9.09.2010

Needles...

Before going through infertility, I HATED needles. I still do. But I am surprisingly getting more used to them. As a child, I would always dread getting shots. I hated fall because my mom would make me get flu shots. When I got my first iv at 17, I bawled hysterically like a baby! All that to say, after getting blood taken every month and having monthly hcg shots in my stomach, I actually scheduled myself an acupuncture appointment! My fear of needles is still present so I am not sure what in the world I was thinking.

After I scheduled the appointment, I went to youtube and watched videos of people getting acupuncture! None of them looked to be in too much pain, in fact many of them didn't even flinch. I have been reading a lot online about acupuncture going along with infertility treatments and at this point, I feel like nothing can hurt!

Well today was the day of the appointment. I was a little apprehensive about it and even after the videos still wasn't sure what to expect. The place I went to was a Chiropractor/Acupuncturist office. It was more like an old house, but there were other people there being treated at the same time so I felt like it was legit. When I was walking up to the door, I noticed there was a huge black dog sitting in the doorway. He seemed old and tired. I wasn't sure if he was going to move or not, so I just had to step over him to open the door and enter the office! ha! Anyways, the doctor was very nice. We talked about my history and then proceeded with the acupuncture.

It really wasn't bad at all. I probably had about 10 or so needles down my back for about 20 min. I felt a pinch when they went in but after that I couldn't even feel them. Then she took those out and inserted more... 1 on each ankle, wrist, ear and one in my forehead. She also had a heat lamp over my stomach. This was to help the blood circulation. I laid there for 20 more min. And that was it!

She wants me to come once a week. Hopefully, I will have a success story to tell after all this. We will see... For a girl who hates needles, I sure have endured a lot of them for this precious un-made child of mine! :)

25 comments:

Jess :) said...

Whoa! You are WAAAAYYYY braver than I would be. It sounds like you and I had the SAME relationship with needles. Only...my hate for them still continues. I think it's due to the fact that my dad was a doctor and I just had a MAJOR fear.

Anyway, I just want you to know that I still pray for you and Matt. I pray that the Lord will bless you with a sweet little baby because I know you will be such an INCREDIBLE mom!!!!

Hugs, friend!

Karen At Home Blog said...

I give you so much credit for facing your fear of needles and going to an accupuncturist. When we were going through IF, I got as far the waiting room of an accupuncturist and ran out of there! True story. I did, however, get pregnant with a Follistim injection so I too got over my fear eventually. Praying that God blesses you soon and that your next needle will be to draw blood to confirm a pregnancy test! :)

Karen

Lilly, Reid, Matt, and Sara said...

I am praying it all works for you. (;

Stephanie said...

I feel your pain girl! I hate needles too, so much so that it took me 2 months to even get my initial blood draw done from my OB because I psyched myself out so bad. I've heard great things about acupuncture and might go that route myself soon. I hope it does the trick for you!!

The Mrs said...

I totally feel your pain... not the acupuncture part (because I am not that brave) but with the hcg injections. I had to give myself my first shot this past weekend. It was terrible. I told my MD that my hubby could just give it to me since I needed it on a Saturday, but he freaked out. (I used you tube to show him how to do it and all) Being a nurse I am used to giving shots. but not to myself! and I am definitely not used to receiving them. I continue to pray for you in the awful journey! I totally feel your pain!

Kelley said...

Aaaahhh needles...yuck. Can't say I deal with infertility, but I can relate to the needles. Ended up with a blood clot early on in this pregnancy and have been giving myself daily blood thinner shots in the belly for more than 6 months now. Nearly 210 down and about 112 to go, give or take a few I guess. Hang in there. Praying the LORD blesses you abundantly!

Unknown said...

Very interested in trying accupuncture for my migraines! I'll be looking forward to finding out how it works for you! Good luck!

Angie said...

I also despise needles so much! Because I had preterm labor and delivered early with our first baby, they have me getting progesterone shots as additional measure to prevent preterm labor. They hurt terribly bad everytime and come with side effects but as you clearly know, if it brings us a healthy baby then bring it on. Ill be praying for your shots, that the acupuncture will help, and that you will get pregnant soon!

Sara said...

I was considering this in my journey but never followed through with it. I have heard of some success stories or atleast they get pregnant and were getting accupuncture. I pray this works for you and you are soon looking at a postitive pregnancy test!!

