A STOIC MAN

Patient A., 42, presented with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive bronchitis, myocardial dystrophy, duodenal ulcer, and gastric polyp. He complained of frequent colds, a cough with pain in the right lung, a resting heart rate of 120, and frequent bouts of bronchitis (at least twice a year) accompanied by a high fever of up to 40°C. He had a calm, even, shy, balanced, and taciturn personality.  He can be quite staunch in his opinions and never does anything he disagrees with. He was interested in extrasensory perception. He perceives the world calmly, with love and kindness. He considers spiritual development to be his life's goal. His main problem is his child's illness and his wife's rejection of his point of view. He wants to make things better with love and care. His family is paramount. He gives the impression of detachment. His face is mask-like, emotionless, as if immersed in deep grief over which he is powerless. He speaks very little. Independence and a passion for extrasensory perception are themes of lanthanides, as is detachment and indifference—stage 14. Erbium metallicum 200C was prescribed. After taking it for 10 days, the patient developed severe joint pain and a fever of 38°C. After a second dose, severe diarrhea (a cleansing of the body), coughing, and expectoration of large clumps of sputum began. A month later, the patient feels stronger and healthier. He became more optimistic. The feeling that life was a dream, that he was just an observer, disappeared. Family relationships became warmer. For a year, there were no recurring colds or bronchitis. A stomach examination revealed no polyps. Three years later, the patient reported by phone that he was feeling well, with no bronchitis or colds.