Case XV. Spinal Irritation, and supposed Uterine Displacement—Six Years’ Illness—Operation—Cure.
In 1860, I was requested to see a young lady, æt. 20, of whom I had the following history:—For six years she had been confined to a spinal couch, and had also been supposed to suffer from retroversion of the uterus. She had worn a spinal apparatus, attached to which was a steel spring, pressing on sacrum and pubis, and intended “to support the perinæum, and keep the uterus in position.” Had been treated with caustics and other therapeutic agents for uterine disease. I found the uterus normal in position and healthy in appearance; but on further questioning and examination, I diagnosed peripheral irritation of the pudic nerve. My opinion was strongly contested, as I was told that the young lady was very religious; but, as I explained, her illness was to be attributed solely to a physical condition, and was not at all necessarily immoral; I was then met with the objection that, in the event of marriage my operation might interfere with marital happiness and prevent procreation. I explained how, physiologically, these objections were untenable, but was then unable to adduce actual cases in contradiction of them.
Ultimately I performed my operation in the usual manner. For want of proper attention on the part of the nurse, the dressing was three times displaced; but, nevertheless, at the end of a month this lady was well enough to walk three miles.
Up to this date she has remained quite well.