accupuncture--is it worth the terror?

First off, welcome to Mylot and I hope the enjoyment you get here will ease the pain. I've had accupunture and while I can't say that it cured me, it certainly took my mind off the pain as I found the whole experience fascinating. I'd had a bad neck for weeks and it was too painful to allow the physio to manipulate me so I had a session with the needles. The first one went into my hand between thumb and forefinger which was a surprise for a pain in the neck! haha Anyway, the rest went all over my back and they went in with a mere pinprick and certainly the small discomfort was smothered by the terrible pain in my neck! I think he could have chopped my arm off and I wouldn't have felt it! haha The needles came in a steralised packet and are very thin. Much thinner than a hyperdermic needle and so are not painful - just interesting. I would try any homeopathic treatment in your case, not because it might actually work, but to give you peace of mind that you have tried all alternatives. I wish you luck and a good night's sleep - something I didn't have for several weeks!

I can't stand needles either. I went to the dentist today for my second filling and luckily I was not as terrified as I was when I got the first one a few years ago. But feeling that needle in my gums... ugh! I lead a fibromyalgia support group. We had a physiotherapist come to one of our meetings and she brought her accupuncture needles. She put one in everyone's hand to show them how easy it was and how it wasn't painful. Heck, I didn't feel anything at all. The needles really are very thin. So I decided to get accupuncture on my tennis elbow. My physiotherapist was delighted when I finally agreed to do it. I think he was a bit too happy because when they put the needles in they give them a little tap. Well, he was a little heavy handed, but not enough to really hurt me. I had about three sessions of accupuncture on my tennis elbow but it didn't help. No harm in trying. I know someone who gets it every month for menstrual cramps, and her mother for the ringing in her ears. It works for them. I don't know why it didn't help me but nothing the physiotherapist did helped. My insurance ran out and I had to stop going and eventually my tennis elbow went away by itself. Give it a try and just don't look.

I dont know anything about accupuncture but I have always wanted to try just to see what it is like.

I haven't personally tried acupuncture. It is much more detailed and involved than the reflexology that I do, but I do know that the needles are very small and are not painful, maybe just a small sting, but usually nothing. The important thing to remember when doing any kind of alternative treatment is to give the practitioner as much information as possible about your over-all health. (emotional as well as physical) Some things that seem unrelated can have an effect on your obvious problems. Good luck to you. I'd hate to know I EVER had to go through surgery of any kind again, and I know you must be feeling the same way.

I will go with you to hold you hand if you need me to.

If you are afraid of needles, than I can see the trepidation. But if you have had two surgeries, than this really doesn't compare. It's not painful, and the needles aren't inserted like a hypodermic. There are many forms of acupuncture that utilize different forms of acupressure or needle sizes (check out japanese acupuncture). You are doing the right thing - the more educated you are before going into it, the better the results. The more you believe, the more it will work for you, since it works to balance the body. It's not aggressive like western medicine. If your fears and anxiety are high, your body's ability to respond may be compromised.

I am deathly terrified of needles, but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to try acupuncture. When I was pregnant with my son, I read online and in books that some women get acupuncture when in labor as a pain relief method before pushing the baby out :P. I wanted it, but the hospital didn't offer it. I have had back pain all my life and think that acupuncture would be a nice try!!!

From personally trying it [we do it here sometimes at work]. The needles are really little. They are so small they bouncy like a spring if you flick at them. When they put them in you dont even feel the needle. All you can feel is the muscle grab the needle. It feels so good. If the muscle is really sore when it grab it stays tight on the needle. but once its been there a few minutes it eases up. It helps so much.

Anything is worth trying. I doubt it can cause any harm.