I've been busy researching dry needling in NYC and writing letters to any organisation that might have a clue as to what direction to point me, since none of my doctors are familiar with it. I just sent this email to the International Myopain Society:
"Hi. I was recently in Holland visiting a friend and she took me to her physio as I was in a lot of pain. Recently I had an MRI that showed disc bulging, herniated discs and stenosis in my cervical spine. I was sent to a neurologist who sent me for the MRI because I had constant pins and needles shooting down my right arm.
I also have EDS - hypermobility, fibromyalgia, TMJ, mild scoliosis and more things I probably can't remember at this moment. I have also had 4 reconstructive hand surgeries, and hip surgery to deal with a torn labrum, psoas release and FAI.
Anyway, I went to see this brilliant physio, Remco, in Den Haag and he did some traction on my neck, adjusted C2 for the TMJ and also adjusted my lower back and did dry needling in my trapezius muscle. It was the first time since the constant pins and needles started that I had relief. I didn't have them for 4 days, and it is still much less than it was.
The thing is, I really need to find someone who can work on me here. I have a chiro, but he's not allowed to do much else other than electric stim and massage and stretching. That helps, but only mildly. I was hoping that you would be able to recommend someone in Manhattan that works with my kind of mess of a body and does dry needling.
If you would I'd so appreciate it.
Thank you very much for your time."
Yes I am desperate! I am hoping someone will respond from one of my cries for help and tell me they know someone in the area. I did find this Dutch-trained physio who would be perfect, but of course he A) is in Bethesda, MD and B) doesn't take insurance. Part of me wants to go down to see him anyway, and he lives close to my aunt and uncle, so...I may just have to. I think I will send him an email as well. His name is Jan Dommerholt and he sounds brilliant.
I go for the EMG test on Monday, my mother is coming with me. Yes, I'm a baby, but I don't fancy someone sticking needles into me and then electrocuting me. We shall see what the darling neurologist has to say about my reports then as well. I have no faith in her at this point, but will bring my research and show her, after she says her opinion.
At present, the neck and back hurt, plus the usual "it's high humidity and low pressure" fibro crap, so going to go to the PT pool after work and hopefully it will be quiet and empty and I can just relax in there for a while.
