Acupuncture

[testarossa71]

Hi all

Just wanted to write a brief post about my recent experience with acupuncture. My OH booked me an appt to see if we could sort out my CIPN (thighs, hands, feet) and joint pain from Avastin and Olaparib (everywhere).

I've had 4 sessions now, over 6 weeks. I'm not seeing big differences in my feet or hands - tiny bits of tingling, which may be a sign of feeling coming back, but we'll see! However, I have noticed a big improvement in nausea, lack of appetite, more regular digestion (I have a colostomy), and a reduction in menopausal hot flushes. I haven't seen much improvement in the joint pain which is the major thing stopping me living a close-to-the-old-normal life, but he has said that this is a new thing for him and it will take a series of sessions to see in which 'direction' he needs to take treatment which might help.

He's not a cancer-specific practitioner, but has had experience of treating people going through chemo and reducing their side effects. I have to say, that the 2 session I had to miss because he was on annual leave, I noticed a return of my symptoms fairly quickly, so I am fairly confident that the acupuncture is what is helping.

We're having to fund this privately as there is no NHS approval for acupuncture where we live. It should be £60 per session, but this chap runs a community clinic once a week when you pay what you can afford and, as we've both been out fo work for 2 years, we currently pay £30. If you can get an NHS referral, or can afford private sessions, I would strongly recommend it.

Hope this information helps others struggling with their side effects and/or symptoms.

Stay well and keep going x

Testarossa

[Clifden1]

Thanks for that testarossa its good to hear that alternatives instead of medications can work to i hope things continue to work out for you x

[Rankij11]

Thank you for taking time to write . All info is useful . Am working my way through all options for the joint pain.Merry Christmas

Jennifer

[Popmil]

I have found yoga helps, I do an online class on Wednesday afternoon run by Target Ovarian Cancer. Also tried acupuncture at Dimbleybe Center at Guys had 6 sessions

[delia2]

I have gone to acupuncture since frontline. It’s effects are subtle but you do feel worse when you go a long time without it. I wasn’t sure if it helped my neuropathy but it does help my energy levels and overall wellness.