Guest guest Posted December 2, 2001 Report Share Posted December 2, 2001 Dee Dee, I don't believe that accupuncture or chiropractors are wacked out at all. I used to be a BIG skeptic but then I personally herniated two discs in my back and also have OA in my spine and was saved from surgery by a reputable chiropractor. I have not made it to the accupuncturist yet but it's my next stop. I would tell you to definitely take her to an accupuncturist. It is in no way going to alleviate all of 's pain but it could help some and ANYTHING is better than nothing. The plus side is that it does not have any effect on the medications (as opposed to some of the "herbal" remedies around) so she will have the advantage of western and eastern medicine. It is not a quick fix however, it generally takes some time although friends I know that have had morning sickness or sickness from chemo report some instant relief. Since methotrexate is a chemo drug it would be good to schedule some visits around the injection times. The Former Skeptic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2001 Report Share Posted December 2, 2001 Dee Dee I forgot to mention, having researched it at this point I discovered that accupunture "needles" are not anything like the needles used in drawing blood, etc. They are a VERY slim, hair width needle and nothing like getting stuck by injection needles or blood needles from what my friends tell me. After the first one or two it is supposedly very relaxing. Interestingly, my dog's vet is an eastern and western med vet. When my dog was in with back pain she inserted some accupunture needles in her back area and that dog layed there with them in, not disturbing them, the whole time. Believe me, this is NOT a dog that would allow anything in that was uncomfortable, she even chews on the tags on her collar. They do say that it may be difficult to do with very young children (under 5-7) but honestly, with JA patients, it is tough to say what they may put up with to have ANY relief from the pain even the young ones. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2001 Report Share Posted December 2, 2001 DEE DEE , The methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that comes with nausea and more dragging fatigue. Over the years the side effects are draining. Yet you don't hesitate to try it and even increase the dose to help. Help is the key word. If acupuncture would help, why would you not try it just like the MTX and all its side effects? The Cleveland Clinic uses acupuncture as a definate form of pain management. Maybe give them a call a 1- 800- 444- PAIN, tell the receptionist your question and if she can't answer it ask for a nurse. They are extremely helpful there. Your daughter is old enough to participate and understand the ideas of trying to do everything to help. It seems that JRA matures kids faster. We who have a chronic condition from our begining have to grow up faster with all we must deal with. Blessings, Carolyn (JRA for approx. 33 years) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2001 Report Share Posted December 2, 2001 Dee Dee, yes acupuncture has and is used for the treatment of pain. Although western medicine is still resistant to the acceptance of it in the treatment of various deceases, it has been in use for more years, than Western or European medicine. It is not covered by and Insurance Coverage and there is a high cost to the treatment. It is indeed a tough choice to decried, especially for a 9 year old. The thought of all those needles is a scary one and a lot of American doctors will say you it a bunch of bull, and that you shouldn't put your self or child through that, but then they don't hesitate to order up all kinds of tests, that need to be done. By sticking a needle or two into your body. Half the battle of this decease is controlling the pain, and with acupuncture, there is no toxic side effects. So for all its worth, thats my view on the subject! Good luck and God Bless! Good thoughts and Prayers for your family. Rusty Limbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2001 Report Share Posted December 2, 2001 Dee Dee, As far as acupuncture is concerned, my opinion is that it can't hurt. Obviously you would not want to discontinue her meds, but acupuncture has a pretty large following in terms of pain relief. Umpteen million asians can't be wrong. Another thing in it's favor is that there are no lasting effects. However, if your child is needle shy, this is probably not a good idea. Christy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2001 Report Share Posted December 2, 2001 Hi DeeDee, I just went and checked our group's message archives at /messages and found a few articles on the use of complementary therapies, like acupuncture, for arthritis. The idea may not be as far fetched as you think it is. As far as I know, it's much safer than chiropractic for children with JRA ... and it just might help : ) I'll post the articles after sending this out. Take Care, Georgina Hello to all, I have a few more questions related to pain and this disease. As continues in her current flare (since Thanksgiving) without any "let up" and MTX increased two weeks ago -- what do I do next? I'm feeling like I should be calling her rheumy now but since the MTX was just increased, I feel like I should be giving that a chance first? Secondly, my husband works with a man from Korea who has given him this (what I consider outrageous) idea ~ acupuncture. My husband now wants to take to this doctor to do what I tell him is alternative medicine. I am totally against this. Has this ever been used with this disease? Thanks for the input. Dee Dee ( age 9 Poly JRA) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2001 Report Share Posted December 3, 2001 Dee Dee, I took Alana for accupuncture. It worked slightly with her, but not enough for me. My husband and I use accupuncture all the time for dis-ease, its a wonderful tool. Bonnie PHD Products, Inchttp://phdproducts.com 1-800-863-3403 A "wacked out" idea? Hello to all, I have a few more questions related to pain and this disease. As continues in her current flare (since Thanksgiving) without any "let up" and MTX increased two weeks ago -- what do I do next? I'm feeling like I should be calling her rheumy now but since the MTX was just increased, I feel like I should be giving that a chance first? Secondly, my husband works with a man from Korea who has given him this (what I consider outrageous) idea ~ acupuncture. My husband now wants to take to this doctor to do what I tell him is alternative medicine. I am totally against this. Has this ever been used with this disease? Thanks for the input. Dee Dee ( age 9 Poly JRA) For links to websites about arthritis and JRA, visit: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2001 Report Share Posted December 3, 2001 I don't find that accupuncture hurts and my daughter didn't complain, she was fine with it. Its relaxing, not painful Bonnie PHD Products, Inchttp://phdproducts.com 1-800-863-3403 Re: A "wacked out" idea? Dee Dee I forgot to mention, having researched it at this point I discovered that accupunture "needles" are not anything like the needles used in drawing blood, etc. They are a VERY slim, hair width needle and nothing like getting stuck by injection needles or blood needles from what my friends tell me. After the first one or two it is supposedly very relaxing. Interestingly, my dog's vet is an eastern and western med vet. When my dog was in with back pain she inserted some accupunture needles in her back area and that dog layed there with them in, not disturbing them, the whole time. Believe me, this is NOT a dog that would allow anything in that was uncomfortable, she even chews on the tags on her collar. They do say that it may be difficult to do with very young children (under 5-7) but honestly, with JA patients, it is tough to say what they may put up with to have ANY relief from the pain even the young ones. Good luck! For links to websites about arthritis and JRA, visit: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2001 Report Share Posted December 4, 2001 Dee Dee a parent will try anything dont say you aint going to try it let it be in the list of things to try each child is different as you can tell try it and if it dont work then mark it off but keep a journal on what you have tried this helps has went through a few meds before we found the right one i am one that DONT like giving medications to her but i HAVE to at times theres alot in life that we dont want to do but need or have to do just to try it try it and if it dont work then you will know this guy is just giving you another option yall could try Robbin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2001 Report Share Posted December 6, 2001 DeeDee- I don't think acupuncture is a wacked out idea. 's rheumy advocates it, and other " alternative treatments " in conjunction with traditional treatment. We haven't used it because 1) 's only 2 and probably wouldn't handle it well; 2) her level of pain hasn't seemed to warrant it to this point. But I do know lots of people (including some with arthritis) who have used it and swear by it. I would not rule it out as a measure to help with pain. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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