Camden New Journal - Health042607

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Camden New Journal - HEALTH by ROISIN GADELRAB and PETER GRUNER
Published: 26 April 2007

Journalist Michael van Straten (left) with Dr Malcolm Rustin and nurse Phillipa Tinsley

Maggots used to save leg from amputation

Biosurgey treatment for journalist’s rare autoimmune disease

MAGGOTS, honey and pills saved health journalist Michael van Straten from his greatest fear – losing a leg.
Medical radio broadcaster Mr van Straten, knew there was something wrong when a spot on his leg grew to the size of a saucer.
So he decided to seek advice from a regular guest on his London radio show, the Royal Free’s consultant dermatologist Dr Malcolm Rustin.
Mr van Straten, a naturopath and osteopath of 40 years, was quickly diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease, pyoderma gangrenosum and brought into the Hampstead hospital for treatment.
The author of the bestselling book The Little Black Dress Diet, said: “At its worst, I thought I would lose my leg but I’m lucky for such a quick and early diagnosis. Dr Rustin said straight away it’s pyoderma gangrenosum and I spent the next six months at the hospital.”
But, after nothing else seemed to work, it was Mr van Straten’s own idea to suggest using maggots to treat the wound.
During his time in hospital, Mr van Straten was subjected to a complex cocktail of the flesh-eating insects, drugs and honey, to stop the spread of the skin disease and begin the healing.
He said: “I had four sessions, they were put on for three days at a time. In the interim period a pre-sterilized dressing of Manuka honey was applied.
“The maggots arrived in a tiny jam jar up the M4 from Wales. They looked like tiny little bits of white sewing thread. At first I felt nothing but after a couple of days my little friends must have been doing their work because they tickled. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Mr van Straten’s wife Sally said: “They looked like something you could sell to a fisherman. I was so shocked I was sick.”
Dermatology nurse specialist Philippa Tinsley said: “The biosurgery began with maggots that basically ate and removed the dead tissue. This was followed up with Manuka honey which is powerfully antibacterial so accelerates healing.”

MP’s fear of meds

HAMPSTEAD and Highgate MP Glenda Jackson revealed this week her nervousness about taking medical drugs and why she understood the enormous interest in complimentary medicine.
The Labour MP spoke at the 10th birthday party for the Archway Clinic of Herbal Medicine on Tuesday, which she opened ten years ago.
She explained that herbalism is not something she pursued to any great depth or detail.
She said: “But I am someone who is opposed to taking things anyway. I’m very nervous about taking drugs even for medical purposes.
“I can understand why people who need medical treatment will very often opt for something other than what we call mainstream medicine.
“I’ve never taken a herb for a condition – but I’ve used herbal rubs.”
She added that she understood people being interested in complimentary medicine when they are suspicious of the mainstream variety, and don’t like the idea of taking drugs.

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