Acupuncture

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handyman

Acupuncture

Post by handyman »

I have had prostatitis for over 3 years, bad back pain, groin pain, burning on urination, frequent urination and finally depression, and went through just about everything that has been mentioned in the forum, Cipro, levaquin,doxycycline.
Cystoscope, Cat scans, MRI's Went through the normal drug regimine from my urologists, (note the plural) vioxx, ibuprofen then vicodin. Nothing really helped Vicodin was always my last resort and it did knock the pain down when I had to get through a day. The MRI's and Bone Scan revealed bad discs at L1 L2 L4 L5 and S1 I have been checked out for all of the autoimmune diseases eg. Lupus, Reiters, Reumatoid Arthritis etc About 18 months ago I had the TUNA procedure done and it made no difference. Finally I found the forum and started some of the protocols I now take Algonot+ Prelief and zinc etc. I then did the best thing you have suggested I found a great Pain Specialist, he is a board Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain managent specialist. Anyway in addition to the Algonot and Prelief etc I am on Elmiron and Flomax, Klonipin for the tension and anxiety and he put me on a Fentanyl Patch 25mg to break the cycle of pain. I feel about 75% better and now he is suggesting Accupuncture as he has had some success in IC cases. Some MD's I have seen think my problem could be related to my spine problems, (any thoughts) I have not seen much on the forum about accupuncture but it sounds better than being on a patch the rest of my life. Sorry to ramble on but my Question is should I hold off until more time on the Elmiron etc or give it a try The Forum has been a life saver for me. My pain doc is not just their to hand out opiates but does try all methods of relief as you can tell. Doctors D&S are heroes to people like me. By the way a note of interest to some of the docs I do have a family history of IC in the female members as well as anxiety problems in the same group. Has anybody had success with acupuncture and maybe Dr Dimitrikovs (non medical opinion) Thanks again Webmaster and the docs for the Forum.
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Post by webslave »

Very few men have had acupuncture for CPPS, but there are encouraging reports like this one
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Post by Ralph »

I would seek acupuncture if I get worse. I have seen patients with other chronic pain conditions respond well. the chalange is finding a reputable one. If you're pain specialist refers you to one, you'll probably be OK. I don't know if these facilities are regulated at the state or federal level. Be sure the needles used are disposable and only used once on one person.
Ralph Caccese, MD (Radiologist)
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Post by webslave »

Yes, a level of caution is advisable in these days of high-prevalence blood borne diseases. :agree:
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handyman

Acupuncture

Post by handyman »

Thanks for the advice Ralph I am probably lucky to live where I do because the Acupuncture is performed by the Board certified Anasthesiologist -Pain management specialist.

By the way I believe the Algonot+ is really helping along with the Elmiron even although I truly believe my case was brought on by Stress and Pelvic muscle tension, I always get worse when anxious and sressed and notice improvement if I take the klonopin.

If I go with the acupuncture I will definitly update the forum on results.
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Post by Richard.N »

Conversely I tried accupuncture very early on in my illness - I am now just about to start Elmiron!
Richard

Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!

I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
handyman

Post by handyman »

Richard N what were the results of your acupuncture,

Who performed the procedure etc.

I hope elmiron works for you I think it is helping me,. but only two months in. I will update as we go along.

Good luck!

Dr Dimitrikov could you please give me your opinion on acupuncture as you seem to seem to subscribe to the neuropathic pain theory, and god bless you for giving your time to the forum.
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Post by Richard.N »

Handyman - I'm sure my experience with accupuncture is nothing to go by and I did utilise it fairly early on in this - so maybe the nerve damage hadn't happened and the accupuncture was trying to address a different problem. Anyway - I didn't benefit from it and it actually made me more aware of the pain.

I did find it intriguing and you can feel it touching nerves - it's a weird but pleasant sensation. I had about six sessions and the guy was rubbing his head at my lack of response and started suggesting herbs, at which point I went back to Western medicine.

The procedure was performed at my doctor's surgery by a well qualified chap who had been a GP in China and written a few books. I forget his name. Nice fella.
Richard

Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!

I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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Post by Ralph »

Nothing works all the time for everyone.
Ralph Caccese, MD (Radiologist)
akia

Post by akia »

I'm starting my first accupuncture treatment this week. I'll report back on how it works.

fingers crossed.
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Post by Richard.N »

Good luck! Hoep it works for you Akia.
Richard

Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!

I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
MS

Post by MS »

MRI's and Bone Scan revealed bad discs at L1 L2 L4 L5 and S1
Some MD's I have seen think my problem could be related to my spine problems, (any thoughts)
My chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome started about 3 weeks after a lifting injury -- Herniated L4-L5, L5-S1. I experience extreme myofascial pain from the L5-iliocostalis to the iliopsoas, mutilifdi, pectineus, obturator,levator ani, adductor, abductor, and hamstring muscles; along with CPPS. In other words, you can draw a "line of pain" from my left lower-back through my prostate/pelvic floor, through the grion, all the way to my big toe.

IMHO your spine problems are related, at least aggravating, your urinary problems. Perhaps you can find a physical therapist who can check you for myofascial trigger points and perform "dry needling" to release the tension.

Good Luck!
MS:)
akia

Post by akia »

Richard.N wrote:Good luck! Hoep it works for you Akia.
I never ended up going. Well I went to the doctor and I got the eerie feeling of it being a scam. He was more interested to know how much my insurance would cover before giving me his rates. The rates were then double what I found elsewhere.
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Post by jamo »

Alternative therapies can very good as a complementary treatment, I've just had relexology for relaxation. I did benfit from it, however, she picked up some very important points about me, and she was right. I was very busy in my head unable to relax, very tense, holding on to things of the past and struggling with the CPPS. I had 4 sessions, which has made me look into relaxation seriously and how I switch off, something i've never done, hence pelvic floor tension. I've also started using aromatherapy in the bath, very good for relaxation!

So in my opinion acupucture could be good for you if you see the right therapists and that it suits you has an individual. In my opinion, give it a try, chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome will take more than one approach to combat the disease.

Jamo.
steve j

age: 38 symptoms(started in 2002-finished 2005): continual pain in prostate and surrounding area, increase of pain with sexual activity and stress: what helps? Time, natural supplements and change of diet/lifestyle. At present 100% symptom free
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