Back to Work and Acupuncture

March 25, 2004

, although you posted several days ago, I just saw your message, and a

few of the replies. I especially appreciated the one

which pointed out that we are more than our jobs. When a serious illness

changes our life, it's an opportunity to re-evaluate what is

really important to us, and to our families. I'm sure your family would much

rather have you present, and have you with less pain and

less stress. You might also think what if your life ended today - would you be

glad you spent the hours and days you did at your job, or

doing something else? I know, I know, we all have to pay the bills somehow.

Just wanted to give you more to think about.

On a bit more practical level, when I got out of the hospital, the doctor

thought I could go right back to work (of course he knew nothing

about pancreatitis.) I found that it took months to get my energy levels up to

where I could cope with a full day. I am fortunate in that I'm

able to work at home at least some of the time. I agree that you have to be

honest and up front with your employer, but I have also

read that you need to be discreet about what you tell fellow employees.

Everyone's situation is different, but you can learn a lot from

the experiences members of this group have posted. Best wishes.

Regarding acupuncture: I worked as the office manager for a naturopathic

physician/acupuncturist for 11 years. When I started

working for Dr. Brayce, I had a phobia about needles and was terrified of them.

After listening to our patients and finally trying

acupuncture myself, I would whole-heartedly recommend it. It can work wonders

for some people, and for some medical conditions. It

seems to be very individual. For me personally, it stopped the pain of strep

throat instantly, but never helped with a headache. When I

got both a spinal adjustment and acupuncture for back pain, they seemed to work

together to make relief last much longer. So I have

told new patients, try it with an open mind, but don't expect a miracle cure.

It may help you a little, or a lot, or it may not work for you,

but you won't know unless you try. One last comment on the subject: No

reputable doctor should make you sign up for future

treatments ever - if it doesn't work for you you'll know after the first

treatment. If it is helping, yes, you will get greater benefit from

additional treatment. But I am very suspicious of any practitioner who requires

a certain number of office visits.

Aloha,

in Hawaii

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