Limit of each medicine...

On January 2, Selena, a college student, came to our clinic with chronic "digestive issues" and fatigue. Her long flight from China made her even more tired and I could tell from how faint her voice was. 

Selena said she just saw a TCM doctor in China who, after checking her pulses, prescribed a lot of Chinese herbs for her digestion. Hearing that she tends to feel bloated and cold in her stomach, I decided to do a physical exam on her abdomen. Upon inspection and palpation, there appeared to be nothing wrong with her upper gastric region. However, her lower abdomen looked quite big. It was as if she was 5 months pregnant. Based on the size, shape, and hardness of her tummy, I believed there must be an occupying lesion in her pelvic cavity. I expressed my concern and Selena agreed to take my advice on getting an pelvic ultrasound.

It was a late Friday afternoon, and thankfully I was able to get ahold of the ob/gyn who delivered my 3rd child. She was seen at 5 pm and we were told, according to the ultrasound, that there was an 18 cm ovarian cyst, which needs surgery and pathology. Apparently, Selena was shocked by the news and worried about her surgery, recovery, and classes that would start the following Monday.

After talking to her mom and doing some online research, she wanted me to treat the cyst with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I told her that I CAN make her feel better from jetlag, reduce bloating from poor digestion, and manage pain from surgery. However, I CAN'T make such a big cyst go away. Or at least, I CAN'T guarantee that I can do it with needles and herbs.

Selena eventually took my advice and underwent a surgery on January 27. As I promised, she did not have to take even a SINGLE pill of her pain medications (ibuprofen and hydrocodone) prescribed by the surgeon.

Mission accomplished, with both medicines! 

Frank He, L. Ac., QME, DAOM

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