Acupuncture treatment for CRPS?

[Sunshine7]

Hello all you folks, I am Sunshine's husband, Darrell, First off, I would like to say hang in there, and I HIGHLY appreciate the feedback and encouragement shared between everyone. I know first hand your responses are very helpful and supportive, and keeps Sunshine's hopes at the best of her ability.
However, my concern of the issue at hand, if anyone could share their opinion or statement if Acupuncture, which was just recommended by the Medical facilities of her treatment facility, could be worth while?
P.S. The therapist recommended that the Aquatics therapy was proven to be unsuccessful!
Additionally, the meds that Dr.s continue to Ghuinea Pig her on recommends a Psych, although, she still has NONE!!!
Any comments would be appreciated, GOD BLESS YOU ALL, GOOD PEOPLE.

[bagpussinamerica]

Hi There, Darrell,
Well, I know first hand that Acupuncture can and does work. I am not sure what they are recommending it for, though. I have not read back enough on your wifes situation to know. If I were you, I would get into the internet and do some research on the subject with regards to your wife's situation.

With regards to the therapist thing. Do you have an attorney? I ask because although my surgeon has made recommendations it has been pretty much my attorney who has been on the forefront of my case, using the copies of my surgeons recommendations and sending that on to workers comp insurance. I have not had my surgeon recommend a therapist, but my own personal doctor did, when it was discovered that I can not tolerate antidepressants. I have not followed up on that, nor have I asked my attorney to do so, but I am sure he would if I asked. So far I have found other ways of not letting this whole thing get me down.

[Cervical_Fusion]

I jusr changed POR and he had recommended accupuncture to help relieve pain in my neck and shoulders. He thinks accupuncture does work for some people. I have had one sessionlast week and am scheduled for 3 more. I could tell a difference in the muscles in my neck and shoulders after the first session. That does not mean the next 3 will make any difference, but I will continue the sessions and see if I get any pain relief from them. If I were here I would atleast
give them a try and see if there is any relief for her.

[Sunshine7]

I had had really good results with acupuncture for other pain problems years ago and was encouraged to try it for RSD. It was not a good experience AT ALL. One thing to consider is that needling can cause this to spread and unfortunately, I was in a flare when I had this recommended. Just my experience. Corrine
This is Sunshine and this is a message from some one I was talking to about rsd/crps about acupuncture.
My husband is so worried about me believe it or not he got on here yesturday, I love him so much!
I want to thank you for taking out your time to write him back I'm sure he'll look at it latter when he wakes up thank you so much. To tell you the truth I was supprised, and that is one reason why I love him so much.

[Lilly]

Hi Sunshine,

Yes, good hubbies are rare finds...and count you blessing daily for him! I certainly do mine!!

You need to weigh the options......chance spread of RSD, or have the accupuncture and see if it helps! If it were myself....I would not even think about the bad side of it...but would eagerly try anything that may be helpful.

Prayers for you my girl! Lilly

[Sunshine7]

Thanks but should I insist they get it approved first since AT was denied?

[Cervical_Fusion]

If it is workmans comp i would get everything the dr wants done approved first.

[chrischris]

Hi Sunshine,
If Acpuncture was "suggested" by your WC doctor, you just sit and wait until you hear whether it has been approved or not. First, your doctor has to write the insurance company and ask for a referral, plus justify his reasons for asking for a procedure. The Insurance Company/Adjuster can either approve it right away, or send the request to UR (Utilization Review) to determine if the procedure is medically necessary. If approved, you will either get a call from the doctor or a letter in the mail authorizing this.

If this is not going thru WC, then your doctor will set up appts. To be sure it is covered, either call your insurance company or check your handbook.

My insurance (not WC) covers $50 for an acpuncture visit, and there is a max of 12 visits allowed per year.

All I can say is try it yourself. You might like it.

[fireball]

I was sent to a acupuncturist and he alone refused to do any treatment on me because of the diagnosis of crps/rsd. fyi i have also been denied surgery for bunions and for taking the hardware out of leg following years after the sugery--basically a doctor will not touch me for any operation due to full body crps.rsd

[Sunshine7]

Thank you all for your replies, This is Sunshine,
On 2-25-10 we talked to my attrny and he said as long as it was out of our pocket I could go to acupuncture, went to acupuncture on 2-25-10, paid out of pocket, went in on the scale 1-10 it was a 10, by the time we left I felt a release of pressure I could move my right foot, apply little pressure to it, I've gone 5 times I am able to walk some what for a little bit then I start hurting feel weak, but that seems to be the only relief I have received in 11 months, my husband has sold almost all our stuff so I could go, I see my PMD tomorrow I still feel I have a pinched nerve or damaged nerve in my right foot, I'm going to bring up to him about the acupuncture and see if he can request that or something, I was going 3 times a week but when I don't have it I start hurting again. Has anyone had these results like this? I go to the QME March 30 or 31 if I go to the QME after going to acupuncture will he rate me lower, even though I have gone through so much pain? Thank you all for your replies!