sistercarrion

I *need* an acupuncturist, that much is becoming abundantly clear.

Without: My knees are heavily inflammed, my tennis elbow and golf elbow hurt more, rock hard tension across my shoulders and neck causes me horrible headaches, I have to take heavy-going painkillers yadda yadda yadda.

With: The inflammation goes down, visibly so. I'm able to do my physio when my joints feel stronger, get out and about more. Which in turn helps me lose weight, which in turn puts less pressure on my sorest joints. I don't have as intense headaches, migraines and dizziness.  All of which helps my mental health *massively*, and means I don't have to take as many painkillers. So, win win.

But.

NHS funding has meant I've already had two lots of 6 week courses for 'western style' acupuncture. I don't get any more than that. When it's been proven to work for me. *eye roll*

So. After asking the docs repeatedly, they couldn't give me the name of one single useful contact. Great huh? So, I've hit doctor internet. I've found somewhere local that seems to offer what I need (western style, aware of specific FMS requirements), and I'm going to call them this week. I just wanted to ask some help of you, my lovely friendslist. From those who've used private practitionists, what experiences have you had? What sorts of prices are 'good' value? Are there any specific questions I should ask of them? Are there even any schemes that would mean the NHS could cover the costs?

The whole prospect of sorting this out for myself is currently freaking me out a little. It's just such an unknown, and I don't want to get ripped off or.. having it done and feeling worse. I just couldn't.. g'ah. So yeah, halp?