All about TENS Machines

[LianneS]

Well Im seeing my dr on Tuesday to let him know we're gonna start trying so I think I'll ask him... if he dont know then I'll contact the tens people..

Thanks

Lianne

[tiggersmummy]

Hi, was just wondering those of you who have TENS machines, how often do you use them and do they work for you? I have had one on my hands and on my hips today, which works fine when its on, but wondering how long relief lasts for??

Just borrowed hubbys, wondering whether to buy one or not. Your advice would be greatfully received thank you!!!

[science geek]

I have a tens machine which I use on my hips and I cant live without it after using it for a couple of days intermitantly( i cant spell) I found that my pain was more managable and didnt need to use it as often. There not that expensive and are great coz no drugs wooo!

[Flora]

I ummed and ahhed about getting mine for ages, but I'm so glad I did. It goes everywhere with me. The batteries last for ages, but I would recommend getting a fairly common brand as the pads do need to be changed every so often and a common type means not having to hunt high and low for a new set. My only problem is that on the bad days which bit do I plug it into? some times I have to rotate joints all day!

[Daeinera]

I find that mine helps alot, the problems I have are that there are not enough electrodes to cover all the sore areas, and that electrodes don't stay sticky for long enough. I just bought some and it said they should last for 200 uses or 6 months (which ever came first) I used them for about 3 hours and now I have to stick them on with tape so they stay put!!!
I spoke to my physio about how often you should use it, I told her that it helped all the time it was on but could I safely use it all the time. She said I could have it on all day if I need to.

[libby]

i've got a tens machine and i sometimes use it - i find it's very, very helpful for throbbing pain and not that helpful for dull pain. but what often happens after i use it is that the pain simply migrates elsewhere - which i find quite curious. i thought i was a bit mad, until ìa friend of mine who also suffers from chronic pain and used my tens machine once commented on the same thing happening to him. but if i take these things into consideration, my tens machine is very helpful. i still take my painkillers, and whine and complain, but it's very helpful.

[poppy]

i really can't afford it, but i think i am going to get one of these tens gadgets. more concerned about the running costs than the initial payment for the unit. do the pads still work wen they get non-sticky? is it possible to make them last a month or two of regular use? i am getting acupuncture on the nhs, so i doubt theyd pay for a tens machine too.
poppy x

[nonyanomemory]

I was given a tens machine via the physio and pain clinic. The gel for pads is not expensive. If they work for pain relief the minor investment even if they are paid for would be worth it. Initially I was 'lent' one to see it it helped. A decent pain management course would give the opportunity to see if they worked or not on a trial basis. If not try asking a friendly physio to lend one, thats what I did. In this way no personal outgoing would be needed. If it does work a little then maybe its worth putting on a Christmas list . or saving up for one. We could design a christmas stocking for the hypermobile and perhaps it would include a Gym Ball for core stability, lotions and potions for aches and pains, a course of acupuncture and a little pot of ready made collagen.

I do have to be careful with a tens machine some days as over stimulation of my sympathetic nervous system can rebound pain wise, which a Tens Machine can do if I use one when I am not coping with my pain so well and therefore have to be careful about not leaving their use until the pain is unbearable and using them as part of a pain management strategy incorporating pacing, realistic goals and distraction techniques etc. is essential. As with many things each persons experience may be different as well as their presentation of HMS so what suits one may not suit another. Worth a go though if one is prepared to be open minded.

[Guest]

I used to have a normal TENS but I found it didn't go up to a high enough frequency for me. Plus it was programmed to only last about half an hour, and I need it for hours!

So I invested quite a lot of money in an interferential TENS. If anyone wantts to know more about interferential you can read it HERE

It works for me, as I can crank it up really high (it maxes out sometimes ) on my worst area which is my SI joints. I find it highly effective, personally, and it's like - I don't know - morphine or somthing. It makes me go................. aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh

[flyingfairy]

i never get from much relief from it,but ha try these things it might work for you

[Jenny]

Ok so I've gone round in full circle and trying a TENS machine again. I was given one by the pain management clinic before I was diagnosed with HMS and didn't get one too well with it. It had dials on the top which twisted as I moved and changed the settings ending up with me 'electricuting' myself! Didn't help the pain at all!

I saw one in Lloyds yesterday when I was picking up my prescription and decided to get it and give it another go!

Bargain for £9.99! Go get one of these if you've ever been remotely interested!

[sarahh]

I have a mini tens machine that has one pad that looks a bit like a butterfly and has 5 setting and comes with a remote control. I find it good to use with my back, neck and hips but I don't like using on my knees as I find it hurts. It does help the pain a bit.

[Rachel1985]

Hi, this might be a really stupid question but...

As the pain clinic here in Exeter wouldnt see me as it would "only serve to medicalise a condition that there's no known cause of cure for" I can't borrow one from there to see if it helps. The NHS physios i've seen have been useless "you can't possible have the pain your describing as you have plenty of movement in the joint" & I can't afford to keep seeing the private one i've used before. Is there any way that anyone knows of getting one as a trial things through your GP or anything like that?

I'm going to see Prof G on the 15th November so fingers crossed!

[suzannehorne]

My GP practice has TEN machines thast you can borrow for up to 6 weeks. This allows you to try the machine out before you go and buy it. Speak to your GP practice, the worst they can say it no.

[Rosie]

Hi Rachel

If you cannot get a TENS machine any other way, I bought this one http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1014549&classificationid=1034585&slmRefer=000 and at £25 it has been well worth the cost.



Rosie