Acupuncture.

[laurenmarieee]

Hi Everyone.
I am a 20 year old Sophomore at NYU. After suffering for about two years with supposed UTIs, i was diagnosed with IC two weeks ago after a cystoscopy. My symptoms have been on and off, but very extreme and painful when I flare. After my surgery I was in tons of pain. My bladder hurt, I was peeing every hour or less, and my vulva and female parts were swollen red and painful to touch. Of course, I started the diet immediately. When I told my teacher what I had and how much pain I was in she reffered me to an Acupuncturist. I am no medical expert or anything so all I can really say is that I am absolutely amazed at what Acupuncture did for me. I went from not being able to get to class, to feeling almost 90% better (crosses fingers). I think that this is proof that there might be natural ways to treat IC. Although my case might not be as severe as yours and of course my diagnosis was very recent, I really want to suggest that people try acupuncture. If anything it will help you calm down, which I know from experience is hard after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. I will be attending acupuncture two times a week and will keep everyone updated on my progress. As for now, my inflammation is almost gone, I feel happier and calmer ( I was having tons of anxiety about my condition) and I haven't had bladder pain since I had acupuncture yesterday afternoon. It is helping me stay positive, which in my opinion is something very important for people with conditions such as ours. Just wanted to share!
Best,
Lauren

Diagnosed with IC April 21, 2011.
Symptoms since early 2009

[phoenixgirl]

I have heard that acupuncture helps, but mostly for the pain. I have really bad frequency and am just wondering if anyone has done acupuncture that helped with that aspect of IC?

I want to try anything that will improve my frequency but between doctor bills, meds, etc. I can't afford to pay a few hundred bucks a month for something that won't do me much good.

[laurenmarieee]

frequency

unfortunately i was having frequency, but not as severe as you might be having. As I said, I was going about once an hour. To be honest, I have been doing a lot of research and I haven't seen a lot about that particular issue in relation to acupuncture. I have seen that anxiety and nerves do make symptoms worse. So if you think this applies to you I would try it.
As for cost, I was luckily able to be referred to a acupuncturist that works on a sliding scale. Only 25-50 dollars a visit, depending on what you can afford. no questions ask. It is called City Acupuncturist for anyone in the area.
If not you can research places in your area and call around as to find the best rates. Good Luck!

[phoenixgirl]

Thanks. I will check around. I've called several places here and it seems like most of them are around $60-$85 per session and that's too high for me to think about doing a couple of times a week for several months. Maybe I could try it less often but then I don't know whether or not it would work that way.

[penneyjo]

I have been treating my IC with acupuncture for over a year now. I think it is wonderful and helps your whole body while you are getting a treatment. It has proven to be a great help to me along with the diet. You might look for other threads about this, there have been several. My symptoms have always been terrible pain and burning, I never had the frequency problem thank goodness! I go about every 4 weeks and really do well. Good luck!

[Phoebe M]

good to know

does acupuntcure have to be done through a referral

how much does it cost?

[penneyjo]

It is not covered by my insurance and costs $70. per visit.

[Jinny Jean]

I have always wanted to try this! As soon as I get some extra money I wil be marching my bladder in for acupuncture. Lol Glad it has made a difference for you! I have just bad frequency when I flare so I am hoping this will help with that!!!!! My anti candida diet seems to be helping alot though, so things are ok right as of now. Thanks for posting this!

Jenn

[flowerangela]

acupuncture works!!!(for pain anyway)

[giabella]

There is something called "community accupuncture." Google it in your area. It costs significantly less per session but you are in a room with other folks being treated. It's worth a shot.

I had my best day yesterday in 2 months...since being diagnosed. I just finished my 9th accupuncture session the day prior. I think you really have to go for a about 9 to 12 sessions before you see results and see someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to trigger points, etc.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Gina

[loraleena]

I have been going to community acupuncture in Amherst Ma. for 2 years now. It usualy helps a lot with symptoms and often gets me into a long remission. Then I do it less and the symptoms come back. I gotta keep at it at least once a week. No big deal at 20 bucks a pop.

[Bojana]

I tried acupuncture last year but I had weird reaction to it (swollen bump on leg and pain) so we stopped. I am thinking to try it out again this autumn to see if I can try it again, a bit worried I might react badly again and that acupuncture just is not for me

[Phoebe M]

starting Acupunture finally

Well I am finally going to try acupuncture after more than a year of agony.

I have 3 clorpactin treatments booked for this winter as well just in case the acupuncture doesnt work.

Its strange though, i went back on the pill yesterday since it used to help with my periods and my BF doesnt want to have kids anyway at the moment... and I haven't had pain yesterday or today... weird!

Anyway I am sure when I go to work tomorrow the pain will return but lets just hope.


From what I have read here, many people have found relief with acupuncture.

Any new posters have anything to say about acupuncture?

[h808]

going to try it!

well, i pretty much feel like my bladder is driving me crazy. the frequency even though it's only once every 45 minutes to an hour is enough to want to jump off a cliff. i have yet to be diagnosed with ic, and that too is making me a little bit loco.

i figure while i'm waiting to see another urologist for a second opinion, i should do whatever i can on my own. so i made an acupuncture appointment for next week.

i'm praying that it will do something for my frequency but at least my bladder/urethra pain, and at the very very least do something for my stress, anxiety, and other little aches and pains. i feel like i'm too young to be feeling this way! ahh!

anyway... will let you all know how it is for me. i wish more people would follow up on their long term results. i've seen a few threads like this one, but not as many as i would have expected.

btw i will be doing community acupuncture which means other people will be in the room, and while i don't believe they accept my insurance, it is done on a sliding scale so my first visit will be $40, and after that i will pay $20-$40, whatever i can afford. wish me luck!!

[bjcov]

I tried it a few times but I could never relax or got a relaxed sensation. Maybe I just didn't have the right attitude? I loved the lady tho. She was super sweet.