ENDO Messages for January, 2006: Re: Acupunture for endo pain

Re: Acupunture for endo pain

From: Alyson (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon Jan 16 08:12:36 2006

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Reply: Linda: "Re: Acupunture for endo pain"

Linda,

I have a total needle phobia...still act like a scared little kid when someone tries to give me a shot or draw blood. Acupuncture needles come in varying thicknesses. Some of the needles are almost hair thin and others are about the size of a typical shirt pin.

When I went to my first appointment all three of the acupuncturists sat down to talk with me....one is an endo sufferer herself. We discussed all of my endo symptoms, what kinds of medication I was on, where I was having pain, etc. We also discussed other issues I was having like allergy and sinus problems. The Chinese believe that there are meridians running through your body and there are different points along those meridians that represent specific organs, ailments, etc. After talking to you the acupuncturist will determine where to insert the needles based on the symptoms you describe. I had needles in my hands, fore arms, feet, ankles, calves, belly, and one at the top of my nose between my eyes (that one is the happy place!). I would lay on the table, the acupuncturist would use alcohol to sterilize each area before inserting the needle. When they put the needles in it is not like what we think of as getting stuck with a needle. In fact, you can't even feel most of them. Sometimes they would insert one in a more sensitive spot and it would hurt a bit, but its like getting a little nerve shock. They could also always tell where my symptoms were bad by my reaction to the needle. For example, points having to do with my uterus were always more sensitive than the ones having to do with my breathing.

After inserting the needles they would place heat lamps over me, turn out the lights and leave me to nap for about 30 minutes. When they came back they would remove the needles and massage each point, then give me an acupressure massage. The whole experience was very relaxing and really gave me an opportunity to just let go and not worry baout every thing for an hour a week. I must say I recieved more genuine care and attention from them than I have from any doctor.

I also wanted to mention that they were treating several women for infertility problems when I was there...and the one acupuncturist who suffers from endo used acupuncture for her pain and to assist with conceiving her two children.

--
Alyson

At Mon, 16 Jan 2006, Linda wrote:
>
>Alyson,
>If you could explain what the appointments consist of that would be
>great.  For instance, where do they stick you with the needles etc.  I
>am pretty pain tolerant but the thought of a needle being put where I am
>already in so much pain kind of scares me a bit
>
>At Sun, 15 Jan 2006, Alyson wrote:
>>
>>Linda,
>>I saw an acupunturist weekly for about 8 months for my endo pain.  When
>>I first started going I was in really rough shape.  After several weeks
>>of treatment the intensity and frequency of my pain decreased.  I tell
>>everyone that it can be a great pain management tool, but does not cure
>>the endo.  I would be very happy to explain how the appointments went,
>>how the acupuncture works, etc.  if you would like to e-mail me.
>>Alyson
>>
>>At Sun, 15 Jan 2006, Linda wrote:
>>>
>>>I was diagnosed with endo in Nov through a lap.  In Dec I had my first
>>>shot of Lupron.  I am still in alot of pain because some of the endo
>>>could not be removed.  It had grown outside my pelvic area and attached
>>>to some organs.  Dr.  didn't want to remove because of chance of
>>>damaging organs if it was removed.  He's hoping that Lupron will shrink
>>>the endo.  I am still having unbearable pain from where the endo could
>>>not be removed to the point where painkillers do not touch the pain.
>>>Besides, don't want to be on painkillers forever.
>>>
>>>I was wondering if anyone has had acupunture for dealing with endo pain
>>>and whether it helped.  If it did help, how often did you have to go for
>>>treatment?

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