Acupuncture

**SandyRN** · 06-06-2008, 01:49 AM

I just thought I'd pass along my experiences with acupuncture. It's really been a lifesaver for me and I found out my insurance pays for it, all of it, so I figured why not.

I've had pretty severe fibro these past few months, a lot of knee pain which the doc thinks is OA, and back pain that would start in my left hip/back area and go down my left leg. The acupuncture has helped all of this, including my IC and my IBS. I'm actually REGULAR even though I'm taking pain meds!!!!!! My IC is better, but never gone unfortunately.

The only time the needles hurt was when he put them around my knee cap. There are, apparently, a lot of nerves there and they did ouch a little bit but not enough to give up the relief it gives. I also have the needles in my back surrounding my spine and he uses a small electric stim in the needles that stays on the whole 20 minutes.

I lay on the table listening to relaxing music and read my book, and when they take the needles out I am literally loopy from it!! Sometimes I have to sit down a few minutes before I can drive. It gives me a general sense of well being which is a great side effect.

I would recommend it to anyone with fibro and IC...I was leery, but now I'm a believer. It takes a lot for this western med RN to try eastern medicine but now I truly BELIEVE, at least in acupuncture! LOL

Sandy

**ngazerro** · 06-06-2008, 02:52 AM

I have been doing it for a couple of weeks for my fibro and it has helped. You are so lucky your insurance pays for it. It cost me $110.00 a week, and I can't alway afford that. My helps my wrist when they put the needles in them. I feel it all in my arms. I have trouble with them anyway. That day it feels bad , but the next day I felt better. It does work, just wish I could afford to do it all the time. I am glad it has helped you!!

**SandyRN** · 06-06-2008, 03:01 AM

So far it's been very successful! When they take the needles out of my knee, there is one spot that when she removes the needle it sets off my reflexes and I kick out. I don't know why, but it's like having the reflex hammer hit ya on the INSIDE! Soooooooo strange. I have to say I don't like having it done on my knees much but I'll take any relief I can get!

I'm glad it is helping you but wish you didn't have to pay so much for it. It's so odd that we both feel worse before we feel better. I had to look it up online to make sure I wasn't nuts. Then I asked my doctor the other day and he said it's common to feel worse for a day or two before the relief comes. It's STILL worth it though.

I've noticed that I just generally feel better mentally too. I can handle my pain better even after the tx's have worn off and I'm back to full fledged pain all over again. I don't find myself watching the clock for my next pain pill, etc.

Overall it's been a great new tx option for me!

**ngazerro** · 06-06-2008, 03:15 AM

It has worked really well for me also. Just wish insurance would cover it. They will cover $100 of dollars of med but not this. It does not make sense. I too have problems with my left hip. I guess it is the fibro. Before I started the acupuncture, my fibro was being nasty also. It has also helped with my IBS too. It is so strange how it works. I guess it does not matter as long as it does. Knees did not bother me. My wrist acted like your knees..

Keep us updated and how it is working. I am going to have to stop for a week or two so I can afford it!