Fatigue and SS

Thanks. I'm checking that out. What is the process like?

I get my acupuncture at an acupuncture graduate school, sometimes by students and sometimes by the professors. It's all been excellent. I was driven to it in desperation because of failures in western medicine after a hand surgery. If I could afford it, I would try using acupuncture alone for a while to see if it could help with everything. As it is I'm usually asking for help with various pains (you're surprised, I know), energy, muscle problems and sinus issues. They have helped me in astounding ways both profound and simple that have had huge positive impacts in my life.

As to process, first they ask a lot of questions, on paper and in person. They always want to see one's tongue and prefer that it not have been brushed. If there's more than one person there, there may be conversations about "lung 2, kidney 3" which you just ignore as they're not saying anything about your lungs & heart.

It's best to wear loose comfortable clothing. They may treat you in your own clothes or have you change to a gown. There are different styles and also different philosophies: Chinese may treat right-hand issues on the right & left sides of your body while Japanese treat right-hand issues only from the left side. I find treatments on a table far more effective than those done while I'm in a recliner, but that's just me.

Needles are about the circumference of the hair on our heads. My first needle went into an extremity which had been reconstructed, and that first needle was painful but the pain dissipated. Needles are put in all extremities and often on the top of the head and between the eyebrows. They sometimes tell you to exhale & then they insert the needle. I wouldn't recommend sinus treatments for a beginner simply because the needles are going into the face

It takes a while to get all the needles in then you lie there for 20 or so minutes, not moving. I do deep breathing and meditate & sometimes sleep. Then they come remove the needles & they may suggest some herbs or pills or ointment. Some things are immediately effective and some problems require a number of treatments.

If you're on Medicare , they only cover acupuncture done in a doc's office, which is why I get treatments at the school - much cheaper and free if one is the demonstration model in class.

Thanks so much for the info. The detail really helps. Have located providers in my area. Will discuss with doc. I know massage helps. Couldn't live without it. Best results if do it on some type of regular basis.

Although all the GPS I've had for 10 years absolutely believe in the validity and value of acupuncture, not a single one of my specialists do. More than half of American doctors still pop-up it, to which I reply: Why are there so many people alive in China if their only medical system is bunking?

That last word should be "bunkum."

:-)

I feel some days my fatigue can be sooooh disabling, like Cowgirl. I've never been given plaquenil. Though I've heard of it. GT What is it for? Are you in the UK.? As I am 74, age can be factored in of course, but I did lead a very, very busy life till of late.

The generic name is hydroxychloroquine. It's used to fight inflammation, which we SS folks have in spades. Someone who uses it can tell you more.

Hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil is used for inflammation, especially joint pain. It's often used for rheumatoid arthritis. However, my horrific fatigue is less while on it. I've tried to reduce the dosage. No way!!!! 200 mg Twice a day. I'm in the US.

My doctor wanted me to start Plaquenil last August but I didn't want to take it. Do you have any side effects from the med? I see the doctor again next week and may start it depending on what he has to say. 

My Rheumatologist considered starting me on Plaquenil for Sjogrens a few years ago, (I also have Raynauds, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and markers for Limited Scleroderma) but decided againist it because he said it can damage your liver along with your eyesight. He also said I would need monthly liver tests to monitor some type of levels. Thompson101 - are you required to have monthly liver tests, and are there any bad side effects you've noticed while on the Plaquenil?

I was on Plaquenil years ago and had to stop. Became allergic to it. I am on Synthroid and Florinef.

How long you taking Plaquenil?

I thinking about to start also for fatigue.

Are you start it 2x 200 mg?