I feel as if I’m embarking on a new adventure; that is to say, I’m happy I’m taking some steps, doing something outside of what I can do for myself. I met with my ‘new’ acupuncturist on Friday – remember, the one who ONLY works with infertile people.
The clinic had an Eastern flavor to its atmosphere; very calming, soothing, warm, and overall comfortable [unlike the clinics I have been to or worked in]. As you know, filling out paperwork is a must everywhere you go: medical history forms and liability forms. My first appointment with my new acupuncturist [E.] went much like I had previously experienced: very thorough review of my medical history, history of present issues, discussion of my goals, listening to/feeling my pulses, and looking at my tongue. I was given an explanation of what sort of sensations to expect from the needles. After I took off my shoes and socks and hopped on the table, the sticking began: forearms, hands, lower legs, ankles, feet, stomach, head – not bad, most I didn’t even feel…maybe just a little prick. Once the needles were in, and the heating lamps placed over me, I was left alone to rest in the darkened room with their relaxing music playing. The sensation was very unusual, but pleasant. My body felt kind of heavy, yet light…I didn’t have a desire to move [although I did have to resist my initial temptation to look at , play with, and take pictures of the needles 
]. My mind was restless at first, but cleared by the moment, and I felt totally relaxed.
Before all of that, a few of my questions were answered.
We discussed my uncertainty about pursuing further IUI treatments or IVF at this time. We also discussed the option of acupuncture as the sole treatment for a while. E. briefly reviewed the anatomy/physiology involved in developing a follicle, and how it takes at least 90 days to do so, before you ovulate that egg. Obviously she was hopeful that acupuncture could help with the nourishment/development of a healthy egg, as well as help balance my system and hormones in the process. She works with many women who use acupuncture in conjunction with Western medicine, as well as with women who use acupuncture alone. Either way [if I decide to pursue IUI treatments in the future or not], she would have recommended acupuncture alone for a couple of months, just to give time to nourish that follicle.
I’d have to say she was optimistic yet somewhat guarded [or is it realistic?]. She mentioned many times that there are always a lot of factors to consider that must fall into place for pregnancy to occur; and she needs some time to get to know me and my body/system. She mentioned it’s hard to isolate what it was that worked for couples [meds, insemination, acupuncture, herbs, vitamins, change of lifestyle, etc], or if it was the combination of treatments and things we do on our own that resulted in pregnancy – she was empathic that this is a very frustrating issue. She mentioned we can definitely improve on the things that are bad, but the cycles that may not be good [factoring in a magnitude of possible reasons in a given month], just might not be good. I guess there are no guarantees for anything.
E. didn’t think my FSH levels were THAT high or alarming. She reiterated that FSH levels can change cycle to cycle [so maybe mine COULD be better some months]. She said she has worked with women in my situation which resulted in ‘natural’ pregnancies, although the length of time varied. She took a look at my temperature charts – she thought I was ovulating by looking at them; except for the month that I took the clomid, interestingly. But based on my 2 most recent progesterone labs taken in 2009, I’m not ovulating. Hmmm….
Her recommendation at this time:
-Acupuncture 1-2x/week for 3 months [for monetary reasons alone, it will have to be 1x/week].
-Follow-up labs to check my progesterone [at my MD clinic] for a couple of those months
-She mentioned that she would not recommend another cycle of clomid and IUI for me, stating that clomid does not work well with someone with high FSH levels; if I were to pursue IUI again, she would suggest IUI plus injectables. After a few months, we will discuss combination therapies as a possibility, if I’m interested.
She mentioned herbs, but didn’t want to push them on me at the first visit. E. did say that she typically combines acupuncture and herbs – although I’m totally undecided about the herbs. I don’t even like to take tylenol when I have a headache, so the idea of herbs kind of frightens me. Has anyone ever taken any? How did they make you feel?
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