cd
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Posts: 21
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Post by cd on Jun 25, 2010 15:06:19 GMT -5
I am in the early stages of researching natural treatments for endo, so I thought I'd start with acupuncture since it's also supposed to help with infertility. There is an actual clinic near my house that specializes in using acupuncture to help with infertility and female issues like endo, but it's in an expensive part of town so I am concerned about being ripped off. I was hoping you ladies could help me with some questions I have:
1. About how much should I expect to pay for acupuncture? 2. How often should I expect to go? 3. What questions should I ask when seeking an acupuncturist? 4. Do any of you have an acupuncturist you rec near Milwaukee, WI? 5. Should I see an acupuncturist or a naturepath (sp?)?
Again, I am just trying to get my feet wet. I haven't been officially diagnosed yet, but assuming I will be in July, I really want to do what's best for my body after my lap (and also what will help me get pregnant!).
Thanks!
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Post by Karen on Jun 25, 2010 17:17:56 GMT -5
Hey, you're in Milwaukee?? I'm in Madison!! There's another thread on acupuncture over here: cjlevett.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=alternative&action=display&thread=3000 and another one on naturopaths cjlevett.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=alternative&action=display&thread=2959. I'm not going to lock this as there are some other questions that won't quite fit over there, but feel free to check those out. I tried acupuncture and although I had *some* success, the price became cost-prohibitive for the amount of relief I was getting so I stopped going. Sessions were $80-$90 a session, depending if I bought them in a package of 3 or not. Mine was an MD that switched to acupuncture, though, so I think she was likely overpriced a bit. She was very close to home, though, and came recommended so I didn't care. I think she said in some people, it takes up to 6 sessions to notice any effects, although some notice effects immediately. I was going every week, maybe even twice a week sometimes? I don't remember now. Although I'd certainly recommend an acupuncturist (I've heard some good stories about it for lots of different issues, and TTC as well!), I personally had much more lasting success with a naturopath. But everyone is different!! I have a friend in Kenosha that had to find a new acupuncturist when she relocated, I can ask her for info if you're interested. And as for naturopaths in the Milwaukee area, there was a woman that used to do weekly segments on the radio station in the morning and her info was always spot on with the research I've done. I'll see if I can dig up her info. Otherwise, do a search for functional or integrative medicine. Any that mention bio-identical hormones might be better at recognizing and treating hormonal issues, although be sure to do thorough research yourself!
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cd
New Member
Posts: 21
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Post by cd on Jun 25, 2010 18:05:35 GMT -5
Yes, Karen, if you know the name of the woman in Milwaukee, that would be great. I am waiting for the Endo book and fertility book that's been recommended to get here so I can get more info also. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed since I haven't been officially diagnosed yet, but I am worried about making the wrong decisions in regards to treatment after the lap. I trust my doctor but am just scared. I thought maybe talking to an acupuncturist or naturopath before my lap to know what options are out there would be good so after the lap I feel educated enough to know what to do.
Karen, you rock! You are so helpful on this site!
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Post by hellsbells on Jun 26, 2010 2:59:26 GMT -5
Hear hear!
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Post by Karen on Jun 26, 2010 7:26:29 GMT -5
Nah, just paying it forward. I have an email into my friend, I'll post if I hear!
I didn't have any luck tracking down that doc that I heard on the radio, but a search of both 'functional medicine' and 'integrative medicine' in Milwaukee on Google maps showed quite a few responses. You might even be able to find a clinic that has both acupuncturists and naturopaths!
I realize it's completely overwhelming, especially when you don't know what's going on yet, but just take it one day at a time. Just because you have the endo book doesn't mean you need to read it from cover to cover, but if in fact you're diagnosed, it'd be good to read over after you have a talk with your doc about treatment options. Remember - you don't have to make any decisions right away! And if you're not diagnosed, well, TCOYF will be a great asset! Even though it looks like a huge book, it's actually a pretty fast read, and in terms that are mostly easy to understand!
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Post by sequin on Jun 26, 2010 10:16:20 GMT -5
cd, these were my experiences with acupuncture:
1. About how much should I expect to pay for acupuncture? I paid $95/session (I'm in the Los Angeles area, so it's probably a little more expensive here.)
2. How often should I expect to go? Between my unofficial diagnosis and my lap, I think I went once a week. Between my lap and my IVF-embryo transfer, I went every other week. Like Karen, I found it prohibitively expensive. Plus, the acupuncturist will probably recommend when you should come back, based on your pulses and response to the treatment. (I have some issues with this.)
3. What questions should I ask when seeking an acupuncturist? My first session with her lasted almost two hours. The first hour was just her asking me a ton of questions. We covered just about every topic. I found it to be very thorough. Mostly, I think it's important to see if you click with your practitioner.
I can't answer questions 4 and 5. I know many, many people who have found acupuncture beneficial. I, however, did not. I say this not to dissuade you from trying, but rather to let you know that if it doesn't do anything for you, it may not be right for you. The people who love it are usually very adamant about how wonderful it is. But I think that natural treatments are like wine tasting: everyone is individual and it's your own personal sense for whatever works for you at the time.
(I have had better luck with arvigo abdominal massage and reiki. Feel free to send me a message if you're curious about those.)
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Post by Karen on Jun 27, 2010 8:57:32 GMT -5
Ok, so I talked to my friend and she said she went to two different acupuncturists in the Kenosha/Milwaukee area (sorry, don't have the names yet) that she didn't quite like. But, a friend referred her to this place: Bozena Simon - Agelesslifesolutions.com She hasn't gone yet so she can't attest to anything, but she's hoping to go soon.
