∗
vAPA is feasible
|
(i) ∗Several participant sample responses are reflected in Table 1 reflecting acceptability, usability, practicality, and perceived benefits. |
|
Better control of pain
|
(i) Being able to press the seeds when pain recurs is very convenient for me, because I can easily take care of my pain even when I am working without having to stop and take medication. I feel that it helps me stay positive and confident that I can manage my own pain without having to rely on meds. |
(ii) Feel better control over pain especially when overdoing and gets a lot of pain, I press the seeds and get relief especially when pain is aggravated. |
(iii) Better control, can press [ear points] anytime. |
(iv) Have more control of pain, press the seeds when in pain and pain improves. |
(v) Feel better control over pain though just realized recently that can press more if needed for pain, able to get it down with pressing the seeds. |
(vi) Better control of tingling by pressing points. |
(vii) Wake up from pain then press the seeds and then able to fall asleep. |
|
Less use of pain medications
|
(i) I am using less pain medication. Usually takes aspirin, tramadol and muscle relaxant as needed. Only needed to take 1 muscle relaxant during the trial. |
(ii) I still use tylenol but less. |
(iii) Used to take ibuprofen but has not used any at all since APA. |
(iv) Needed less ibuprofen. |
(v) Most of the time I have not needed to take any pain medication. |
(vi) Don't usually take meds but took tylenol 3000 mg in the past and ice packs, have not had to do these. |
(vii) Reduced use of pain medications like ibuprofen, lidocaine, and less use of other natural remedies like CBD oil, massage, epsom salts. |
(viii) Has not been to a provider for pain. |
|
Self-management and motivation in pain
|
(i) Self-motivation is important, pain should be enough motivation, do not see anything else that could be done better to motivate [to do APA]. |
(ii) Motivation is a personal thing; the seeds have a positive effect. |
(iii) I believe this treatment is self-motivating if the patient has faith in it and finds that it helps. |
(iv) Pain relief was motivation enough. |
(v) This is a really good way not to use drugs. |
(vi) Since I am trying to avoid using pain medication and my pain comes and goes, the treatment is an alternative choice to manage my pain. |
(vii) To avoid surgery, I can use APA to manage pain. |
|
Expectations for pain relief
|
(i) Expect to get pain down to 3 or 4 from 8, she was getting this pain relief with the APA. |
(ii) Pain is 4-5 average, do not want to be on the medication forever so this [APA] keeps mind off it; even a decrease to 2-3 pain is ok. |
(iii) 1 point drop is ok, immediate effect is better but realistic that it will take a while. |
(iv) Just a decrease of 1-2 points help, takes the edge off when seeds are pressed, couple hours relief and takes a little time for pain relief, about 15–30 minutes. |
(v) Pain down to 2 and 3 is ok. Current average pain is 3–5 and if goes down to 2-3, this is my minimal expectation and this is being met. |
(vi) Any program that helps the pain is good. |