Hi and I'm sure long term members will be thinking oh no a question on acupuncture again!... but I've searched and can't find specifically what I'm asking.
I'm 8 months post-op and although I know I'm slowly progressing, I'm still in a lot of pain, mainly neck and shoulders. I've tried all pain killer options with GP up to opioids and don't really want to go back on those (already on Gabapentin!) even tried high strength CBD oil!! My consultant referred me for acupuncture/neck massage (lucky to have that option at my hospital) but waiting list is a year or more!
A big step forward, thanks to advice and other's experiences on this forum, I've now accepted my neck will never feel the same and be a long time before I'm not constantly aware of it but that day will come. But I would still like to explore this last option for now.
So my question is, has anyone had acupuncture after neck dissection, when their neck has still been really solid, tight and painful? I'm scared of where they'll be sticking the needles in, I've had a lot removed and it's quite scrawny! :) Will it hurt my neck more? As some of you will know I've also had trouble with a tight strangled feeling since my op and at all costs don't want this to get worse! As you can tell I'm really very ignorant of alternative methods but I've got to the point I'll find the money and try anything to ease it all a bit but also worried I should just leave well alone!
Any help or advice really appreciated and I'm truly sorry as I know some of you are dealing with much worse than this but I feel you're the only ones I can ask and get honest, experienced answers from. Thank you for being there.
So my question is, has anyone had acupuncture after neck dissection, when their neck has still been really solid, tight and painful? I'm scared of where they'll be sticking the needles in,
Hi. I’ve had acupuncture but not for neck dissection side effects. I can assure you the needles don’t hurt and the acupuncture points might well be not in your neck. Do a google for your nearest practitioners. Ask first if they are familiar with what you need and if they aren’t do they know who is . There is a well established network and any decent acupuncturist will advertise there to find you somebody who can help.
You can expect to pay around £40/45 a session.
Good luck
PS. Where are you? Ask if there is a late effects clinic at your hospital.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
