Acupuncture for chronic radiation enteritis?

Posted by Daisy67 @carmelas, Apr 30 7:37pm

I had endometrial cancer in 2009 treated with hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Since 2011 I have had increasing symptoms of vomiting, SEVERE abdominal cramping pain, diarrhea and ever increasing food intolerance. It was controlled for a few years with Nortriptyline but it is no longer effective. I can no longer eat any solid food and I still feel some pain almost all the time unless I just fast for a day, but then I am extremely lightheaded (no surprise). I was seeing a gastroenterologist who actually threw his hands up and said “I can’t help you.” I’m not asking for pain meds or anything like that. I went to the Cleveland Clinic (out of pocket) in desperation and the gastroenterologist there recommended acupuncture. So I have an appointment for that in about a month. Has anyone had any success with acupuncture? I’m very tired and depressed.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 5 2:40pm

Hi @carmelas, I added your question to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group as well. You may also be interested in these related discussions:

- Anyone have radiation enteritis, inflammation of your small intestine?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-enteritis/

- Anybody else have GI problems with uterine cancer? What did you do?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anybody-else-have-these-problems-what-did-you-do/

I'm also tagging fellow members like @amyb5 @again2 @naturegirl5 @jeanadair123 @chrissiebee to see if they have experience with acupuncture for GI issues.

There is evidence that acupuncture and accupressure can help with relieving cancer-related nausea and vomiting. It's a treatment option offered by many major cancer centers, including at Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine program.

Having GI issues is exhausting, which can lead to depression. I hope the spring weather helps lift your spirits as you wait for your appointment, Daisy.

Daisy67 | @carmelas | May 5 6:23pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @carmelas, I added your question to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group as well. You..." + (show)

Thanks, I had the cancer in 2009 it’s all post radiation enteritis that is killing me now. I can’t eat any solid food and it has been a gradual, inexorable, painful, and horrible downhill slope.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | May 5 8:15pm

@carmelas The post radiation enteritis sounds just awful. I have had acupuncture but it was for back pain and not for GI problems. I’m tagging @mommacandy as she is currently getting chemotherapy and receives acupuncture. She has shared that the acupuncture has greatly helped her with nausea. As @colleenyoung shared acupuncture and acupressure is offered at Mayo Clinic and other cancer care centers. I’m going to encourage you to look into trying acupuncture and after a few treatments decide if it’s helping.

Daisy67 | @carmelas | May 5 9:00pm

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@carmelas The post radiation enteritis sounds just awful. I have had acupuncture but it was for..." + (show)

Thank you, I have an appointment at the end of the month. I was in a lot of pain this weekend and I don’t know why, but I’m tired of spending so much time crumpled up in a fetal position. I feel like the treatment I received in 2009 is now killing me.

MommaCandy | @mommacandy | May 28 8:02am

@carmelas sorry i'm just now seeing this...it routed this notification to my spam box...go figure... anyways...i was highly skeptical about acupuncture in the beginning but i was staying soooo sick i thought what the heck and i had the option to barter for the services so why not...i can't say enough how much it helped my nausea!!! and even my pain...it definitely was a blessing...now granted the acupuncturist i've been using trained overseas for i think it was 8 years and he really knows what he's doing...but even acupressure can help and its something you can have a friend or spouse do or even yourself depending...just google acupressure and there's tons of charts to show you what affects where...its not as helpful to me as the acupuncture (except with hiccups, then its the bomb) but if you can find a good well trained acupuncturist, i think you'll find some relief...

Daisy67 | @carmelas | May 28 9:15am

In reply to @mommacandy "@carmelas sorry i'm just now seeing this...it routed this notification to my spam box...go figure... anyways...i..." + (show)

Thanks so much, I have an appointment tomorrow with the acupuncturist and I can’t wait. I hope it helps because I’m tired of being in pain almost every day and all I “eat” is yogurt and chocolate. I think I can keep chocolate down because it melts., but I’m trying to cut that out too. I just want to live without pain at this point.

MommaCandy | @mommacandy | May 28 9:40am

In reply to @carmelas "Thanks so much, I have an appointment tomorrow with the acupuncturist and I can’t wait. I..." + (show)

it took me i think 3 visits before i started really noticing a difference and then oh my was like night and day...

Daisy67 | @carmelas | May 28 2:51pm

In reply to @mommacandy "it took me i think 3 visits before i started really noticing a difference and then..." + (show)

Thank you so much. You give me hope.

Daisy67 | @carmelas | May 28 3:07pm

In reply to @mommacandy "it took me i think 3 visits before i started really noticing a difference and then..." + (show)

Nobody tells you that, besides being BRUTAL when you are receiving the treatment that the radiation may be killing you fifteen years later.

MommaCandy | @mommacandy | May 28 6:29pm

In reply to @carmelas "Nobody tells you that, besides being BRUTAL when you are receiving the treatment that the radiation..." + (show)

good to know about the radiation...i've not faced that but my friend is currently going through it...

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