12 March 2010
It is a brave new world for me today. I did something I have feared for years. I received an acupuncture treatment!
My chronic back pain has been more and more of an issue for me, despite my ongoing attempts to be more active and to be thankful for my “perfect health!” Sometimes, I barely notice it, other days I can’t imagine getting through without regular doses of ibuprofen. I am stubborn and refuse to take anything stronger … I am simply not a pharmaceuticals-girl. But, over the course of the last few years, I had noticed a number of my friends referencing acupuncture as a treatment option for back pain. At first I wasn’t even interested. “No way,” was my best response. I don’t like needles. I’m not deathly afraid of them, but I get very nervous just having blood drawn. I always opt for a non-needle driven answer to a medical problem. But, in the last year or so, I had begun to wonder if perhaps I was dismissing an effective answer to a growing problem. Finally, a couple of weeks ago, Kyle came home from work with a business card for an acupuncturist that had come to the AA headquarters and was a part of our insurance plan. I’ve been dealing with more pain lately, than normal, and last week I worked up the courage to make the call and get an appointment. Ironically, the doctor had to postpone the appointment I originally made; but today was the real thing.
I will say that it is complete and utter bullshit that it doesn’t hurt. I had a number of folks tell me that. Whatever. But, it wasn’t unbearable, and I only shed a few tears—mostly from fear and stress, I’m sure. In fact, the doctor contends that my fear is what caused me to feel pain in the first place! And, in all likelihood, he’s absolutely right. He used six needles. I did eventually relax into the experience, and it was all made worthwhile by the short, yet wonderful massage that rounded out the appointment.
I was way too nervous before the treatment to think to get the camera out and use it. But, afterwards, I did take this shot of the tussled table I had occupied moments earlier.
I still haven’t decided if I actually feel any better. At first I didn’t think so, at all. But, now, a few hours later, I can imagine less pain in the spot on which he concentrated. I think it’s a bit better. The doctor says tomorrow I’ll really feel better. Good. Just in time for the big workday at faire.
And, I have another appointment for next Friday. After all it took decades for me to get into this condition. The least I can do is give the doctor three or four visits in which to fix me!
~MB
