Wednesday, January 6, 2010

new diagnosis: liver QI stagnation

Late last week, I received a call from a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) practitioner, a phone call I had been expecting for quite some time. She had an opening for me finally, so we set up the appointment for today. I had her website bookmarked on my computer for, oh, over two years, and finally called her a while back. It was clear that she would call when something opened up, and sure enough she finally did!

After a long conversation about medical history, my PMS symptoms, my western diagnosis, she made her concerns known: why does Dr. S want to begin ovarian stimulation when I ovulate? Why so aggressive?

That questions had been bugging me, too, and the most recent decision DH and I had was to wait one month, blah blah blah, but the truth is that I am a bit freaked about this method because in all accounts, I ovulate regularly--why stimulate? Am I taking this route so that I get knocked up fast? What happens if I produce multiples, and when I say multiples, I mean Jon and Kate style? How will we work through that change? Obviously, DH and I have some talking to do. I know that Dr. S told me that the chance of multiples is a risk I have to stare down...maybe I need more time with that. Not that two is risky, but three? four? five? huh? I am spinning! Am I the only one freaked about that? Am I just selfish?

Anyway, today, my TCM diagnosis is Liver QI stagnation, which essentially means that the symptoms I have (fibroids, clots in my period, frustration, irritability, holding things in emotionally, uterine polyps) are signs that my Qi is not flowing smoothly. I began acupuncture today and will continue this method, along with some dietary changes (no more chilis? wah!) for the time being.

I remember feeling this block a while back during a restorative yoga class.

I have a weekly appointment set, and as soon as my cycle comes on and I see what my period looks like, she'll offer some herbs to me, too.

7 comments:

Kitty said...

I've been dying to see a TCM practitioner for about a year, but alas, I have no money for it at the moment. How exciting you have another option to pursue! I love hearing about this stuff, thanks for posting about it :)

tishi said...

My TCM doctor said the same thing Liver QI stagnation, thats why she said I have a hard time staying still, I always need to be moving and exercising! My TCM doctor said she could work with me, but I haven't started yet, I wanted to take a month or two off from acupuncture and restricted food, Please let us know how this all goes with you, I have heard GREAT results from this type of treatment :)

tge said...

This is the first I've heard of TCM doctors. Keep posting updates...I'm fascinated.

My Vegas said...

I am scheduled for weekly treatments, so I plan to post often about this. Thanks for listening!

Allison said...

Hmm...I know very little about this, and am also very curious! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

Beckie's Infertile said...

I have been going on a regular basis for about 6 months and I have noticed a huge difference in my cycles as well as my stress level. I LOVE going! Hope it works as well for you!

Mom Genes said...

I am totally fascinated by this post. I had your exact symptoms and, of course, the doctor found my uterus "full" of one inch fibroids. It really sounds like you've come across someone great. Can't wait to hear more!