I am sorry you've had an adverse reaction!
I've been getting acupuncture for 2 years now to control my tendonitis inflammation and I've had nothing but good results. I will say though that my practitioner works with a distal approach. She works on my left leg to treat my right arm, etc. Sometimes I will receive needles in my arms but ONLY if the areas aren't angry. She stays away from flare-ups as poke-zones :P
I hold out hope for you that you can find the right approach for your needs