It's been nearly 2 weeks since we officially got our negative beta on our IVF. Since then I've been searching for answers and things that I could do to try and make our second attempt a success. A few women in my support group suggested acupuncture. After doing a little research with Dr. Google, I learned that their are some connections between acupuncture treatment and infertility treatment. The idea behind acupuncture is that energy flows through your body along various pathways. Infertility (or other illnesses) occurs when these pathways are blocked. The placing of the needles along the blocked pathways allows for the body to restore it's natural flow of energy.
I went for my first appointment this afternoon. After completing a brief survey, the doctor (I guess he's considered a doctor?) also realized I have headache issues and have issues with sleeping. Those were things that he could address as well. I will admit that I was extremely nervous about the whole thing. But it wasn't that bad- especially compared to all those fertility shot needles. I relaxed with needles sticking out of me for maybe 45 minutes or so- I was shocked that I sat that long. Overall I feel good about it. It wasn't that painful and I'm willing to try anything to help our IVF be a success in October.
I am a total acupuncture whore. I don't care if it works or not, my acupuncture appts are the best damn naps I have ever had. Totally worth it in my mind. I just call my acupuncturists by their first names (um, yeah, I go to 2 - one for fertility and the other for everything else). The more you go the more relaxing it is to be stabbed with needles - except in the ear, I cannot get use to those needles. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI swear by it Lora!! But of course, I've told you that! It has helped my anxiety and sleep so much. And I've mastered the art of clearing my mind and truly relaxing. If you have a hard time with that, I have some meditations on my computer I can burn onto a CD for you that you can listen to to help you relax while you are there. I also LOVE his zero gravity chairs! Glad you are giving it a try! You going back next week?
ReplyDeleteI like it too!! And I agree with annoyed army wife..the ear one is weird...so is the ankle one for me. It is so very relaxing and I am NOT a needle person!
ReplyDeleteI went to acupuncture for about 6 months every week. I also did herbs, and a greens supplement. It was relaxing for the most part, but not exactly cheap. When I transferred REs, she wanted me to stop the herbs, but said I could continue to go for relaxation. What acupuncture did help me with was cramping and believe it or not, endurance when running-no shin splints, no out of breath. I stopped it because it was a bit of an expense when I had to start co-pays (or outright pay) with IVF stim meds.
ReplyDeleteMy re recommended starting up again, mainly to help with anxiety. And I do agree, the ear needles can be a bit much; also, they did one in my feet that sometimes would feel like an electric "pop" when it went in!
All my best to you!
I go back again tomorrow. I didn't have the ear done last time...what is that for?
ReplyDelete