CHORNIC CASE TREATED WELL HOLISTICALLY

JS (name withheld), a 35 years old man, was admitted to Akal Drug De-addiction Centre, Cheema, in District Sangrur, Punjab as a case of poly-substance use disorder. He was addicted to bhukki, cannabis, chewing tobacco (zarda) and tramadol (an opioid pain medication).

At the age of 20, he got engaged and preparation for his marriage was in full swing. As he and his brother went for shopping, they unfortunately met with a tragic road accident. Both of them were admitted to a hospital. While the patient’s brother succumbed to his injuries, he suffered multiple fractures in his right leg. Ultimately, his injured leg was amputated above the knee. During his stay at the hospital for 4-5 months, because of excruciating pain at the site of amputation as well as in the amputated limb, he had to be administered injectable pain killers. Pain was so severe even after he got discharged from the hospital that he sought medical help and was advised strong analgesics and gradually became addicted to it.

The girl, whom he got engaged to, came to know about his condition and he himself asked her to look for another match. But, on the contrary, the girl said “I will not act against God’s will and marry you and you alone”. She finally succeeded to convince her family members and the marriage was solemnized. They have been blessed with two children – a son and a daughter.

The patient was admitted as a chronic case of “Polysubstance Use Disorder”and was managed with holistic treatment. His response to treatment has been good. He is now abstinent on maintenance therapy and is regularly visiting the centre for follow-up.

The patient came to know about a 3 years child from an adjacent village sharing experiences from his past life. When he met the child, he found that there were many similarities between the child and his elder brother who was killed in the accident. Also, the child narrated many instances about his brother which made him believe that the former was the reincarnation of his brother.

The patient kept on complaining that he is experiencing pain in the (amputated) right leg, which was the sign of Phantom phenomena. A phantom limb is the sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached to the body.

The patient is now leading a contended life, supported by an artificial limb. He is doing a job of a security guard and helping his family.