DEP/DUA/1/41/11 (Normalised version)

Betty Micheson

1786

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No22. December 29 1786

Betty Micheson at 47 is affected with an anasarcous swelling, extending over her whole body, but principally occupying her abdomen & lower extremities.

The parts most swelled have a tense feel, give considerable resistance to pressure & do not easily bear the impression of the finger. This swelling is attended with great difficulty of breathing & with a frequent desire of vomiting. She has also some cough & severe pain of the abdomen, with a sense of tension. And she complains of great prostration of strength

Pulse 90 & small. Belly bound. menses have not appeared these six weeks. Thirst great appetite bad. Urine scarce & she complains of much pain in her back when voiding it. Her dyspnoea prevents her from enjoying sleep for any length of time without interruption.

The above symptoms are of three weeks standing & since their commencement have been on the increase. She first perceived her belly beginning to swell, which spread to her thighs legs & other parts. She ascribes all her symptoms to the absence of her menstrual discharge. She has used some Jalap with seeming benefit.

Rx. Pulv. Crem Tart. ℥ i.

Rad Zingib.

R. Jalap. aa ʒ i

M . cap. coch [parx.] 4ter indies

January 6^th. The powders have had the effect of increasing the quantity of urine, & after she had used them for some days of inducing considerable catharsis. Her Dyspnoea is much relieved & her swellings much fallen. Cont. Med. u. a.