Scheduled Acupuncture Consult

want2beamommy13 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 12:30 PM

So, I havent been talking about it becuase I'm trying to ignore it BUT my back is STILL giving me problems since my bedrest after my last transfer on 4/21! (Yes, I know........shoot me now! As if a BFN wasn't ENOUGH torture!!!!!!!!!)

I have been to my chiropractor several times, taken pain meds which just make me loopy and only take the edge off and pretty much popped advil like candy and went through about 2 tubes of biofreeze and I STILL am just NOT feeling better. I've done some research and been on the phone all day with my insurance company and a few acupunturist until I finally found one that I fell in love with!!

We talked about my first priority being getting out of pain but that I've also been contemplating adding acupuncture therapy to my next cycle. She's treated several patients during IVF cycles and has had plenty of success. At first during our conversation, she was unable to get me in until the week after next but shortly into our converstation, she agreed to see me on Monday afternoon at 3pm!

My dilemma, and her reasoning for getting me in so soon is that I am set to start my Lupron on 5/24 which is next Saturday. I have been uncomfortable for 3 weeks straight now, sometimes in DOWNRIGHT PAIN! I just keep telling myself, like always, eventually it will go away......but as of next week, once I start cycling, I cant even take Advil. I have always dealt with back pain but NEVER for this long and although my mind and my body are telling me to 'hold off' on my cycle, my heart is having a hard time with it. I expressed all of these concerns with her and she agreed to get me in and get a few treatments going before next weekend so I can get an idea of whether or not I'll fell up to starting my cycle. She said sometimes with chronic pain, she sees patients feeling better after the 1st treatment or 2, but sometimes it takes 5 or more treatments. If I start feeling better after my 1st few appointments next week, I still should have enough time to switch up to some IVF treatments as well before a mid June ER/ET. They're different protocols I gather.

There are many unanswered questions, and although I'm really NOT looking forward to postponing my cycle, if she convinces me my success rate will improve and I'll be MUCH more comfortable.........I really might postpone. I'll just have to wait and see. I'm just cutting it SO close and thats making me a bit nervous. If all of my meds come in before I've made a decision, they should all be fine to wait a month or so, right?

I'll probably have to sell my 1st born to pay for it all...........insurance covers a portion of the pain management but NOT the IVF treatments. Its between $120 and $75 A SESSION!! Depends on the patient and what line of treament is chosen.

I'm really VERY anxious to GET OUT OF PAIN! First and foremost. its really been setting me over the edge lately. I've been SO miserable and just feeling really down that I've had to deal with being so uncomfortable while I'm dealing with the disappointment of a failed cycle and another on the way. VERY HARD to stay positive when you're in pain!

I hope that it all works out............wouldnt that be nice for once? Getting OUT of pain and onto a BFP!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!

Can those of you have done acupuncture before treatment let me know when you guys have started treatment and how many times you've gone throughout your cycle? And MOST importantly............has it been successful for you? Me and DH discussed it and we thought, if the chance is there to increase the odds...........we'll bite the bullet!!

LoveMy Boys · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 04:18 AM

Hi Renee- I tried Acupucture with my first cycle because I read everywhere that it increases your odds of conceiving. My cycle didn't work this time although I still believe that Acupuncture does help people conceive. I think next time I would try someone with more years of experience. My office recommended the woman I used, but on the day of my transfer when they come to the clinic another woman came who had only one year of experience. I didn't feel that she had the same confidence level in what she was doing at all. Anyway, I think the key is choosing someone with years of experience in infertility.

Also about your back pain. I wanted to tell you that my friend has had chronic back pain since a car accident years ago. She has tried EVERYTHING from chiropractic to pain meds. She finally decided to try Acupuncture for the pain and after a few sessions was feeling so much better. Today she is just about painfree with a little pain that comes with stress. She now swears by Acupuncture and the man she uses who has many years of experience. I will probably try him with my next cycle. She said that he adds in massage after the needles! She loves going every week!
So whatever you decide I hope this helps. I am sorry you are in pain and dealing with everything else. You also have to think about the wieght that will be on your back when you get pregnant. You don't want to be walking around in pain throughout your whole pregnancy.
Good Luck!!!!!! I hope you feel better soon!

angie33 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 04:52 AM

Hi Renee, I'm sorry to hear you're in so much pain....

I wanted to pop in because although I'm not doing IVF yet, I kind of have the same problem. I was diagnosed w/ Fibromyalgia 8 yrs ago and have been in a "flare up" for months now. I've also had back/neck pain off and on d/t car accidents. I was on some medication that had worked in the past but now it doesn't do much. I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking it's because of chemical changes in my body from having 3 mc last year. (?) Anyway, I have since started with a new dr, new meds and I'm talking with my chiropractor about adjustments and accupuncture. I forgot to ask the RE's opinion on whether or not it's ok, but they're calling me back on Tuesday as my nurse is out till then.

I really think you should get the pain straightened out prior to doing the next cycle. As much as I would hate to push it back, I'm almost positive you would have better luck if you were pain free. I keep worrying about getting my problem under control this summer, b/c of what we hear about ttc and high levels of stress. And I'm sure that amount of back pain qualifies!

Please come back and let us know how it's working for you. If cost weren't such a big issue right now, I'd be doing it now. But I plan to do it in the future, and I would love to hear your opinions on the outcome.

Take care of yourself and keep us posted!

gin2402 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 06:54 AM

I did acupuncture. I started in early Jan. and cycled in April. I went once or twice a week. It was electro acupuncture. In the week before my transfer I didn't have any sessions because my acupuncturist was out sick.. I am not sure the acupuncture is what contributed to my BFP, but I did it this time, and I didn't last cycle (BFN) so my theory is, if it can't hurt, but it could help- try it.

I do want to agree with the poster that said that you might should wait to cycle again until your back pain is more bearable to cycle. Last cycle when I told the nurse I didn't want to take my pain meds after ER, she told me that pain causes your body to release stress hormone- cortisol. Here is a site that talks about cortisol's effects on fertility. Infertility
i know you don't want to have to wait, (I have been there, and it is frustrating...

), but it might be the best thing to do.

Whatever you decide- I wish the best of luck!

Gin

Nicky7 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 10:35 AM

I did acupuncture during 3 of my 4 cycles. The biggest benefit I found was that it relaxed me greatly and I just generally felt better after a session. Energized, relaxed but not tired. I did acupuncture 1x a week for months before IVF #3 (fresh DE cycle) and that was a BFN, and I only did it 2 times for IVF #4, my BFP. Go figure.

marie456 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 12:36 PM

i have no advice for you sweetie, just a

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