pain for the last few weeks. Popping up painkillers was her only solace when the severity of pain was going unbearable. Adding more woes to the existing one, synthetic pain killers’ side effects were severe gastritis and GERD. This girl was started on the medication of ‘Trilokya Vijaya Vati’; a classical Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic Samhitas.
Ayurveda Perspective
Vijaya in Trailokya Vijaya Vati is an effective compound that helps in pain management and also helps to elevate mood. Both these properties help in the management of cancer patients during their treatment.
Introduction
Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression is a rare but rather well-recognized complication of cancer. Metastases to the spine occur in 3-5 % of all patients who have cancer and are more common in patients with breast and lung cancer, in whom the incident is approximately 19-20%.
MSCC is usually caused by the collapse or compression of a vertebral body that contains metastatic diseases, but can also be caused by direct tumor extension in the vertebral column. The primary complaints in such patients have prolonged back pain and limb weakness. As the disease progresses the patient has to be well evaluated and given the best treatment option amongst Surgery or Radiotherapy. In patients with no neurological function for more than 48 hours symptom control or palliative care treatment are the preferred options.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment have extreme levels of pain throughout their fight with cancer. In such conditions, alternate medicines are often sought to have incredible effects in pain relief, mental stability, and other allied complications without giving the sufferer unnecessary side effects like gastritis, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Case Report
Patient description
This is a case of a 23 yr old female from a village near Kurukshetra, Haryana. She was suffering from metastatic carcinoma of the spinal cord and reported acute pain for the last few weeks. Popping up painkillers was her only solace when the severity of pain was going unbearable. Adding more woes to the existing one, synthetic pain killers’ side effects were severe gastritis and GERD. This girl was started on the medication of ‘Trilokya Vijaya Vati’; a classical Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic Samhitas.
Case history
The patient underwent radiation therapy for her MSCC and later started with her chemotherapy for her breast cancer. She had restriction of movements of the left arm and complained of GERD / indigestion and insomnia due to pain and burning sensation throughout the body. She, as her last resort, approached the clinic in search of a better option other than her existing medicines for her complaints.
Treatment plan/ Medicines to be used –
She was given orally one tablet three times a day continuously for five days and the other ‘Panchkarma’ modalities.
Expected outcome of the treatment plan
It was expected that gradually the patient would be relieved of her pain and sleep better.
Actual outcome
The pain-relieving effects of ‘Vijaya’ or ‘Bhanga’ were quite remarkable in this case, and she was relieved much from the pain within the first week of ‘TrilokyaVijayaVati’s oral administration. She started to lift her left arm without much restriction now, which she could not do earlier without any external support or support from her second arm. The patient started to move her forearm and fingers freely, almost in a state of muscle wasting due to restricted movement because of chronic pain.
Her sleep quality improved significantly, and she could digest her meals due to improved sleep quality in the nights. Most importantly, she started to smile, which she almost forgot due to this perennial pain in her arm.
Discussion
The treatment was planned to effectively treat the patient for pain and indigestion and sleep.
Conclusion
This case study shows that Trailokya Vijaya Vati has effective results in the management of Cancer-related pain.
Cancer as a disease not only affects the quantity of life but also affects the quality of life! In such a condition effective pain management and mental stability of the patient plays an important role in the overall recovery of the sufferer. Medical cannabis promises the expected result in minimal dosage and within a short period of time without any remarkable side effects.
Case study shared by Dr. Bhupesh Vashisht, Consultant Ayuvedacharya
Published by Hempstreet
