Acupuncture AND Herbal Meds?

Hey All...

I am currently on my first Stim cycle - and after reading some very positive reports, I decided to go and see an acupuncturist to assist with the cycle also...

However... I am just a littttttle bit sceptical... not about the acupuncture itself - more so about the acupuncturist? I am finding him a little... hmm... I don't know how to describe it?

I told him that I was on an Elevit supplement - and he basically said it was rubbish and that he'd get me onto something else.. and he's prescribed/provided this herbal concoction that I am to drink mixed with water etc...

I am so confused... I told him that my FS recommended Elevit - but he said basically that they come from a "scientific" point of you and they don't understand... ?!?!

Now, I can't imagine someone wanting to do harm to me... but, the herbal concoction doesnt list ANY ingredients... and I am just not 100% sure whether this is the RIGHT thing to be doing?

How were your experiences with acupuncture???? I ended up having 5 needles in me for about 15 mins... one in my arm, two around my knee, one in my shin and one below my belly button...

I am just a LITTLE sceptical I might be being taken for a ride...?

Thanks :)

L

Hello,
Firstly, if you feel uncomfortable with anything then stop doing it - the extra anxiety is not worth it

During our IVF cycles I did acupuncture for most of them - and found it good. Why? It actually made me stop and relax for at least 1/2hr to 1hr per week! The guy that I went to see had experience in fertility and I was sure to tell him exactly where I was up to in my cycle and what meds I was on - just as I told my FS what I was doing with the accupuncture. I generally dozed during all my treatments!

At one stage I did try herbs, but not during a cycle when I was on meds- only during a non-medicated cycle where we had a frozen embie transfered. For the reason that you identifed - you dont really know what you are taking, so I was not prepared to take the risk of interactions with a medicated cycle (stim or FET) and I think my FS would have had a fit if I had suggested it.

The placement of the needles changed for me depending where I was up to in the treatment sometimes they were in my back (to get ovulation going when I was having a FET), between my eyes, in the webing between my thumb and forefinger, inner shin, ankles, belly button... - I generally asked what each were for (although I have forgotten now...).

Coming from a scientific background I 'trust' (most) western medicine but also know that some western medicine is drawn (and drawing from) eastern medicine, and I have respect for the fact that eastern medicine is now being tested and written up in scientific journals - plus I just belive that there is a truth in what has been practiced for over a thousand years even if it does come from a different perspective - however that does not mean that it is all right, or right for your given situation.

I guess I come back to my basic belife- if you are not comfortable with the person you are seeing during your treatment, then get a second opinion from someone else with expertise in the field. You need to feel comfortable.

Good luck
FG

hi fatgirslim & farmgirl,

I am currently waiting for AF to show up to commence a FET cycle. In total, this will be cycle 7 so after reading about acupuncture decided to give it a go last week. The guy I saw also specialised in chinese medicine but at no time did he suggest or push this on me. He was happy with taking a pregnancy/folate supplement. I don't have a regular cycle & am also not a very good sleeper so that's what he was going to focus on. He recommended weekly visits & also advised it was imperative I have acupuncutre on day of transfer & he would make sure that he'd be available for me even if it was after hours or on weekend which I thought was nice of him. He chatted about diet etc but found him to be very easy going. We all have enough stress going on with TTC so I agree if you're not 100% comfortable perhaps see if you have any one else close by.

Wishing you lots of luck & babydust

Hi Ladies..

I am a believer in acupuncture - infact there are some proven studies that treatment immediately before and after IVF transfer can help with implantation. I would only be going to someone you are comfortable with and someone who also specialises in womens fertility. There are several in Sydney and am sure someone can point you in the right direction wherever you are.

Elevit - do not let this guy talk you out of taking this. It is important.

Herbs - most IVF docs will 'strongly' discourage herbs during a cycle as some herbs really do have very negative affects. Go ahead and do herbs in between cycles if you wish but not during.

I think you need to find someone you have more confidence and trust in.

Goodluck and I really hope this cycle works for you...

Hi FatGirlSlim,

I totally understand your reservations, as I had them myself after my first visit to an Adelaide acupuncturist (male) for my first IVF. In a nutshell I wasn't comfortable with him, for numerous reasons, and I decided to find someone else. I think it's important to feel relaxed and confident about an acupuncturist, I mean, if you can't relax when you're there what good will it do? I also think that when doing fertility treatments it's very important to have a team of professionals who are willing to work together. Specialists, GPs, counsellors, acupuncturists etc should be communicating about what is being done, or at the very least supporting what the other is doing for treatment. It is completely innappropriate for the acupuncturist to suggest that you shouldn't take tablets suggested/recommended by your treating specialist.

When looking for another acupuncturist, I found one that participated in the recent Adelaide research trials looking at the efficacy of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. I figured she would be familiar with the IVF protocols and what was required. I was very happy and relaxed with the 2nd person I saw and plan to see her again for other IVF cycles. If you want her name I'd be happy to PM it to you.

I can't speak about herbs etc as I've never taken any of them other than vitamin supplements recommended by my FS.

-Sal

Hey All...

I wanted to update here...

I decided to go and find myself a new Acupuncturist - I just couldn't relax worrying about him! So, thanks fo Sal79... I found name of an Acupuncturist who referred me to someone else - who coincidentally, my FS also recommended...

I am soooooo happy with him! So glad I decided to change! He was fanstastic, supportive and didn't critisize me or my FS about anything.

I can't even begin to tell you how much more relaxed I feel...

I go and see him one day after my EPU, and then just before and just after my ET...

Thanks for your 'words of wisdom'

:)

L

Hi fatgirlslim,
Glad that you have found someone that you are comfortable with! Wishing you all the best.
FG