Tens machine

[Luludean]

I posted earlier but the post has vanished !

I was recommended to get a Tens machine yesterday. This advice came from the pain clinic. I duly ordered one , but, I have had mitral valve repair and am in persistent AF . Is google being alarmist in saying I must not use a Tens? .

I was so confident and elated yesterday but now I am a concerned mess.

If the earlier post reappears ignore it . L

[AgedCrone]

Don’t use it until you have taken advice from your cardiologist or your GP

[Luludean in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you aged one. I was promised a call back from pain clinic , none came . I will call cardiology tomorrow . Feel a bit demoralised now . L

[Deeb1764 in reply to Luludean]

It can work for some and others not. It used to work for me pre RA but not helpful now. It’s toll that if it works great, so get some advice and then trial and error 🥰

[Luludean in reply to Deeb1764]

Hi Deeb , thanks for your post. It is bad enough having arthritis everywhere but I really don’t want some Tens machine arguing with my heart.

An example of non communication between departments. Infuriating because for once I SO trusted a new to me medic . As I had posted.

Now onwards to get positivity back, fog blotting out the view here. L

[skinclinics]

Best to speak with your cardiologist first . Definitely a no no if you have a cardiac pacemaker implant … but as far as using Tens machine especially as you have had cardiac surgery and your current cardiac rhythm is Atrial Fibrillation it will be prudent to get the appropriate advice from your cardiac specialist initially

[Luludean in reply to skinclinics]

Thank you skinclonics, I do not have a pacemaker.

[sylvi]

I concur with what everyone has said, better to be safe than sorry darling. xxx

[allanah]

Hi. As TENS machines use short electrical jolts to distract your pain it's as the others say best to check with the heart folks it doesn't interfere with their work. I was allowed one and didn't find it helped my shoulder pain much at the time but others love them. Such a rubbish disease that it affects all parts of the body x sending hugs .

[Luludean in reply to allanah]

Thank you Allanah .

[Runrig01]

Definitely check with your cardiologist, as it is contraindicated in some heart conditions. I have a wireless one, that can be worn discreetly under clothing. I can treat 4 separate areas at the same time, which is great. I do find though that the relief only lasts whilst it’s on, as soon as it stops, the pain quickly returns. Good luck, hopefully someone will confirm soon 🤗

[Luludean in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you Runrig , cardiology did coonfirm «  don’t use! ».

Sadly, though I had eventually got through to a helpline , pain clinic did not call me back. Damn!! I had been euphoric about my visit there. Freezing morning and I don’t want to go to my fitness class. Brrrr. L

[Luludean in reply to Runrig01]

Gosh Runrig ! I just read your bio. You must be one sorely tried but resilient person ! I am in awe! Hope stress is leaving you alone at the moment!! L

[Runrig01 in reply to Luludean]

lol, yes they do say nurses don’t make the best patients 😂

[oldtimer2]

Thanks for raising this! I'll see if anyone wants my TENS machine now I've developed atrial fibrillation! Advice from the manufacturer says:

1) If electrodes are placed on the front of the neck they can stimulate the nerve which controls your heart rate. Your heart could try to beat at 100 times a second instead of 100 times a minute. If you have an unstable heart condition this could be extremely dangerous.

2) If you place the electrodes across the chest, the maximum output is much lower than the theoretical level that could cause an additional heartbeat. However, in very exceptional circumstances an unstable heart condition might be aggravated.

In view of the extensive distribution of the vagus nerve which has an effect on the heart rate, best to avoid it.

[Luludean in reply to oldtimer2]

Thank you old timer. You are do well’informed. . I am sure Tens work very well for the majority of people. One just has to be SO careful . L