Am going to try acupuncture for IBS-D and anxiety
#271033 - 06/26/06 10:41 AM
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Hello,
I'm new here (so to speak). I used to post here all the time and then quit once I started feeling better. I was on Effexor for about two years and have been completely off of it now for over a month. It was a rough road getting off of it, but I did it and now I'm back to the way I was before taking it. I have bad anxiety and IBS-D attacks mainly in the mornings. I took myself off of the Effexor because I was not happy with the weight gain and other side effects such as tremors, "brain jolts", lack of sex drive, etc., etc. I had my doctor's support and my husband's support in discontinuing the Effexor. I slowly weaned myself off gradually over a period of 7 months. I see my doctor in two weeks for a physical, but in the mean time, I've decided to try acupuncture for my situation. I called this morning to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation and I go today at 4:30. After I hung up the phone, I broke down crying in hopes this would help me. I don't want to go back on any medication because of the side effects. I kind of feel like a failure because of the way I feel now that I'm off the medication. I've been exercising regularly, watching what I eat, etc. Doing all the right things and nothing helps. It's soooo frustrating.
Can anyone give me some supportive thoughts as to my decision of trying acupuncture? Am I doing the right thing? I'm scared, frustrated, angry, sad. I need help.
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I've found the EFI Diet and Acacia to be the most helpful things for my IBS-D, but if you need more help, I absolutely think you should try acupuncture. I tried it for my IBS-D before finding this Website and it did help for several months (until I got a terrible case of food poisoning). I've posted about my experiences and you can do a Search to see what I (and I think a couple of other people) have said. Search across all Boards with no time limit and make sure you use both spellings:
acupuncture
accupuncture
(I used to be a good speller, but that seems to have vanished with the rise of spell-checkers.  )
I didn't try acupuncture specifically for anxiety, but I found the sessions very soothing anyhow, so I imagine ones targeted specifically at anxiety would be even more soothing. And if you really think acupuncture is the way to go, don't be discouraged if the acupuncturist you see today isn't your cup of tea. I interviewed 3 acupuncturists before settling on one.
My acupuncturist also introduced me to Qijong (web page). I'm one of those people who is dead lazy about any kind of exercise, but when I do actually do the Five Treasures Practices, I find them calming.
I hope this helps and I hope even more that you find acupuncture helpful. Please do post about your session goes.
Take care.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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I am sorry your in such a miserable place. I also took many meds (not effexor) for my D/anxiety with some of those very unpleasant side effects, it sucks. A friend became an acupuncturist and I went to her for a while. It did help with the anxiety, good luck and hope you find success. Until I found this website with Heather's diet and SFS I thought I would never be set free from that prison my body and mind kept me in. I'll keep you in my thoughts as you find a way to deal with this. Take care.
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Franny
IBS/D
Celiac
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Acupuncture has been known for some people to help IBS. The other thing you can try, if you haven't already, is hypnotherapy. It is very effective in helping IBS and anxiety.
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***********************
If you're not dead, you've still got time.
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I want to thank everyone for their support.
I went yesterday for my first acupuncture session yesterday. I was nervous, upset, crying at first when the acupuncturist was asking me questions. I felt like a bawling idiot. I felt weak for letting my emotions get the best of me again. But, he (the acupuncturist) was very comforting and understanding. He reassured me that I was in a safe place and that he "treats this all the time". I was somewhat calmer after the session, but then I got home and I felt like a "disappointment". I told my husband that I was trying acupuncture and I was expecting him to react with sarcasm and laughter, so I told him not to laugh, then I showed him the brochure. He said "well, if it works, great!" I was relieved at his reaction, so with my relief, I started crying and we had a little discussion where I was explaining to him how I felt like a disappointment because I'm not feeling well now that I'm off of Effexor. He didn't say much...just kept his eyes on the TV. So that made me even more upset. He wouldn't even give me a comforting hug or react when I'd try to cuddle with him in bed. I mentioned this to him and he (I felt) just kind of ignored me. I'm probably making something out of nothing. But, I'm just frustrated with his reaction. I told him that lately he doesn't show much affection towards me unless it is going to involve sex. He just rolled his eyes...which made things worse. I just feel like a big idiot...a disappointment.
I have another acupuncture session today.
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Nuggs
#271197 - 06/27/06 11:04 AM
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Janey
Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland
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What name did you use to post under? Welcome Back!
I have heard that acupuncture can be very helpful for IBS and many other things. I wish you lots of luck!
I am sorry to hear that your husband wasn't giving you the support that you need. Sometimes men just don't get it and don't understand what we need. I think husbands rely on their wives to take care of things and it throws them for a loop when we are sick.
We are all hear to give you support any time you need it.
Hugs,
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Janey
Edited by Janey (06/27/06 11:05 AM)
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He seems to be the big disapointment. He goes from Thats great to ignoring you? Your trying to feel better. All you want is his love and support. I know people react in different ways, but he could have shown you more support than that.
Don't get discuraged. I've heard that it takes a few sesions before results become apparent. Have you thought of trying meditation and yoga? Maybe the acupuncturest can offer advice on other treatments.
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If one end don’t get yah, the other will.
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Thanks so much! I remember you Janey. I used to post under "Nugget". I'm reading your reply here at work trying to hold back the tears. I'm so frustrated with my husband and the whole anxiety, IBS situation that I don't know what to do. I hate to say much more about it to my husband because his mom is going in for minor surgery tomorrow. It seems I always get the "cold shoulder" from him when I'm not well. I'm about to the point where I wonder if I'd be happier single. I hate the thought of divorce...I love him...and we have some good times...wonderful times...it's these bad times that are so stressful...and I don't need that right now.
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thanks so much. I knew I could come back here and get the support I need. I hate to say too much to those I know and love, because I don't want them to worry or get upset or think I'm crazy. I have some yoga tapes and tried the ibs hypnotherapy CDs a long time ago. I do feel better when I do the yoga...I never finished the CDs.
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Re: Nuggs
#271211 - 06/27/06 11:46 AM
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Janey
Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 1716
Loc: Maryland
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Nugget,
I knew it was you. I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you were doing. I am so happy to see you back here, I have missed you. I am sorry that you are feeling bad again though and like I said before we are here for you.
Men can be very insensative sometimes. I have been married for 22 years and I love my DH very much but sometimes he still doesn't get my IBS or any other time I may not be feeling well. I really think they don't know how to empathize and like I said before they really rely on us more than they want to admit and when we aren't well they don't know how to handle it. This comes off as being cold or not caring when sometimes I don't think they know what to do. It seems so simple for us we just need a hug and know that they care.
Don't give up yet. Get things straightened out with you and how you are feeling emotionally and physically. It sounds like you are taking postive steps with the acupuncture to try to make yourself feel better. I really have heard good things about this and hopefully it will work for you.
Hugs,
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Janey
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