I just checked out her website and she's an MD with a focus on complementary medicine, is licensed in acupuncture, and she lists natural hormone replacement in her list of services. If it's someone you're interested in, be sure to ask around and see if anyone has experience with her before you commit to anything. I've gotten all my docs/naturopaths/acupuncturists by referral - I feel much more comfy doing that than just picking a name out of a phone book!
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Post by minnie on Jun 27, 2010 12:45:18 GMT -5
Hey, couldn't recommend it enough! The best piece of advice I could give you is, find someone fully qualified by your countries official acupuncture association. Also look for someone who you get on with. I had bad experiences with two before I found my current acupuncturist who is brilliant. She really gets me and understands when I have pain and what we need to do to treat it. A good read for you might be - The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis. Her website is also good - The Fertile Soul - www.thefertilesoul.com. Very inspiring book and some great advice found within! Good luck on your journey and I hope you find healing from the pain xx
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cd
New Member
Posts: 21
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Post by cd on Aug 3, 2010 11:26:29 GMT -5
Okay, so I just got back from my first acupuncture treatment and it was so uncomfortable!!! I thought I was supposed to feel so relaxed but all I felt was tension because the needles were so uncomfortable. I told them afterwards that it hurt, and they said that it takes some getting used to. One of the guys said they could maybe use smaller needles. Has this happened to anyone else? (BTW, the needles were in my legs.)
Oh my gosh, I am scared to go back!
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Post by Karen on Aug 3, 2010 18:36:46 GMT -5
In my experience, it can take a few minutes for the needles to settle down, but if they don't, speak up next time and they can adjust them a bit so they are more comfy!
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smayw
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Posts: 35
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Post by smayw on Sept 2, 2010 12:23:49 GMT -5
I have had 5 sessions with the acupuncturist so far, so I'm still in the wait and see category. Due to the nature of my endo (I've had it for years and years), I was told that results will take at least 2-3 months.
The only lasting pain I ever received was when one needle was placed in my wrist during my forth sesion. Generally, the needles barely hurt after insertion; most feel like a hair being pulled out. I feel very relaxed after the sessions.
I'm pretty optimistic that this will help. I've already noticed a major difference in my mood. Even my DH has noticed how kindler and gentler I have been over the last month. We have been going through IF drugs/treatments which can cause quite a bit of mood swings. IMO, the acupuncture is helping me relax and keeping my mood good despite this!
Oh, I pay $75.00 ($130.00 for initial session) a session and live in the MD/VA/DC area (so, a relatively hight COLA). $75.00 was what I was quoted from everyone I spoke to before selecting my acupuncturist. I go one time per week for one hour.
HTH.
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Post by hopefulhealer on Oct 15, 2010 17:26:05 GMT -5
My Uncle and Auntie are raving about an Acupucture-TCM husband and Wife due in (Fernhill rd) Queenstown-NZ who are Chinese! Mum said I should give it a go. It's a 2 hour drive so I probably won't be going too frequently . Also found out I can refer myself to the Oxford Clinic for a lap. Have been wearing my mn8 magnet but might have to take it off so Accupuncture can work effectively. Not sure if the magnets working, have been wearing it since May. Each period has been the same even a bit sorer (is that a word?) for first 2 days but maybe lighter than before I wore it but just as long. Bowel pain has been less intense apart from a couple of mornings. Still have ovulation type pain sex hurts more at this time too. Have cut reduced potatoes and rice crackers the last couple of weeks after reading about Insulin resistence diet, thanks Karen for mentioning that. Quite excited to try out Accupuncture. Went to Acupuncture right before I was due with my third child - I'm sure it helped my labour go efficiently. It was $65 per session (2.5 years ago)and I went twice. Was given moxibustion treatment and repeated some at home to repeat on my little toe. Not sure I had needles at all or just moxi bustion to heat area (baby brain %) ). Will have to see what needles feel like in 2 weeks. Will keep you posted.
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Post by hopefulhealer on Oct 29, 2010 22:05:37 GMT -5
I had my treatment on Wednesday and took a picture of womens anatomy that I could point to. Language barrier meant they didn't know endo so I was a little discouraged but using heat on my hands feet and abdomen he had my tummy growling like when you miss a meal. "good, engine going, qi moving" he said. His wife read my notes on painful periods so needles 2 in each hand, ~4 in abdomen and 1 inside each ankle helped stop my cramping! it was day two of my period and I felt better during the treatment and have stayed that way 3 days later. He said next period won't be painful, he's already helped this one. I asked him what some needles were for. "Help baby making organ" lol! "now you make baby easy". He kept tweaking needles which hurt a bit but seemed to keep things moving and probably made the treatment more effective, no pain no gain i guess. The heat pad under my legs became too hot. When she moved it she felt my feet were still really cold which they thought was amusing. They made a point of keeping my hands and feet warm. (They are usually always cold) He said my abdomen area was cold so it's all about warming areas that are cold and stagnant. I was given Nongsuo Danggui Wan tablets to drink with hot water twice a day. $120 for a 2 hour session. My husband was treated on table next to me so they took off $20 for travelling so far. Will have to wait and see if bowel, sex pain improve over time. [Southern Cross Healing Centre, 258 Fernhill Road, Queenstown Email: adevelop@xtra.co.nz, fancharlie@126.com]
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Post by Karen on Oct 30, 2010 6:35:23 GMT -5
Ooh, glad you had a good experience! I'd love to go back again but just can't quite afford it... A friend and I were just talking about how incredibly relaxing it is!
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Post by KSA on Oct 30, 2010 9:50:36 GMT -5
Very good~I love hearing these productive stories about alternative medicine. I wish it was covered under insurance as it gets very expensive to keep up with it. Keep us updated on how it works for you.
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