- This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 7 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
The most discomfort right now besides the PEG tube feeding is the constant mucus gathering in the throat,
and the nueropathy in the finger tips, arms and neck, believed to be caused by the past radiation treatments for throat cancer.
Has anyone had any experience with acupuncture therapy for the relief of these conditions?
Would appreciate any information you can offer. Considering pursuing this avenue of treatment if such exists.
RoyHi Roy,
You ask a great question that I think many Head and Neck Cancer patients and survivors have wondered about as well.
The research on this is a bit inconclusive. One of the most recent research studies we could find was a retrospective series of case studies. The study suggested that 9 out of 10 patients experienced subjective quality of life improvements related to their swallowing function, dry mouth, pain, and fatigue.
In another study, conducted by investigators at Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, showed that although there was an improvement to their quality of life, it was not statistically significant compared to a group of participants who had “sham acupuncture.”
If you would like access to these articles, let us know and we can get this information to you.
-The NFOSD Team
The NFOSD Team,
Thank you for your response. I would appreciate access to these articles to continue my research before making a decision to pursue alternative treatment options.
Roy (patient)
Chuck (caregiver)I’m a head and neck cancer survivor from decades ago. I had acupuncture seven years after my operations, radiation & chemo when my neuropathic pain began. The needles were inserted literally from head to toe. In my case, the acupuncturist said that we should stop after ten treatments. I had not had any improvement and she felt that I would not. The fact that I never felt the desired electrical-like sensation when she spun the needles after insertion meant that I was not someone who would have a benefit from the treatment. Obviously, my experience was specific to me and may not apply to others.
Roger,
Thanks so much for your input. Other than the surgical procedure to remove the cancer at the base of his tongue,
Roy has had no neuropathic pain. His finger tips have numbness and the neuropathy is felt in his neck and shoulder but no pain exits. As you mentioned each experience is specfic to the individual. We are willing to continue are research and anxiously look forward to the articles on past acupuncture studies mentioned in the forum note on this subject.
Regards
Chuck (caregiver) & RoyHi, me again…
I noticed someone just posted their experience with acupuncture today under another topic. I’m not sure how to reference it, but it is under the Forum topic of “General Discussion” and the sub topic of “Un-diagnosed Swallowing Problem.” It’s the third post in that string and was written by ClarkTaylor. Hope this is useful.
If you do head down this path, would love to know about your experience.
Roger
Hi Roger
Roy has started with an acupuncture treatment. I will let you know the results in time. We are looking to get some satisfaction with the neuropathy numbness in his neck, arms and fingers.
Regards
Chuck & RoyHello
NCCIH funds research to evaluate acupuncture’s effectiveness for various kinds of pain and other conditions.
______________________________________
Best Cheap Assignment Help in Australia
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.