Thursday, August 07, 2014

Acupuncture Review


On Tuesday I went to my first acupuncture appointment with Dr. Keith Kramer at Senara.  I was referred by my sister in law.  My RE also refers patients there as well so I knew that I was in good hands!

My first impression when I walked into this place was, wow!  It’s just an unbelievably beautiful building.  They offer chiropractic care, spa services, massage, and acupuncture.  Their staff was very accommodating.  I got there about 15 minutes early and they put me in a room right away and I only waited maybe 5 minutes for the doctor to come in so things went great right off the bat.

Dr. Kramer specializes in acupuncture to treat infertility and told me that the chances of IVF success increase by 30% when IVF treatment is combined with acupuncture!  A pretty amazing a statistic, that’s for sure.  Since my FET is not until September 4th, he said that I came at the perfect time to start.  He would prefer to see me twice a week, but at $110 a pop (not covered by insurance), and over 3 hours of driving round-trip, I told him that once a week or ever 4-5 days would be more feasible for me.  He was fine with that.  He asked what my stress level was like and I told him that we are building a house right now but that I have tried to really stay away as much as possible, he said that I need to keep away from the project until I’m at least 20 weeks pregnant (if I get pregnant with this next FET).  I told him I’d try my best.  He also said that he would like to continue the acupuncture treatment until 20 weeks of pregnancy.  This would be quite the investment, but if this helps with my FET success, then I will probably continue to see him.

I was instructed to lie down on the table; he then placed around 8 needles in my abdomen area then had me lay in the dark for 20 minutes.  He said try to relax as much as possible, even fall asleep if I could.  Unfortunately, I was freezing so it was a little tough for me to relax as much as I would’ve liked to.  After the 20 minutes was up the needles were removed and he placed needles in my lower back, and then relax for another 20 minutes.  Pain-wise, you don’t  feel a thing when the needles are going in or coming out.  Maybe a teeny, tiny pinch going in, but nothing significant at all. 

My first impression of acupuncture overall is good.  I am really happy with the facility, the doctor is really nice & knows his stuff, & at this time I am planning to continue treatment.  Now that I know what to expect during an appointment I will plan to dress more appropriately, aka. bring a pair of socks and a sweatshirt or a sweater, something to keep me warm so that I can really get relaxed.  The other thing I need to do is turn my phone off before I even go into the office.  I had my phone turned on vibrate and during our consultation it kept ringing and ringing.  I made the really stupid mistake of looking at my phone before he started and saw that I had some missed calls that involved the house so, naturally, my mind was totally preoccupied with what the calls could’ve been about while I was trying to relax.  I knew better, but I just had to know who was calling me so I didn’t wait.  Next time, pull in the parking lot, turn the phone off, and leave it in the car!

I definitely think that this practice is going to be beneficial for me.  As much as I try to avoid the stress of the house, it’s still there.  I am putting a lot on Joe to take care of for me, but there are just some things that I will not be able to avoid.  Luckily, now that the framing started I can go there each day and see some real progress.   I have been going every day this week after work and there is something new to see.  This in itself is a huge stress relief.  I’m a lot more excited and happy about the house than I have been over the last six weeks. 

If you’re considering acupuncture for any reason, I would definitely recommend giving it at least a shot.  It’s been practiced for centuries so, in my eyes, there must be some success from it.  I believe that it will have a positive impact on a successful transfer, and if nothing else, will help alleviate the stress, tension, and other emotions that I’m enduring right now. 

14 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this review I was thinking of acupuncture since they've been recommending it to me for a while. Now all I have to do is check if there is a place here in Never Never land lol.

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  2. I've used acupunture for other ailments and have found great success. My dr also has treated many women with infertility, with great success as well. Prayers this is what helps!!! xoxo

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  3. We've been trying to conceive for years, and no one has recommended acupuncture! I'm so happy your is it went well. I'll have to try it out! Best of luck!

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  4. oh fabulous! 30%?! holy awesomeness. that is fabulous. all my fingers and toes are crossed, dear!

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  5. Glad u liked it and the facility plus acupuncturist were good. He doesn't put a heat lamp over ur abdominal area? Mine does and it helps staying warm and I sooo do the sock thing!! Whatever helps. I hope this allows u to relax & destress.

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  6. We loved acupuncture! It was always so calming and relaxing! I'm so glad your first experience was good! I think it can only help!!! Keep us updated on your appointments!

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  7. Girlfriend. This is so positive. I totally believe in holistic treatments & healing. Perfect ideas to silence your phone & bring warmer clothing during appointments. I hope you are able to relax some. I'm sure it'll be easier each appointment. So exciting. Hope you continue to enjoy it and this really helps with your TTC!!! Hugs!

    plumtickledpink.blogspot.com

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  8. Wow 30%?! That's awesome!!! I've never gotten acupuncture before but I've definitely been interested in it. Try to let the hubs take care of the house stuff so you can relax next time! Let me know how you like it next time!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

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  9. 30% is amazing! I'm praying that this does the trick!!!!

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  10. Hi Elena, I came across your blog from September Farm and am excited to start following along on your journey. I am also from Illinois and my husband and I are also 1 out of the 8 infertile couples. I just had my 2nd IUI, I have heard of using acupuncture before but have been nervous to give it a try, you make it sounds easy, so I maybe I should look into it more.

    Aimee
    www.aimlesslyelegant.com

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  11. I am so so glad you've decided to try acupuncture. My mom is an acupuncturist and I absolutely 100% believe in it. I try to get treatments at least once a week for just about anything that is ailing me. I like this 30% increase! Fingers crossed doll!

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  12. I'm glad you're finding the acu helpful! Hoping it makes a difference for your upcoming FET.

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  13. I want to try acupuncture at some point as I've heard rave reviews for so many issues! Can't wait to hear it benefited ;)

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  14. Acupuncture is one of those ancient asian therapies that will forever live as it has helped my husband and his back problems greatly improve. I can remember a time where he could barely get out of bed due to the pain his nerves were giving him while they were being pressed together. Thank you for sharing this, great information, thanks.

    Hannah Holland @ Berkeley Community ACU

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