MODERN MEDICINE

We can’t deny modern medicine has come a long way. However, many of us thyroid sufferers would say, “Not far enough!”

With that in mind, I’ve compiled some wacky treatments given to ailing patients by medical “professionals” throughout history, proving to you that there is light at the end of our struggle.

Common Cold

**In the early modern period cold sufferers were told not to bathe as it was believed that getting wet would worsen cold symptoms. (Ever heard of staying out of the rain if you have a cold) Also, in some European countries during this time, they believed forcing a cold sufferer to vomit was a good remedy to rid the body of the excess phlegm.

Wounds/Infected Areas

**The practice of leeching goes back to more than 2000 years ago and was used for the purpose of bloodletting. It was believed these parasitical worms could drink excess or “bad blood” in order to put the body back into balance, making the patient well again.
Leeching has made a comeback! MD’s are using them during certain surgical procedures, and not just any ol’ leech will do…nowadays, these medicinal bloodsuckers are bred specifically for therapeutic use. EEEEWWW to creepy crawlies!

Cataracts

**A technique called couching was used on cataract patients, a process whereby a curved needle is used to force the phlegm covering the eye through the nasal passages, so the patient could blow it out. The eye or eyes would then be covered with butter and bandaged. It is said that this practice is still going on in some parts of Africa; it is not a recommended treatment however, as it can cause blindness, and in some cases vision is only partially restored.

Headache

**Sixth century medieval Persian MD’s would shave the heads of their patients and then place a certain plant and vinegar mixture on their heads. Can you imagine how many shaved heads we would see walking around if this were the headache cure today?

Psychological Disorders

**In the late 19th century to early 20th century, lobotomies were performed to treat severe psychological disorders. A lobotomy is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the brain to sever certain nerve tracts in the prefrontal cortex. Some who had undergone this procedure were left permanently impaired thus it gained a lot of controversy.

Female Abnormalities

**During a recent exam, my new gynecologist, who is about 100 years old (I think), explained to me that I have a retroverted uterus. He said in medical school he was taught that women who had this condition would never be able to have children. I aslo remember being told this many many years ago by another Gyno when I was a teenager. Luckily, I was one of those rebellious teens and did not believe it! My husband and I had a wonderfully healthy baby boy and conceived him on our very first try fourteen years ago.

Thyroid Disorders

**I may be making a strong statement here, but I believe the current standard treatments for thyroid patients aren’t too far off from those aforementioned wacky medical treatments... in particular, Radioactive Iodine treatment. This God-given gland is much too important to be destroyed. Finding ways to heal the thyroid without removing or damaging it, is what I hope and pray will happen in the future. Oh, how I can’t wait for the day to be able to write that blog post!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

CRAZY THYROID LADY