CASE STUDY : Balanced Translocation
Introduction
Our bodies are made of billions of cells. In each cell is a set of structures called chromosomes that carry all the instructions (genes) for the cell to function.
We generally have 23 pairs of chromosomes and inherit one in each pair from each parent. Sometimes a section from one chromosome of a particular pair changes places with a section from a chromosome of another pair.
When the two breaks do not pass through a gene and there is no gain or loss of material when the chromosomes are looked at under a microscope, it is called a balanced translocation.
Someone with a balanced translocation (a carrier) usually has no health or developmental problems, although they may sometimes have difficulties when they want to have children.
Presentation
A 39-year-old client came to see me in 2015 who has a balance translocation (9 + 16); which is linked to infertility and miscarriage. She has a four-year-old daughter delivered via c-section. She told me she’d been trying to conceive for the last four years, and in that time experienced eight miscarriages (3 natural and 5 IVF); all before 12 weeks with no D and C. Her AMH was high= 13. Furthermore, she had a regular 28-day cycle with no pain and gets fertile mucous each month.
Treatment
Treatment 1
Acupuncture Treatment. In Chinese medicine the Kidney Jing correlates to DNA, so the root of her treatment plan was to boost her Kidney energy, her deepest energy reserves. I gave her an '8 extras' treatment, Kidney 6 and Lung 7, which are extremely powerful at promoting fertility and a healthy ovulation. The lung point used also helps to transform grief. I also added CV17 to nourish the heart, after all those heartbreaking miscarriages.
Supplements + Herbs, Pregnancy multivitamins, and a Chinese herbal formula which nourishes Kidneys and promotes a healthy ovulation. Lifestyle advice included recommended acupressure to Kidney 3 and Creative Visualisation.
Treatment 2
Day 30- Period 2 days late - is stressed and cranky. Used same points as last time. Added a point to reduce irritability, stress and mild cramps, also used a point to calm the mind and a special Kidney point in the ear.
Treatment 3
Last period was 5 days late (perhaps a chemical pregnancy). Day 24, post ovulation. Added points to help prevent miscarriage, same 8 extra treatment and a point to calm the mind and regulate hormones.
Treatment 4
Period is late again - day 31, over indulged at Easter. Is sad as partner away next ovulation. Repeat points.
Treatment 5
Pregnant! At 6+2/40. Has stretchy mucous, with brown spotting for 3 days. She is irritable, snappy and anxious. Sleep is poor.
I used Moxa over a special point to stop the spotting- it’s an indication of a weak Spleen which can't hold the blood. I also used points to help secure pregnancy, regulate hormones, calm spirit, help with sleep and strengthen Kidney energy.
Treatment 6
7+2/40. 7 week scan went well - embryo is 10 mm. Heartbeat is good. No more spotting. She is overjoyed, and her spirit looks good. She is suffering from mild nausea. Is busy at work and has stress and anxiety.
Used points to secure pregnancy, calm mind, reduce nausea, ground her, boost Qi and blood. Lifestyle advice - eat regular snack to keep nausea at bay, and taught her acupressure to reduce nausea.
Treatment 7-13
Weekly Treatments 8–13 weeks of pregnancy, to address nausea, fatigue and anxiety. Nuchal scan went well. Follow up - 32 weeks pregnant and all is going well! :)
