Adventures with Gastroparesis

Through the various Gastroparesis message boards, I have heard that some people have had some success with acupuncture for symptom relief.  Continuing on my adventure of trying anything to feel better, I decided to take acupuncture out for a test drive.

I have been waiting a month for this appointment and have anxiously been anticipating the results.  The acupuncturist is fr0m the center where I receive my digestive massages (aka belly rubs).  I completed all of the usual intake paperwork:  complete with adding extra spaces and writing on the backs of pages.  Four lines available for medications & supplements?  Child’s play!  Please turn the sheet over for a detailed list of medications, dosages, and times of day taken.  Two lines for medical procedures?  Hmmm….maybe I should just type up a medical resume to staple to these forms.  I’m not sure if all GPers are this way, but I get extremely detailed on my intake forms.  I view it as a time bonus.  (I even say “Time Bonus” as if a video game is playing in my head.)  The more information I give the medical provider, the faster he or she can appropriately help me.  (In theory, anyway.)

My gusto for detail was noticed!  The acupuncturist commented and stated that it was one of the most detailed forms he had ever received.  He said it was going to be a lot easier to dive right in to helping me.  SUCCESS!  Let’s get this ball rolling and stick some needles in me to get rid of this nausea and cramping.

The next step was a big disclaimer about the needles and how they were going to feel.  My response, “I just had an IV on Saturday that finally was able to use the large gauge, so these little guys are nothing.”  (On a side note, I squirm like a giant wimp with every IV I get.  I think it is because it usually takes 4 tries.)  At this point I wasn’t sure if the doctor appreciated my gusto or thought I was completely nuts.

Woohoo!!  Finally some needles going in & getting this party started.  I couldn’t feel the ones in my stomach or legs at all.  My thought is the following:  when your stomach hurts like hell the majority of the time, how on earth would you ever feel a pin sized needle?  Then came the needles in the wrist….OUCH!!  I’m not sure if he was teaching me a lesson, but those little guys hurt…at first.  However, the pain quickly went away.

The doctor was so impressed that I “handled it like a pro” that he asked if he could keep going even though it would be more than the usual amount of needles for the first time.  Time Bonus!  Already advancing and skipping ahead!  He then covered me with what looked like a blanket of tinfoil and left the room for me to relax and let the needles do their work.

I fell asleep and then woke up with the nausea gone and less cramping in the stomach.

SOLD!  I am not sure if it was all coincidental or if it really did work, but either way I will be back to the acupuncturist over the next few weeks.  I will keep writing about my pins and tinfoil to let you know if it is indeed working.

Oh….and I “borrowed” a needle to stab those pesky GP elves with whenever they decide to rear their ugly heads.

~Millie

Please Note:  Before trying any acupuncture procedure (or anything mentioned in these blog posts) please consult with a trained medical professional.  My experiences should not be substituted for the guidance of a trained medical professional.

Please Also Note:  No GP Elves were harmed during the writing of this post.