Shrinking My Fibroids: Acupuncture - A Sticky Situation

This is a pictorial re-cap of Non-invasive Moxibustion Acupuncture:

Does it hurt? Not really. I've experienced minimal discomfort on just a few occasions, all occurring from being stressed before attending a session. I would go before work and be worried about the 'close call' times of arriving late after driving across town from the Doctor's office. So I started going to sessions on my off days, early in the afternoon. The more relaxed my body and mind are during the procedure, the better. I feel electrical sensations for a couple of seconds once the inserted needle touches on an acupoint. All of the needles are strategically placed around the area where the fibroid mass is. Needles are also inserted on both hands and feet. Currently, there are 18 needles that are inserted.

When I go in, I simply lay on the little hospital bed once undressed, and close my eyes. The flashing clock/radio is on the local Classical music station, and I'm in hog heaven and completely relaxed. As the needles go in, they may tickle or give me a mild 'shocking' sensation. Many times I can feel other points in my body opening up (which is amazing) as a needle hits the acupoint.

Okay, the Frankenstein jokes can kick in:

Once all needles are in place, I am hooked up to this machine......

which is called an Acu Machine. Electrodes with tiny heads extend from the bottom knobs and are clamped on to each inserted needle (see my pick). Each knob when turned emits electrical pulses that I begin to feel. My abdomen then starts to involuntarily tremble, shake or vibrate due to the 'shock'. I use that term as a joke, of course. My Parents and I have had some creative takes off of the procedure and the other pictures I've sent them. The voltage of electricity that is used to so low, there is no fear of being accidentally electrocuted. I am then left alone to 'fry' for about 30 - 40 minutes. Having the music on was a nice touch the Doctor added a short time after I began treatments. It makes the whole session very pleasant. Also, I feel so confident because the results have been incredible. I let my mind wander, listen to the music, say some prayers and relax. The experience is rejuvenating. I definitely look forward to my acupuncture sessions - they are therapeutic!

The Procedure - The Beginning of Shrinking My Fibroids

     After speaking with the selected Acupuncturist, I scheduled an office visit/consultation, which was free. That was important due to the near certainty that my insurance would not cover one with an Acupuncturist. In my research, I learned that although the practice of Acupuncture is growing and more people are taking notice of the positive effects it has had on multiple health problems, Western medical professionals don't yield a high place for it - not even with an alternative consideration of Acupuncture as something else to try if surgery may not be the right answer (at that time).


Well, this is probably something that may be of interest to you if you happen to consider Acupunture as means to shrink you fibroids. Here is a picture of  the pins and electrodes on my lower abdomen as one of my early treatments begins:

Keeping My Uterus: The Importance of Research and Second Opinions with Health Issues

     As a result of doing extensive research about what techniques, herbs, foods, exercises, etc were used to shrink fibroids, I decided to give Acupuncture a try. The whole procedure of using pins didn't make me too nervous as I came to understand how it will work on my body. It would assist me in restoring balance internally....... 

     The hysterectomy route seemed extreme just to alleviate one situation. My question was:

Why take out the whole uterus when there is nothing is wrong with it?

The answer to that given by two Ob/Gyns was:

A hysterectomy will alleviate you of any symptoms, discomfort or pain, and offer assurance that the fibroids would not return.

In addition, there seemed to be this slightly aggressive manner that both assumed in their own way in directing me to have a hysterectomy.  All the fast talk of the shots I had to take (Lupron), the inconvenience of having to possibly miss work for a substantial duration, and the 'absoluteness' of having a hysterectomy as the only way to treat the fibroids. I begged to differ.  After receiving no other suggestion that would/could be non-invasive, I got a bit peeved.  Hence my journey to shrink my fibroids began.

By the way, from a manner of deduction based on the symptoms I experienced when diagnosed with having multiple fibroids, the type I have are subserosal. I had a sonogram done when first diagnosed, and showed a huge mass. These type grow on the outside of the uterine wall, and can begin to press upon other surrounding organs. Feel free to find out about the types of fibroids that can afflict the uterus here.

I read as much as I could, located an affordable, respected, and well experienced  Acupunture  Practitioner in my area, and my "shock treatments" began. The type of Acupunture that is done with me is termed Non-invasive Moxibustion Acupunture.

Why Consider Acupunture to Shrink Fibroids?.....

 

 

      My decision to try Acupuncture as a way to shrink my fibroids resulted with the slow and sometimes negative side effects I experienced by trying different herbal remedies. With my personal 'Fibroid Tea' combination, I saw some decrease and softening with my fibroids within a four month period. But I believe they were possibly growing too fast for me to see any major differences. My heavy periods became normal with flow and duration, and the herbal tea made me feel really good and relaxed. However it was time to search for something different, and guidance by an alternative health professional.

I chose Acupuncture to shrink my fibroids because:

     1. Acupuncture allows for me to keep my uterus.
    
     2. After 9 months of paying out of pocket for $60 visits, my insurance kicked in. Now, I'm 
         only responsible for a $20 co-pay. My visits are once-weekly.
    
     3. After the first two weeks of Acupuncture sessions (which consisted of 2 sessions per 
         week),  there was noticeable shrinkage of my fibroids. Steady shrinkage continues to this  
         day.
    
    4. The procedure is relaxing, and I have not experienced any adverse effects after my 
        Acupuncture sessions. I can resume life when I leave the office.

   5.  The procedure is non-invasive.

   
   6.  If I had followed two Ob/Gyns' advice, I would be en route for a hysterectomy by now. In
        addition, I would have thousands of dollars in medical debt (on top of current debt).
        Most importantly, I wouldn't have my uterus.
    
   7.  My fibroids have shrunk up to 75%- 77% after doing Acupuncture for the last 10 months.