CD 27 - 7 DPO (7d past ovulation) - Acpuncture #1

My acu session went really well! The practitioner is about 30 minutes from my job. She took my medical history and asked me about all sorts of bodily functions and symptoms, even down to what my stool looks like. She also looked at my tongue to determine if I am “warm” or “cool.” I forgot to ask her what she saw, but I gathered from all her questions and from the reading I’ve done that I have a “cooler constitution” rather than a warmer one. She said my “qi” (pro. “chi”) or energy is a little low, and basically needs a slight boost to come back into balance where my body needs it. She also checked my pulse on each wrist, and asked about my menstrual history and what my cycles are like. I provided her copies of my last four charts.

She likes to see fertility clients about every two weeks, around my period and when I should “textbook” ovulate (day 14 or so). I would be her fifth fertility client. She saw one through the second trimester, and I believe she said she now has one active client who got pregnant while going to her. Another one she is working with to achieve pregnancy, and another wasn’t consistent with her appointments and stopped coming, and she assumes did not get pregnant. She has been practicing for 3 years, so I feel those odds sound good!

So, the question and answer session went on for almost an hour. Then to the needles. She said it would not hurt more than like a bee sting. Well that got me slightly nervous, because bees can really hurt! I tried to remain calm though, and got on the bed. The needles were shorter than I imagined. I guess I pictured Charlotte from Sex and the City with those really long ones sticking out of her when she was trying to get pregnant. (Note to self: look up that episode watch it at home this week for further inspiration.) The needles didn’t hurt too badly—more like a tiny prick, and then it went away. She asked if I was cold, and I told her my feet definitely were. She brought over a warming lamp and positioned it right over my feet. It was awesome! It took me a few minutes to relax, and then I enjoyed it. I think she left me in there about ten minutes and then took my pulse again, and took out the needles. She asked me to sit up and see if I felt dizzy. I told her that I didn’t, and went back over to sit in the chair. We went over a couple of other things, and she asked if I felt OK to drive. (?) I said I thought so, but that I did feel more relaxed. Initially I wasn’t sure if that was from lying there for ten minutes or if the acupuncture had anything to do with it. Well then I drove back to work and realized I was a little more relaxed that I still should have been. Back at the office, about 40 minutes later, I answered the phone and actually got tongue tied. This is not unusual! But it’s hard to explain. I definitely felt different. Still relaxed… and slightly loopy! Hehehe. Overall, it was a good experience though. I think I will keep going.

I asked her if she would recommend herbs for me, and she said not for right now. She was worried I might not be able to digest them yet, given my other symptoms I indicated to her.

Oh, and the other major thing that she said was that she recommends I stop “trying” for a couple of months until my body gets into balance. I mentioned how this past cycle we were able to have a lot more “fun” than in past cycles, and she affirmed that that was a good sign that I wasn’t putting quite as much stress on myself as in the past. I told her I wasn’t comfortable not “trying” at all, because if I do the HSG test in a couple of weeks, it is supposed to help the pregnancy odds within 3 months of the test. So, we agreed that we would not try as “hard,” maybe more like every other day instead of every day.

I searched for someone closer but the only one I see in the national certified directory who is closer to home is a male. I think I will stick with the female practitioner, at least for now. Maybe I will see if he will respond to some email questions.

CD 21, 1? DPO - First Acupuncture

I finally connected with an acupuncturist! She does treat infertility. Of her current clients, one used IVF and is pregnant, and another dropped out, as she was inconsistent with her visits. She recommends bi-weekly visits for fertility (I think through the first trimester). She told me that she doesn’t specialize in treating infertility, but the only acupuncturist around here who does (that she is aware of) lives in Winchester. I’m not willing to drive that distance quite yet.

Her name is Kirsten Thompson and I heard about her from my friend at church. She took a brief history and we set up my first appointment for next Monday the 23rd. I’m a little nervous! I’m feeling more proactive though and I’m eager to see if I notice a difference in my body and to hear what she recommends for complete body wellness (herbs, diet, etc). At the very least, I’ve heard that acupuncture is relaxing. Stress management is surely a concern while TTC! And I’ve heard it’s a great complement treatment while under an RE’s care.

Have any readers had any experience with acupuncture, directly or indirectly?

CD 3 (cycle day 3)

I have started reading on more natural methods to assist fertility. I've joined some "fertility alternative" online boards and started reading Fertility Wisdom: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Overcome Infertility by Angela C. Wu. Chinese medicine and acupuncture is all about finding the proper and natural balance in our bodies. Ms. Wu describes and illustrates many methods in this book that can be used and practiced throughout everyday life in conjunction with other natural methods or with a modern western medical fertility doctor. I look forward to learning more about these practices. I will also ask my friend who sees an acupuncturist more about what she has learned.

Also I called my OB-GYN and got the name of the fertility doctor (reproductive endocrinologist, or R.E.) that they refer patients to. The nurse gave me the name of Dr. Bruce Bateman at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. I plan to quietly ask around about him and other doctors in the area, just to gather more information in case I decide to make an appointment somewhere.

Jason & I have decided to "take a break" this cycle. The stress of trying will not be missed; though, I think we are getting better at keeping it fun ;) when the fertile time rolls around. We are not thrilled about the idea of a December baby. (My brother seems to get the "shaft" every year. His birthday is December 19.) However, if we are blessed with an "accident" this cycle, what a blessing it would be! And, there's always the possibility that he/she could come early (November)! Not knowing my ovulation date yet of this cycle, an estimated due date would be approximately December 8.

I am loving this blog! It's excellent to be able to get all my thoughts and many resources listed in one place.