I’m not one to shy away from new experiences. I’ve lived in Europe and I’ve been skydiving – twice. And all of my recent experience has been nothing if not foreign waters for me. Not that I would have chosen this, but it is what it is and I’ve certainly learned from it. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And amid all the negativity, I’ve found several silver linings (don’t worry, I’ve got plenty more clichés in the wings) – alternative medicine being one of those.
When my OB/GYN laid it straight that she could do nothing more for me, and it was time to consider options in the fertility-specialist realm (i.e. aggressive treatment insurance companies consider elective – another topic for another day), my husband and I made a conscious decision to jump in, come what may. Shortly before that, I had already decided we needed a new approach anyway.
All of this drove me to the magical land of Google, and I stumbled upon the website for Blossom Clinic (shameless plug alert). Blossom is a little, soothing oasis above a Whole Foods in North Portland. I had already heard good things about acupuncture, and Blossom’s website emphasized a focus on infertility and women’s health. To top it off, the testimonials and the owner’s personal story spoke deeply to me of a place that just might turn out to be a perfect fit. I thought, “What the heck – I’ll try anything at this point.” Well, I’m hooked.
I cannot say definitively that acupuncture is why I conceived, as I simultaneously underwent the hormone treatment through Oregon Fertility Institute (another enthusiastic plug). I do know acupuncture treatment definitely helped my work through the side- and after-effects of the miscarriage. And here is what I know absolutely – I’ve unquestioningly benefited spiritually and mentally from acupuncture at Blossom Clinic. And I believe that is a BIG part of this battle. My acupuncturist is more than just the person who sticks a bunch of needles in me every week - she's become a sort of therapist, an objective confidant who lets me vent whatever I am feeling on a given day. To simply take an hour each week just for me – to focus inwardly and process whatever energies happen to be surrounding and permeating me on that day, and then to have those energies corrected through a centuries-old practice, is an incredibly healing experience. The science of it is all a little over my head, but it feels right.
And Blossom has been more than just acupuncture to me (they offer a number of holistic services). It’s been a new way of looking at and thinking about my condition. Treatments I would never have considered. In addition to the weekly acupuncture, I’ve had several consultations with a naturopathic doctor who focuses on hormonal conditions – pretty much exactly what I needed. In talking to her, I learned basically that my metabolism is broken – it’s not like everyone else’s – and as a result, it inhibits normal hormone balances in my body thereby affecting my ability to normally ovulate, the heart of my infertility. I’ve heard time and again that a “healthy” weight exponentially increases a woman’s ability to conceive, but I’ve never read or heard a reasonable explanation for this or anything more than blanket, generic tips on how to accomplish that goal. Helpful, right?
Now, I’ve been overweight most of my life. This was the first time any medical professional has told me it’s essentially beyond my control – it’s not my fault. What a weight (no pun intended) off my mind and shoulders. What a liberating thought. “No, Weight Watchers and other low-fat, low-calorie programs will not work for you long term. (Might explain why I so easily regained the 40 pounds I’d lost struggling through Weight Watchers.) You should be eating a high-protein, high-saturated-fat diet – want a snack, eat some bacon. (Huh?) And no sugar – not even fruit.” But wait, that’s not what popular health science has been broadcasting to the world and beating over our heads through endless ads and Oprah spin-offs for years…Thus began the diet overhaul. And in the first two weeks, I lost about 10 pounds. I went on hiatus since becoming pregnant, followed by two weeks of self-indulgence after my miscarriage. But I’m beginning to get back on track, and I’m excited to see the effect – both on my weight and fertility – with a good 2+ months behind me before starting hormone injections again.
All of this is to illustrate again how my life has been turned upside down in a few months’ time, but I am now a strong believer in looking at a medical problem in a holistic way. And I am beyond grateful for the team of practitioners who have helped guide me on this journey so far – my OB/GYN and fertility doctor, but also my acupuncturist and naturopath. What a gift to have compassionate and talented women like these working to support women like me. To the skeptics, I say keep an open mind if you can. You never know what might change your perceptions and your life.
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