Nourishing Life & Kitsap Community Acupuncture

5-​Star pain relief for a newly reconstructed foot
Before I get into my review, I need to provide a little history of myself. I was in a work accident where both of my feet were crushed by a 5000 lb piece of equipment. In total, I’ve had 22 operations to my right foot and 14 to my left. In July 2013, I had another major reconstructive surgery to my right foot. It consisted of fusing the first 3 metatarsals with a total of 3 plates and 18 screws. Afterwards, I had a «free flap» procedure which consists of taking a muscle from my upper right leg and placing it over the open wounds in the foot. Then new skin was grafted over the muscle. From September to mid-​March, I endured intense physical therapy to help me get back on my feet again.
At the beginning of March, I knew physical therapy was ending soon. Unfortunately my foot remained swollen and in a great deal of pain. I remained in a walking boot because it was the most comfortable. Whenever I took a step, I’d get this shot of what I refer to as «bone pain» at the mid-​foot area where the bone fusions occurred. To add to this, in April, I was scheduled for a more complex reconstructive operation to my left foot (10+ hours). It became imperative to heal my right foot as much as possible because I would be completely dependent on it while the left heals.
Having never had acupuncture before, I was skeptical. Seeking pain relief prompted to at least give it a try; I was that desperate. Further, I had many restless nights due to pain. I began acupuncture treatments with Jillian on March 6. For the first couple sessions, I didn’t see much of an improvement. But as Jillian said, it takes time; it’s not something that happens overnight. After a month of treatments, I began noticing a few improvements. Slowly the pain began diminishing. Plus I was able to finally stop using the walking boot and transfer to a shoe.
April 23 was my next surgery date. Although I still had foot pain, I was doing better overall thanks to the Jillian’s acupuncture treatments. On the morning of April 23, the surgery was canceled due to a scheduling error by the hospital. The following week I resumed treatments with Jillian. The new date for surgery is now set for June 25.
During the first week of May is when my foot began improving significantly. The bone pain didn’t always occur each time I took a step. After each treatment, Jillian would spend a couple minutes massaging the foot. This helped greatly for pain as well as providing a gentle human touch. The swelling had diminished significantly to the point where I didn’t have to fight to slip on my shoe. I continued treatments from Jillian throughout the month of May
Today is now Friday, June 6. I’m still 2 ½ weeks away from surgery for the left foot. Although my foot doesn’t feel completely «right» or normal, it definitely feels so much better than before. I don’t think I’ll never have normal feet again but I’ve already accepted that and moved on. The bone pain only occurs after about 10 minutes of walking. My foot doesn’t always swell up after a brief amount of standing or walking now. Usually after 30 minutes of rest, elevation, ice and foot massage, the majority of the pain fades away. In the past, that never happened as nothing I did helped with pain relief.
Jillian has proved very knowledgeable for all my questions regarding the treatments. Her advice has been exceptional. She is very caring, friendly, open-​minded, approachable as well as showing a great deal of concern. With the bone knitting powder she recommended to take, she first advised that I consult with my regular doctor to ensure that none of the ingredients conflicted with my system. On the question of billing, Jillian and I have discussed it on numerous occasions. As a result, it’s never been an issue.
Thanks to Jillian, I am certainly ready for the June 25 surgery this time. My right foot is in a better place and is prepared to bear the weight during my recovery for the left foot. June 24 is my last acupuncture treatment with her. Yes, the day before surgery. I will likely resume treatments with her 6 to 8 months from now to help my left foot.
I am not ashamed or embarrassed to state that Jillian is my miracle worker.