accupuncture and Lidocaine patch questions

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Mary - 22 Jun 2005 03:43 GMT

As some of you may remember, I had elbow surgery last June to mend a torn
tendon. Unfortunately I am still having considerable pain in the area of
the scar off and on each day. The surgeon who looked at the MRI that was
taken about 6 months after surgery has told me he could do more surgery but
is not recommending it and can not guarantee it would help my pain.
Basically, he is saying "learn to live with it" if it doesn't get better.

I am finding that wearing a lidocaine patch for 12 hours each day over the
scar area helps some.

I do think with the type of pain that I continue to have that a nerve ending
may have been damaged by the surgery and have made an appointment with a
neurologist who does acupuncture. My questions are:
1. Has anyone had success with acupuncture and for what?
2. Are there any precautions I should be taking as far as my RA with the
acupuncture? (My RA is under control with Methotrexate)

Also, has anyone used lidocanine patches daily over a long period of time?

MaryB

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Gwen Love - 22 Jun 2005 04:01 GMT

Duckie is one that takes acupuncture. She's away canoeing right now but
will be back. Melinda, who hasn't been here for a while, is an
acupuncturist (if there is such a word). And I think some others have used
it also.
Gwen

> As some of you may remember, I had elbow surgery last June to mend a torn
> tendon. Unfortunately I am still having considerable pain in the area of
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> MaryB

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Joan Carter - 22 Jun 2005 04:05 GMT

>1. Has anyone had success with acupuncture and for what?

Mary, my physiotherapist used to use acupuncture for a very sore hip that I had.
It was extremely successful. I would have a series of treatments, can't remember
how often, but pain relief was within half an hour, and would last for a long
time. He also used electrical stim of the acupuncture points while the needles
were in. The needle insertion was painless. I don't know if it works for
everyone but it is certainly worth a try.

>2. Are there any precautions I should be taking as far as my RA with the
>acupuncture? (My RA is under control with Methotrexate)

That I can't tell you as my hip pain was due to MS and I didn't have RA at the
time.

Good luck.
---
Joan

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Walt Hanks - 22 Jun 2005 12:36 GMT

> 1. Has anyone had success with acupuncture and for what?

Yes, I have used it very successfully. Traditional Chinese accupuncture
treats pain from any source and anywhere in the body. Needles will be
inserted in many locations to help balance the energy in your body and make
it easier for your body to turn off the pain signal. I know it sounds a bit
hokey but it works.

Try to find someone who is trained in traditional accupuncture who accepts
your insurance (if your insurance will pay for it). Most pain clinics offer
accupuncture now. It requires a series of treatments over several weeks,
but it is worth it.

> 2. Are there any precautions I should be taking as far as my RA with the
> acupuncture? (My RA is under control with Methotrexate)

Just make sure they use disposable needles and proper infection controls.
My accupuncturist is an M.D., so she understands my RA well.

> Also, has anyone used lidocanine patches daily over a long period of time?

Yes, I use them for the nerve pain in my feet and ankles. As long as you
take them off for 12 hours before reapplying them, I haven't experienced any
reduction in efficacy. They can also be cut to fit the area you need them
for.

Walt

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firechief - 01 Jul 2005 22:58 GMT

> I am finding that wearing a lidocaine patch for 12 hours each day over the
> scar area helps some.
>
> Also, has anyone used lidocanine patches daily over a long period of time?

Late reply, but better late than never I've heard.

I have been using the patches for about a year.
Sometimes on the ribs, sometimes on the knees,
sometimes in the groin, somtimes on the back of
the neck, and in combinations of those areas.

I use Ketoprofen 10% PLO compound 3 times
during the day. It's a fast-acting salve applied to
any combination of the areas mentioned above.

Then depending on current pain, up to 3 patches
are applied about 6:00 p.m. for our square dancing
and pain-free sleep until 6:00 in the morning.

... This house is maintained entirely for the comfort
... and convenience of the CAT.

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