Connective Tissue Disease Complicated by Thrombotic Phlebitis—November 29, 1995

Connective Tissue Disease Complicated by Thrombotic Phlebitis—November 29, 1995

In the winter of the Year of the Water Pig, a farmer from Gaolan County sought my consultation. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 180 mm/h, with mild liver dysfunction and proteinuria (+). She had a history of joint pain and fever, with swelling and pain in the left lower limb and obvious varicose veins. I diagnosed her as having a connective tissue disease complicated by thrombotic phlebitis, prescribing Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang combined with Dang Chuan Liu Ling Tang, along with Chuan Wu and Cao Wu, each 20 grams (decocted for 60 minutes), and one Ma Qian Zi (deep-fried). After ten doses, the condition greatly improved, with complete resolution of the left lower limb edema and elimination of pain. After another ten doses, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate dropped to 20 mm/h.