All about TENS Machines

[Rachel1985]

Thank you to both of you, if I can't get one on loan from my GP then £25 isn't too bad compared to the cost of some of them, so thanks for the link Rosie.
Rachel

[flyingfairy]

well it is worth given it a try....you never no

[emjsaunders]

My mum got me a tens machine and it arrived yesterday. Im actually quite confused though. Is it meant to help the pain only when you use it or when you stop using it as well? I had to take it off because it was hurting badly and i kept having to turn the strength up and change the program but then a few minutes later it was just complete agony. So far its been on for over 600 minutes. Didnt know if there was a limit on the timing (read the posts so now i know, shame the instructions dont tell anyone how its meant to help)Im used to the pain changing place and strength so I cant really tell if its helping. Ive tried it on both knees so far. And i accidentally electrocuted myself once (forgot it was switched on at one point).

So in summary. Im a bit confused on whether or not it helps or how long its meant to help for.

I also found though that (someone said earlier about it) i put it on one knee and then the other knee hurt more but i reckon thats just because maybe its taking away some of the pain so the other one seems like its hurtin more.

[sarahh]

Hi em

I've electrocuted myself with it several times as I did the same thing you did. Depending on where you use the tens machine I find if I use it on the bottom of my spine sometimes it will last longer than other times. I find using it on my knees a bit of a problems as I find I get a pain when using it and afterwards aswell so I avoid using it on my knees where possible. I think it depens on the individual person how long it lasts and how bad the pain is. Using a tens machine is a learning curve some people may find they can get relief from using it on a lower setting and others may need to turn it up more. I hope this info helps.

Let us know how you get on with the tens machine

Sarah x

[Rosie]

Hi

I use a TENS machine occasionally and I tend to use in on a few specific places when they get really bad. I also went to have a chat with the physio to talk about how to use it as I thought the instructions were a bit vague about that. I find that the pulse mode works best for me, on some of the others I kept having to turn it up every few minutes. I use it for about an hour at a time, after that it gets uncomfortable.
The TENS machine should never be painful to use, mine says to keep it on the setting beow that which is painful. I know that some programs suit some people better than others, and it took me a while to find one that works best for me/
I too have had a few moments with it,

The best was when I had it on the back of my left thigh, and I went to the loo. Sitting there, I noticed that one of the pads was peeling off, and went to put it back in place. You've guessed it, I touched it on the gel pad and my hand jerked back, taking the pad with it. So there I am sitting on the loo going WAAAAAH while looking in horror at my left hand. Without thinking I peeled it off with my right hand so then I was sitting there going WAAAAAAH while looking in horror at my right hand. It was only then that I remembered to turn it off. As if that wasn't enough I came out of the cubicle to find two of my workmates in stitches having heard everything.

That aside, I do find the TENS machine helps me at times. Sometimes, I find it can give me enough time to do something I really want to do, and at times it let me stay in work when otherwise I would have to go home. It doesn't work on all my pain, only certain ones, but I wouldn't be without it.


Rosie

[Retro]

Oh, Rosie, I needed that! Hilarious

I just got a loan of a TENS machine from my Physio and have already decided to put one on my christmas list The only real problem I've had so far is trying to position the pads to get the most benefit. I also don't seem to be able to find a position that works when my hip pain is in my groin (tummy gets in the way ).

I haven't managed to shock myself...yet, I'm sure I will eventually

Lindsey

[emjsaunders]

Do you find that it helps after its been on because ive had it on my knees recently and it was on for about 8 hours and in the last bit of me having it on (had it up very high) it started not hurting (only a really weak pain) and then when i walked down the stairs it felt like how it used to in that knee as opposed to when it feels bad. But, i turned it off a little while ago and a few seconds later my knee felt strange and then it started to hurt again. Is the TENS machine only meant to help during use or is it supposed to help when its off.

I think tomorrow im going to try it on my arm because now a few people have said it hurts their knees. Gonna see how different it feels somewhere else. Im like a big kid with it though. Its my new toy. I spent about half an hour poking my knee because it felt numb earlier. I think i need a hobby.

[Retro]

Hi Em,

My physio told me not to use the TENS machine for more than about an hour at a time because I wouldn't get the full benefit from it. Also, it's a good idea to move the pads around from time to time to avoid skin irritation. She also said that TENS shouldn't hurt I should feel a strong tingle but not pain. So far it's helping while I have it on but not for long when it's turned off. I've been using it for an hour, off for an hour and so on.

I've mainly used it on my hip and a little on my knee. It does feel a bit strange but does seem to be helping a little which to me is better than nothing.

Take care.

Lindsey

PS. Don't feel great, heads a bit fuzzy so apologies if the above doens't make sense to anyone but me

[helen_zeb]

Hi I have only just started using a TENS machine but when I do it makes me really nauseaus and I have to sit down. Has this happened to anyone else?
Also I developed a really bright red patch where i stuck the pad but before I didn't so I don't think its an allergic reaction. Is it normal?

[sarahh]

Hi Helen I'm not really sure about the nausea thing maybe could be pressing on something and it could possibly be related, it maybe better to use it when sitting or lying down first of all. Regarding the red patch it could be an allegic reaction that has built up. You could try just using it for a few minutes at a time to start with but do be careful if it gets really bad I would stop using it. I hope this helps

Sarah x

[Retro]

Hi Helen,

You don't say where you are using the TENS machine? That may explain the nausea, also have you been shown how to use one by a physio?

There are hypoallergenic pads available for most TENS machines. If you check with wherever you got the TENS machine from they should be able to help you. It is also advisable to not always use the pads in exactly the same position.

Lindsey

[sarahh]

Hi Lindsey

Thanks for explaining that better then I tried to, I knew what I wanted to say in my head but couldn't explain it in words.

Thanks again

Sarah x

[helen_zeb]

yes i got it off a specialist pain management nurse so i have been shown how to use it.
i am using the TENS on my knees, my hips and my back at the moment. it came up with the red patches on my knee. next time i will try moving position slighty . thanks for the tips

[helen_zeb]

unfortunately we are giving up with the TENS. it hasn't helped at all and the nurse told me just to bring it back. She also told me I don't have to see them any more. Another example of ever-so-helpful health care where I live!

[sarahh]

Oh Helen hun to you. Sorry about the nurse being unhelpful, you could try being reffered to a rheumy who knows about hms maybe worth a try.

Sarah x