Ashley said...

Oh my goodness, I have always wanted to do that but never had the guts!!!! =) Proud of ya!!!

Lianna Knight said...

I did acupuncture with our last IVF...and after the first couple of times, I thought it was MORE relaxing than a massage. Scary to think that needles can help you be so relaxed...but it works :)

ENJOY and praying this will help you get that miracle you've been praying for!

Nancy said...

I am a licensed massage therapist certified in infertility/prenatal/labor & delivery massage that works at a chiropractor's office!! I'm so excited you are doing this! Try eliminating all wheats & sugars as well... veggies, raw nuts, meats, fish are WONDERFUL ways to get your body prepared for pregnancy.
I will be praying for your journey - I know of 3 people within the last year that have had sucess rates coming in to get adjusted, acupuncture & from time to time, massage.

Mallory said...

I hear about success stories from this a lot, praying for a success! Hang in there and good for you! Wouldn't hurt to see a chiropractor either! :)

Brandi said...

Great job on overcoming your fear! I've had both acupuncture and adjustments during our fertility struggle and it was very relaxing. Due to the expenses of everything else that our insurance isn't covering, I had to stop them for now but would love to go back sometime. Hopefully this will bring you success! Baby dust sprinkles!!

Kelly said...

I 100% understand what you're going through. I was scared of shots too but now after going through infertility I give myself shots ALL THE TIME! And I'm surprisingly brave about it, which shocked me more than anything. I started acupuncture last week also and have my 2nd appt today. It wasn't bad at all thankfully! I'll be thinking of you as you go through all your treatments and pray that you will be pregnant very soon! I've been going through this for a year so if you ever have any questions at all please feel free to ask me.

Kelly
kelly.townsend@yahoo.com

Lauren said...

I am soooooo hoping to hear some good news after all of this. Thinking of you and praying for you, Julee!!!

waiting said...

I could have written your post! I hated needles too until I went through IF. I still don't LOVE them, but it's much better than before. I too did accupuncture. I thought it DID hurt. Especially in the ears and feet. OUCH! I will be praying for you to have success! and QUICKLY!!!! :)

Ashley said...

I started accupuncture this summer as well, not for infertility, but for back pain and it did seem to help. I couldn't even really feel the needles, I will tell you that having them in your ear will curve your appetite, a plus for me! :) I requested to have some to help w/ weight loss, and that was one of the places he placed them. Good luck, praying for you girl!!!
Ashley

Laura said...

It is amazing what we go through for the little ones. We have been trying everything under the sun for 5 years. However, I have not done the acupuncture thing, but I have heard it works. I sure hope it works for you too.

Jill said...

So proud of you. Also, praying for your journey. Love your blog and have been following it for awhile, I just don't comment much!!

Kelly said...

I have heard a LOT of good things about acupuncture. That was on my list of next things to try before Harper. I'm PRAYING it works a wonder on you!!!! I just can't wait for baby Turner to come along!!!

Kelly said...
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Amanda said...

A friend of mine used acupuncture and now has a beautiful, sweet 3-year old :) Best of luck, we will keep you in our prayers! I know how hard a fear of needles is to overcome as my mother is deathly afraid and had 2 babies sans epidural!

caydensmommy said...

I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would comment after today's post :) I have prayed for you many times! Just to let you know, I had a friend who struggled to get pregnant for over a year. She started going to a fertility clinic and was offered Acupuncture. She went for her treatment (she told me it was really relaxing) and believe it or not the next month she was pregnant!!!! She didnt know if it was because of the acupuncture or what - she just knew God had his hand in it all!! I have heard nothing but good things about it!!! I will continue to pray for you girl!!!

J-Mo said...

I combined acupuncture with chiropractic in addition to my clomid regimen. We had endured 4 miscarriages and were having problems conceiving a year after we lost twins. We were finally diagnosed with unexplained infertility and we decided to give up on the drugs and take a break. I continued with acupuncture and chiropractic to help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress that come with the whole ordeal. As I type this, my wild 4 year old little girl is dancing around the living room to the wiggles. We conceived the month after we "gave up." God is good and He drew us nearer to Him through our journey. Julie I pray for you often and I know God will bless you with a child in his perfect time. I have no doubt you will experience joy unspeakable.