TENS machines?

[littlejan]

I can't remember if I've asked this on here before but has anyone used a TENS machines and if so has it helped at all fir your fibro.

[Hidden]

I got one a few years ago for hip and arthritis pain relief. Sometimes I use it now for my neck and shoulder pain, part of my fibro, its great for soothing the pain while I'm trying to get to sleep, xx

[rosewine]

I've used one for years for my arthritis they are a bit of a bind with all their leads I have been known not to notice it has unhitched itself from whereever I ahve attached it and I am trailing a Tens and leads around my local shopping centre! Seriously I think it does help a little as my doctor puts it it is a detractor from the pain so you are feeling another sensation and concentrating on that rather than the pain, I think it takes that top intensity off. My Pain Specialist said it was best used at least 4 hours a day on a low tap setting. My problem is where I really need it most of the time is where I can't put it on myself so have to rely on the OH which is a pain in itself. LLoyds do good cheap ones sometimes I managed to get mine at half price. let us know how you get on if you buy one.x

[Hidden]

Hi littlejan

I was given one to try a number of years ago from my knee specialist for my chronic pain but it didn't help me it increased my pain level so I stopped using it

However, it could be different for you!! so don't be put off trying it if you are offered it.

Are you seeing a physiotherapist at all? or is it something you are looking at buying to self-treat 'as it were'?

I think I would speak to my GP first about TENS and whether it is an option for you to consider

Again, don't let my experience put you off and let us know how you get on with it

Fluffies and smiles for you

xxx sian

[TheAuthor]

Hi littlejan

I have a TENS machine and I think it is wonderful. I use it for my Fibro, Arthritis and my sciatic nerve compression and it always helps me.

I want to wish you all the bets of luck with a TENS if you get one.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[agtf1]

Hi, I think rose wine has explained it very well, I find a tapping or massage setting distracts the brain enough to take edge off worst pain. Sometimes it relaxes the muscle too. The trouble is being able to reach the area to stick the pads on. I also find that the pads have to be in VERY good condition & changed often, otherwise I feel pain from the TENS machine. Also make sure u start on the lowest setting & go up very gradually. Mine was from lloyds pharmacy. X

[nuala63]

I have found it very good. Had one on loan from the pain clinic to try first and then bought one in Boots for 30 pounds. I use the pads on the back of my shoulders and back of my elbows. The vibration seems to confuse the pain messages to the brain.. Doesn't do away with pain lol - but I find it relaxes me. I use it on and off during the day and for..a while before bed. Clinic said 60% of people find it helpful and 40% just don't. Give it a try xxx

[BaffledKaffy]

I am in the U.S. ... I used a TENS years ago and liked it pretty well. Applying the leads, etc., could sometimes be annoying, tho' the result was distraction from pain. I now have a similar system ... but from a battery surgically implanted just under the skin and above my left hip, and also three vertically implanted wires along & near my spine give off similar tingling sensations. They can be adjusted by me to suit my personal needs and "preferences." This battery must be charged by me periodically, and you cannot go thru an x-ray machine at airports. (This is all a VERY SIMPLISTIC explanation!) This unit has been very helpful for the chronic neck & back pain issues that are part of my problems ... but you cannot move anything, obviously. For my Fibro issues, a TENS is really much preferable. I've found myself wishing for the TENS lately, because I seem to be in a really rough period now, following too much activity over, and now following, our recent Thanksgiving holiday. Hubby & I traveled to visit one of our daughters & family, and the usual four-hour drive became six, in extremely heavy traffic.

Upon returning home I immediately started on Christmas shopping for 13 grandchildren (and their 4 sets of parents!). Even tho' online, it still requires much of me ... much more than I have to give. I cannot keep up with my chores, and the daily clutter is threatening to "bury" me If I don't tend to it quickly. Hubby helps as much as he can, with a full-time job requiring travel. I also have a small art business ~ a shoplet of sorts ~ its "inventory" is scattered about the house, and definitely overflowing my "studio" after several recent shows ...

How do you deal with catching up once you have gotten as far behind as I have? Or maybe it's "impossible" ~ I feel so overwhelmed. I don't know where to start, because when I do try to, I hurt so badly, even on morphine. (In addition to the Fibro, I have 9 degenerated discs ~ and was told sev yrs ago by a well respected surgeon in the medical community: "These cannot be surgically repaired ~ you would have a broom stick for a spine.") I have since fallen twice, receiving further injury to my neck.