Acupuncture is the only thing that has helped manage my pain caused from my gastroparesis. Here is my experience.
I started weekly acupuncture treatments a little more than 6 months ago, and still continue to go 2-3 times a month.
Acupuncture was something I had been slightly familiar with, as a couple people in my family have used it for various symptoms/illnesses. I started acupuncture because it was the last option I really had to help with my pain. One of the main symptoms of GP is stomach pain or around the area of your stomach. My pain was awful for 8 months straight. I dreaded going to work, I skipped class when I could because I couldn't sit still; I tried everything people suggested to me: heating pads, pills, peppermint tea/oil, chamomile, warm baths, probiotics, etc. Nothing worked, so I went to acupuncture.
I am lucky enough to go to an affordable clinic that lets you pay what you're able to (on a certain pay scale). Prior to the first appointment, I filled out around 7 pages of paper work including my medical history where I explained that I do have GP. The acupuncturist went over my symptoms, explaining how acupuncture works, what he'll do to help me, and even showed me how to properly belly breathe to reduce the nerves/anxiety I was feeling daily, to help calm my stomach.
I do not like needles, but fortunately I'm not scared of them. Acupuncture does not hurt. 90% of the time you don't feel anything, and if you do, it's only a small pinch. He stuck some in my feet, near my stomach, legs, and around my collar bone. I was surprised how relaxing and nice it was to just lay there, knowing someone was finally trying to help me and my symptoms when the doctors didn't know how.
That very first appointment changed the way I was living completely. When I went back a week later I was really excited to tell him that I just had an entire week of no pain! It was incredible. I kept going weekly for about 3 1/2 months, then switched to going twice a month, which is what I do now. I still occasionally get under-rib or low stomach pain mostly from bloating, but it is very mild compared to what I was getting, and only happens a couple times a week.
The vagus nerve is what controls your stomach from opening and emptying food when it's suppose to. For GP patients, that nerve is damaged. Acupuncture helps stimulate that nerve to help it work more effectively, which overall can eliminate a few or many of your symptoms.
Apart from my stomach pain, I have also had the acupuncturist help me with my back pain, bowel issues and anxiety. I highly recommend that anyone try it out with an open mind.
Note: Due to the coronavirus, some of the acupuncture clinics are closed for the time being. This has been an adjustment for me, but I still only have a very small and manageable amount of pain.
-Loreal
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