ChiKat

I am trying acupuncture for the first time. I have a few friends who swear by it, and a few studies have suggested that it might help RA pain.

I dislike needles, so I really did not want to become a pin cushion, but my wrist has been swollen and achy for two months, so now seems like a good time to be brave and try something new.

Oddly, I'm not worried about the needs so much as I am worried that the acupuncture will work and will drive the inflammation from my wrists, but that inflammation will travel to another part of my body and settle there.

For as frustrating as the wrist pain is, it's very manageable as long as I hold my wrists steady. I can't open jars, or even door knobs if they stick. But I'm still able to lift my son because I use my back and arms instead of my wrists.

When I have inflammation in my shoulders, it is much harder to deal with. I can't drive because twisting to check the blind spot is torture. I can't change gears or disengage the parking break because that involves using the shoulder. I had no idea how often I used my shoulder until it was inflamed and the slightest movement triggered a cascade of pain.

Same with the knees or hips. They are such large joints, so even a little pain in more invasive than the pain I feel in my wrists.

But two months is too long to have an area inflamed. I run the risk of permanent joint damage and disfigurement.

I'm not ready to give up on diet changes and exercise yet, so Thursday I have my acupuncture appointment.