Well yesterday I had my 4th acupuncture treatment, she added electrical stimulation this time. I am not feeling any different, still have all my aches and pains all over. Has anyone else had this treatment and how many sessions did it take that you noticed a difference? I had blood work done today, waiting for results. My MD is checking my b-12 and iron levels as well as a CBC. In the meantime I sit in pain, my arms are so sore it is hard to type and I can only lift them half way which makes it hard to do anything, and also super fatigued.
Hi Nurse13 and welcome to our group! It's nice to have you here. This is a great place to come for info and great people!
I never found e-stim to be helpful; it did absolutely nothing for me. But I DID find ultrasound therapy to be very helpful when I had horrid pain in my left elbow. Not only did it go away after the ultrasound therapy but it hasn't returned, and it's been almost a year. Everyone's different; some people get benefits from e-stim, some of us don't. It really is trial and error.
I use Salon Pas over the counter pain patches for pain. I slap several on over the affected area and find that they do help to reduce the pain. Ice also helps me. I'm also taking Lyrica, which helps.
I hope you find something to control the pain. I know it's a HORRID feeling when you're experiencing it and haven't yet found something to calm it down. I don't think we're going to achieve a pain-free state of being but pain-reduced is a big help. Hopefully something that someone suggests on here will help you out. You're in my thoughts and prayers!
My blood test results came back today. My Ferritin level was normal. My CBC levels were fine with my WBC slightly high. My Vitamin B-12 level is critically low at 112. I was told that Fibromyalgia mimics vitamin b-12 deficiency, has anyone else heard this? The normal vitamin b-12 level is 200-900. They started me on oral b-12 today (1000 mcg daily). Have you all had your b-12 levels checked? I hope the pain and fatigue improve, I guess only time will tell, so far no improvement with acupuncture.
Glad they caught the B12 deficiency, adding that should make a huge impact in your life, and that you should notice right away! Here's hoping!
I'm very surprised that the acupuncture did not offer relief immediately! I went for about a year after the car accident, and it did help, but the car ride undid everything, and I just finally stopped going. I keep it down to 3 Doctors, thankfully my GP is very close, the Rheum and DC are 30-45 minutes away, and even with the Ethyl Chloride, the ride is just murder!
The acupuncturists we went to were both oriental, not only good with the needles, but were also master herbalists. The one we liked now has his own practice, but you are talking a 2 hour drive in heavy traffic (at least) to get there, so that is out!
Did you know that they are linking Fibromyalgia to Gulf War Syndrome?
I'm glad your Doctors are checking you for these, many here have either VitD3 or B12 deficiencies, and Renie found out she was either C or E deficient! I was tested for everything, my latest find was Osteopenia, and I'm taking Pharmaceutical grade Cal/Mag/D3 from the Chiropractor along with a good multi. So now it's doubled in hopes of keeping me OFF Fosamax. I have too many girlfriends with shattered Femurs!
I hope you continue to get answers that will help you feel better, if not best!
I did have acupuncture treatment last year when I first started having unexplained pain. As I wasn't taking anything stronger than Tylenol 3's and no diagnosis, I felt very good that I was in the least trying to do something good for me. The whole experience was a good one, however it did not lessen my pain. I went over a 5 month period up until I moved. I decided not to continue as I couldn't afford it and did not really see any difference. I think psychologically I felt good while having the treatment and the meditation helped too, but again no lasting effects. The only real relief I got is when I was finally diagnosed by my pain management doctor who started me on a combination of Lyrica and pain medications. I also have tried another alternative treatment which that to did not make any difference. Now you have added electrical stimulation to the treatment and I cannot say anything on that because I didn't get to that point. So maybe that will make a difference I don't know. So that is all I can say on my experience with acupunture and in that 1 hour treatment yes I felt good...after the drive home I was back to square 1 in terrible pain. I would like to know if you continue with the treatments if you will start to see a difference...please keep us posted. Best wishes and keep well. Sue (aka Dreamcatcher)
Yes, I will keep you posted. I will have treatments 2x/wk for awhile, we will see. My MD called today and switched my Vitamin B12 to injectable because two medications I am on deplete your vitamin B12, so know I am going to inject b12 every other day for 2 weeks then 1x/month for life. She also added Flexeril for my pain to see if it will help. She also ordered a Vit. D level as well since I have had low results before. So, the plan continues. Hopefully something will start helping soon!
Well it has been almost a week and I think my pain is slightly improving with acupuncture. I seem to feel better with the electrical stimulation with it. I feel the Flexeril is helping and it definitely is letting me get better sleep. The Neurontin I am not sure as I am not up to the desired dose yet - this won't happen for a couple more weeks. So I am sitting on the fence that I will get any better with the acupuncture but at lease some of the pain is better.