Thursday, October 11, 2007

Acupuncture

I had my first acupuncture appointment yesterday. It was interesting. I went there and had an interview about my general health and reproductive system. I also filled out a very thorough questionnaire. He had my lay down on a table and then he listened to my pulse on both arms for about a full minute on each side. He looked at my tongue with a flashlight.

Then he proceeded to put 20 little tiny (and I mean tiny especially compared to the ones we give ourselves shots with) needles in twenty places around my body. 3 on my belly (one over each over and one over my uterus), 3 on my head (one in the middle of my forehead and one in each ear) and then on my hands, arms, feet, and legs. I barely felt them. Only a few did I really feel going in.

Then I lay there with a heat lamp over me for what seemed like 30 minutes. It was relaxing, I'll give you that. I am not sure what else it was. I liked being warm and listening to mellow music.

When he came back to take the needles, he told me I was blood deficient. I'm not sure what that means but he says he can fix it. He sold me some Chinese herbs and supplements after the session. He tried to sell me more but I didn't want to spend $100 on stuff that I am not sure about so I only bought a few items. Do any of you take the Chinese herbs and supplements? What do you think? I have to be honest, I am a little wary. I'd like to hear about the experiences of anyone who has taken them.

He said I should go every week and then by my IVF cycle in two months, I should be in good shape. I can't go next week as I'll be out of town but then I will probably go again. He charges $75 per visit. I don't like spending the money but I know this may be my only chance at IVF so I should give it my best shot.

And I can't go around being infertile and blood deficient... maybe they will both go away together.

7 comments:

jeanie said...

I have been to many acupuncturists, some good, some bad. I did make some progress, but not enough to get pregnant. I know there are many studies that show that acupuncture does, among other things, lower fsh, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and increase pregnancy rates in conjunction with IVF. It's important though that the person you are seeing specializes in infertility and has worked with womens who are doing IVF (especially if you plan to continue taking the herbs during your cycle). There is a book, "The Infertility Cure" by Randine Lewis that you shoud be able to find in just about any book store. It focuses on how TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)can help women get pregnant and have healthy babies. I think she may overstate her case a bit, but I did get some benefit from acupuncture / herbs.

Meghan said...

I'm skeptical by nature so I'd be wary of the herbs but I am really interested in acupuncture. I've set up 2 appointments and then have canceled both of them. Keep on giving these updates, I'm excited to see how it all works for you

Christy said...

Good for you for going! The needle placements you got sound very familiar. Be prepared for them to change somewhat from week to week, depending upon where you are with your cycle. Also, you should let your RE know of any herbs you are taking and you shouldn't take any once you start your IVF meds. I never did take herbs because my acupuncturist won't give them to anyone taking a prescription medication. However, he did have me start using a different kind of fish oil, flax seed meal, and walnuts. My sessions are $65 each, but my insurance reimburses me $35 for each session. And weekly sessions are the norm. Will yours go to your transfer for a pre and post session? I paid $275 for that. And I have my next appointment on Monday, a week after tranfer. Then we wait, and if preggers I will continue weekly through the first trimester to help with symptoms and to reduce the chance of miscarriage.

CAM said...

I loved acupuncture. It is very relaxing. I would definitely talk to your doc about any supplements you take though...who knows what could interfere with all the drugs we take.
Happy needles!
:)

Kristen said...

I have never done acupuncture but I have heard it can do wonders for your mind and body. I can't wait to see how it works for you!

Swim said...

I am still deciding how I feel about acupuncture. That being said, I have my first appointment on Tuesday with an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility. I would probably drink snake venom at this point to get a BFP! I am taking a cycle off before attempting IVF #2 (attempt #1 got converted to IUI).

Mind if I add you to my blogroll? Would like to see how your acupuncture experience goes.

Best of luck.

~Carrie said...

First, I am sorry to hear about the polyp. I hope they can easily remove it and then everything goes smoothly for your IVF.

Acupuncture is supposed to be very helpful with fertility, especially IVF treatments. I just started acupuncture last week mysel and my experience sounds pretty much like yours, except there wasn't a heat lamp. Regarding herbs, the Dr I am seeing told me that he does not prescribe any herbal supplements for fertility if the woman is taking injectibles, so I won't be taking any. Perhaps he prescribed the supplements since you won't be taking medication until you gear up for your IVF (I assume?)