Posted by:
Villager
(
)
Date: June 05, 2013 03:55PM
We have all heard the story of Joseph Smith around the age of 9 having a serious leg infection & abscess as a result of having typhoid fever. The story goes that he refused to have any alcohol for the pain and told the doctors to proceed with the surgery without any pain medicine.
I continue to hear TBM's say that Joseph didn't partake of any pain medication because he refused the alcohol. On the other hand, I think it is very likely that the doctors that operated on him may have used opium or opium containing medicine to help with his pain. Opium was common and easily obtained in the early 1800's and was a major import to the United States. It was used for many conditions, including as an anti-depressant.
Joseph most likely suffered from pain in that leg on & off his whole life. I seriously think opium may have played a more important role in Joseph's life then we ever thought..
http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/Ni-Ra/Opium.html#b