That being said, here goes my commentary on my adventure yesterday....
See these picts - yes, those really are needles sticking out of places that they don't belong...and that is exactly what it felt like.
Not only did I get needles stuck in several different places, but they were also hooked up to ELECTRODES that pulsed and throbbed.....that is a BIG YIKES
My appt started innocently enough - just catching up on how things have been since my last appt, and being able to talk about how completely exhausted I was. Then the procedure started. Oh, I have to mention that while my dr was trying to get me comfy he happened to mention "oh, just so you know, this is painful...." - WHAT? That is so not helpful.....I asked him to talk to me and explain things as he was going. I was informed that according to Eastern medicine, that all of our energies are renewed/energized by our kidney Chi - and it is no wonder that I am struggling even more since we know my kidneys are already messed up. The needles would go right to the nerves, to release and redirect blocked energy. First I got my middle back/kidney area filled with needles - now I know how a pin cushion feels....then after the needles were in he hooked them up to electrodes that created a tapping sensation (and a dull throbbing) I was supposed to inform my dr if I couldnt feel the tapping anymore and he would "turn up the juice".....huh?
After my back was done, he did some massage therapy on that area and seemed pleased that my back had red spots all over it (indicating better blood flow) - and yet I was not bleeding - that is the part I dont get.
He then had me flip over and put more needles in my feet (BIG OUCH), and in my hands in the space of skin between thumb & first finger (ended up numbing my arm from my fingertips to my elbow), the top of my head (another OUCH) and the space between my eyebrows just above the bridge of my nose. While he was doing the ones on my head I started to cry - not so much from the pain, but from the anxiety and reacting to things. He was kind to check in with me to make sure I was not experiencing pain (supposed to feel like a dull throb), but didnt seem overly surprised at my reaction. The spots he was working in were to help relieve depression and help sleep - I guess initial reaction/relief came through my tears.
Again, he hooked up the electrodes to the ones in my face/head. Not fun, & definately NOT relaxing....
The only way I got through the procedure was to concentrate on the relaxation music the dr put on for me and I also used some visualization techniques that another specialist is teaching me to use in times of stress and anxiety. The music was an Asian flute and piano and I think some other kind of string instrument. I was able to take myself to a beautiful garden, trees heavy with delicate blossoms. There was a pond with a gazeebo where beautiful musicians played the instruments in the music. The garden was within a high wall right on the edge of the sea. I was able to put myself in these places and away from the stress and hurt of the procedure, and the tears streaming out of my eyes.
After the procedure the dr did more massage therapy while instructing me through some special breathing exercises. By the time my appt was over - 90min later - I was more exhausted than when I arrived. Thankfully, he is always kind, knowing that these appts can be tiring, and let me rest until I felt strong enough to get up.....and move to the lab chair where the nurse did a blood draw.....guess it was just my day for needles.
I was able to get a bath with special salts for healing, and also took some ibuprofen for the spot on my head that is still extra tender.
I know that I cant judge one appt and make my decision to go back or not just from that. Because we are having to go "outside the box" for my medical needs, I need to keep telling myself that it is going to take time. I have never responded to "conventional" medicine, and respond even worse now that I have had all my kiddos. I have to be patient and be willing to try new options.....I was told at my last appt that this is not a quick fix, that just like the massage therapy appts, the acupuncture appts will show the help and healing over time - another 8-10 appts or more, and possibly one intensive 90 min appt with just the acupuncture itself.....
I have to admit though, I will not look forward to those appts, and will be truly thankful that a good friend is willing to attend those appts with me as needed....I will only hope that, over time, we will see improvement and I will be able to get back on my feet, and back into life, even if I become a human pin cushion in the process....
3 comments:
Well, you are not alone. Last year when we were trying to figure out why Shaun had a daily headache, many people recommended this kind of treatment. We finally got so desperate to try anything, since we were not going anywhere fast. When we went back to the people who told us to try Acupuncture, none had a recommendation of where to go or had done it personally or knew someone who had, so we bagged that idea. At least now we know someone who knows something about it,even if it is only from one visit.
We wish you luck and hope this helps.
Rory -
Oh, I hope this helps you feel better! Please continue to keep us updated and hang in there! You are so brave to try! Eeek!
Wow! What an ordeal! So glad you have someone to go with you. As I read, I was thinking how much I wished I could be there just to hold your hand through it all. Hang in there. I hope it all works and makes things better for you.
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