Accupuncture anyone?

[MrsDx]

Hi everyone, so while we wait for our appointment at the ivf clinic after being told we are not eligible for NHS IVF because my FSH fluctuates between 8 and 12, I've decided to try and take some control of the situation and start accupuncture. I already have reflexology (which I love) but wondered if anyone has any success stories with accupuncture? First session was so strange, I felt like my left leg had pins and needles and hurt a bit. Xx

[Hidden]

Hi Mrs D

I have been having acupuncture for 2 and a half years and that's one thing that has helped to keep me going. It has been very good for my general health. I had a session before my embryo transfer last Tuesday and it made a big difference and another session afterwards and that really helped too I actually went to sleep. Some weeks it does hurt more it depends how you feeling emotionally and where you are in your cycle. My advice is to stick with it and go regularly as it does only last 3 - 4 days. You have my sympathies with the FSH as I had the same problem. Tasha

[seekingpeace in reply to Hidden]

Hi Tasha, thanks for sharing your experience - I really really hope it's good news for you in a week's time.

Do you mind explaining what you mean by 'it only lasts 3-4 days' - do you actually feel an immediate change? Are there physical sensations afterwards, or do you just mean the relaxation? My only point of reference is massage, which feels fab at the time, but the effects wear off pretty quickly. I'm starting acupuncture for the first time on Friday, so really wondering what to expect.

Thanks, and wishing you all the best!

[seekingpeace in reply to Hidden]

Hi Tasha, thanks for sharing your experience - I really really hope it's good news for you in a week's time.

Do you mind explaining what you mean by 'it only lasts 3-4 days' - do you actually feel an immediate change? Are there physical sensations afterwards, or do you just mean the relaxation? My only point of reference is massage, which feels fab at the time, but the effects wear off pretty quickly. I'm starting acupuncture for the first time on Friday, so really wondering what to expect.

Thanks, and wishing you all the best!

[Hidden in reply to seekingpeace]

Hi

Thank you for your good wishes. It's quite difficult to explain really. There are no physical sensations. After I have had my acupuncture I feel more balanced, relaxed and warm. As it gets the blood moving round your body I have a nice glow on my face. It will probably take 3 - 4 sessions for you to feel a change for the better so don't worry if you don't feel any different after the 1st session. On my first session my doctor said it's got to get through the doors first for you to feel it (if that makes sense). A couple of days before I just feel I need acupuncture feels like something is missing and that replaces what's missing. Try to be relaxed about it before you go as this will help. Hope this helps. Let me know how you get on. Tasha

[seekingpeace in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Tasha, that really helps me know what to expect and makes it less stressful. I'm quite looking forward to it, but also a little nervous. Take care xx

[Hopeful1982]

I went for a few sessions of acupuncture earlier in the year. While I've not conceived it did help me to relax and I do think it reduced my anxiety levels. I've not been for a while but have an appointment on Friday and plan to book a few more sessions. How the needles felt varied from session to session so it's worth trying again. Good luck x

[seekingpeace]

Hi Mrs Dx - I am about to start acupuncture this week, so have no success stories but I am quite positive about it because:

1) My NHS IVF counsellor recommended it (I've never known the NHS recommend private alternative therapies before, so I take that as a good sign).

2) I've read loads about acupuncture on these forums (it had never even crossed my mind before, and I really wish I'd known about it sooner). The ladies on this forum seem to be an intelligent and savvy bunch, not prone to 'old wives tales', so I take heart from that too.

3) Since I've started researching (just over a week ago) I've found lots of IVF clinics that have acupuncture services on-site (mine doesn't), so surely they must believe it does some good.

I'm also a very strong believer in meditation and mind over matter. I've started (just on Sunday) a relaxation and visualisation CD designed especially for IVF (there is also one for conceiving naturally - wish I'd known about that sooner!) and pregnancy (desperately hoping I need that one soon, but not getting my hopes up too much).

Good luck on your journey - let me know if you find anything out.

[seekingpeace]

Hi Mrs Dx - I am about to start acupuncture this week, so have no success stories but I am quite positive about it because:

1) My NHS IVF counsellor recommended it (I've never known the NHS recommend private alternative therapies before, so I take that as a good sign).

2) I've read loads about acupuncture on these forums (it had never even crossed my mind before, and I really wish I'd known about it sooner). The ladies on this forum seem to be an intelligent and savvy bunch, not prone to 'old wives tales', so I take heart from that too.

3) Since I've started researching (just over a week ago) I've found lots of IVF clinics that have acupuncture services on-site (mine doesn't), so surely they must believe it does some good.

I'm also a very strong believer in meditation and mind over matter. I've started (just on Sunday) a relaxation and visualisation CD designed especially for IVF (there is also one for conceiving naturally - wish I'd known about that sooner!) and pregnancy (desperately hoping I need that one soon, but not getting my hopes up too much).

Good luck on your journey - let me know if you find anything out.

[MrsDx]

Thanks for all if your replies ladies. If like me, I'm open to anything right now. It felt ery strange in that my whole left left tingled and ached but hoping it helps. Let me know how you all get on xx