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So that’s what a Voodoo doll feels like.

39 Comments

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If you’ve been a loyal reader, you’ll know that I blew my right knee out last fall. Deep root radial meniscal year with damage to my MCL. The pain was intense and it swelled to grapefruit proportions.

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I had xrays and MRI’s, a cortisone shot, numerous orthopedist appointments and rehab. I tried heat and cold and massage and gentle exercising. Nothing worked. For a solid year I moaned and groaned and yes, complained.

Western medicine’s answer to the pain? Opioids, that I didn’t take. Their solution to the problem? A surgery that will put me in a cast for 3 months and on crutches for another 3. The success rate for this surgery? 25%.

Tired of being in constant pain, and tired of hearing my orthopedist say, “ It will either heal or it won’t. If it won’t? We’ll cut.” … I decided to seek alternate treatment.

So now, twice a week I lie on a table for 40 minutes and stare at the ceiling, or this.

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I also know exactly what it feels like to be a Voodoo doll.

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Yes, I’m doing acupuncture. And while the skeptic in me scoffed at the slightly woo woo environment….

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The chronic pain ridden patient in me is beyond impressed.

After the very first treatment… I felt relief. My knee felt less swollen and tight as soon as I got up from the table.

After the second treatment, I didn’t cringe in pain when I rolled over in the middle of the night.

After the third treatment, the swelling had gone down considerably and my knee was beginning to look more like a knee again instead of the fruity ingredients for a Paloma.

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Don’t get me wrong, I’m still in pain and far from cured. It’s a process, and won’t be healed overnight. But any relief is progress and I’m convinced this is going to be the path forward for me right now.

Even if I do look a porcupine twice a week.

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P.S…. If you’re feeling the need to lay a curse on a co worker or (used to be) loved one? I’m available Mondays and Thursdays from 11:00-12:00.

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39 thoughts on “So that’s what a Voodoo doll feels like.”

  1. Good for you. I too felt sceptical toward alternative treatments for a long while but am now full in on the concept of integrated health. I’ve had acupuncture, shiatsu massage, traditional massage, chiropractic, naturopathic and other treatments in conjunction with traditional medical treatments for certain issues and I feel better at 50 than I did through my 30s and 40s.

    I hope your path forward will continue. Chronic pain is a bitch, I get it.

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      3. See my note below. Chiropractor for a year with no real relief. Acupuncture = immediate and LASTING improvement. And I haven’t had to return for treatment for about 7 years.

        Good luck to you both.

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  3. Go to your health aid store and see if they carry a product called MARI-MEND ointment. It comes from Nova Scotia. The web address is Stephenhealthinc.com (I think) and they can tell you if you have a distributor near you. It is hell on bad knees. Best product I ever used. It does not heal, per se, but it takes away some pains I had for years that medical methods could not touch.

    Yes, it is made from marijuana seed oil, and it is high in CBDs, but it has only just enough THC in it to help with pain and cannot get you high.

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  4. I tried this for migraines, but it didn’t help me. However, I’m not ruling it out because I’d like to give it another shot. I believe it was the person performing the acupuncture rather than the act of acupuncture itself.

    Sending healing hugs your way. Chronic pain sucks.

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  6. I am all for alternatives. I go to the chiropractor once a month and have been for years. One of the best things I have ever done. I have had acupuncture, massage, and osteopathic adjustments. All my regular doctor wants to do is write prescriptions.

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  9. I could probably use your assistance Monday through Thursday for at least a months worth. lol! But seriously, sometimes we go to extra lengths to try about anything to get some relief of some sort, and I’m glad it is at least helping some.

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  10. Relived you’ve found an alternative to the opioids and surgery. As for the voodoo curse thingy, I’ll be sending you a list of former coworkers and one loved one for you to start your magic…..🤨🤞😵‍💫😈

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  11. Wow. I can’t believe that you are so limited on what will help you. Surgery=25% success rate? Yikes.
    I love that this method is giving you some improvement. I hope it continues to do so.

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  13. I had serious neck pain for years (stress from practicing law, and living life, etc.). I spent a year going to a chiropractor with no real relief. And then I tried acupuncture. Vast improvement. Many days with no pain.

    Good luck!

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