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  Portland
(503) 227-7900
Salem (503) 399-8600
Pendleton (541) 276-0723
Lincoln City (541) 994-9916 |
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Testimonial: Rheumatoid Arthritis |
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Last September (2001) I was having a flare-up of the Rheumatoid
Arthritis which I have had for 25 years. In the beginning, treatment was rather primitive – 12 aspirin a day, sturdy shoes and arm braces. Then we graduated to gold injections, which worked very well for several months. Then came the NSAIDS (for inflammation) which fortunately worked well for me with no side effects. In recent years I have been taking weekly injections of Methotrexate, a very powerful drug, used primarily for cancer treatment. All of these medications have kept the RA quite well in check, but it appeared to be gradually worsening and the meds had to be increased. I am always concerned about the effect the Methotrexate was having on my liver, although monthly lab work showed that there were no signs of damage – yet. When my Rheumatologist/Allergist suggested that I see someone whose specialty was purely Rheumatology and who might want to put me on a new medication which has shown promise, I decided that a new approach was in order.
Concurrently with this, I was always battling high blood pressure, for which I was on two different meds, which kept it within an acceptable range. I had been curious about the possibility of acupuncture being a viable option for my arthritis, but didn’t know
just where to go.
Acupuncture and Botanical Clinics of Oregon and the Cheungs were highly recommended to me by a friend who is a therapist. I freely admit that before my first visit I was a bit scared, I brought a friend with me for moral support – and so that I wouldn’t chicken out. Not to worry! The office – in Chinatown – is oozing with atmosphere. The front part is filled with more Chinese herbs than I ever knew grew on the earth. The aroma from all of this is delightful. The next pleasant experience was meeting the personnel. Wai Tak Cheung and , David Cheung, Licensed Acupuncturists, are totally professional men of long experience and exceptional personal charm. I was immediately put at ease and knew right away that I was in the right place.
Of course, these are just the preliminaries. The really good news is that the RA has not continued its flare the pain is reduced to the point that I honestly forget that I have it. I am now seeing another Rheumatologist who is willing to work with me to gradually reduce the Methotrexate – hopefully to eliminate it entirely.
Before being treated at the ABC of Oregon, one is asked to fill out a questionnaire about your health history, meds, etc. Of course I listed hypertension. At that time – even on meds – it was running in barely acceptable levels - 140+ /80+. One day in October (a few weeks after starting the acupuncture treatments) I checked my blood pressure and it was 112/66!
Over the next few weeks it gradually came up and has now stabilized at about 130/70. My primary physician has taken me off one of the meds, and we will see where we go from here. Needless to say, I am thrilled with the results I have had with acupuncture. Even my husband – a retired physician – is pleased and very supportive. I now go for treatments every two weeks.
The frequency of treatments depends upon how one is doing and how long the effects last, so it varies with the individual. A year ago I wouldn’t have imagined my taking this treatment, but I am so thankful that it is was suggested to me and that the Cheung’s are there with their wonderful friendly and obviously very effective clinic.
Cynthia Edwards (Portland, OR) |
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