Hi could anybody tell me please is it worth buying a tens machine and how it works for pain all over like today the only things that aren't sore is my arms and where to buy one. Are they expensive? Also, is there a seat pad I could put on the chair that heats, was thinking that might help but dont know if theres such a thing
hugs
kitty
Hello
For your seat you can purchase a seat pad that you sit on and it goes up towards the shoulder, I got mine at LIDL, although they sell them in Halfords also try Boots, they have a disability booklet. Many seat pads have heat to keep you
warm
One thing you could try is discuss with your GP a course at a PAIN CLINIC, they will train you in the ways of a TENS machine, generally they used to give them away when I was there, or I suppose they may be able to sell one cheap if they cannot give them away.now
TENS machines are not expensive and can be purchased on the internet, on Specialist sites, under tens suppliers.
Generally they will cost anything from £20-£120 they are battery operated and now there are adapters so they can work on mains supply, the pads are either rubber or reusable, various sizes, and new cables can also be purchased, the rubber pads need elec gells at a reasonable price from supplier, are cheaper than Boots that can also be purchased if you are disabled you can sign a VAT form and the tax will be discounted when you purchase. the machine and extras.
The basic machine is one channel, pulse/rate settings, the more useful ones are twin channel pulse/rate/mod1/mod2/continuous/ burst/and rate. A V TENS can change the frequency although you are best to use that on mains as it goes through the batteries. Many can be used as an EMS for sport mishaps.
There is also a PAIN PEN that deals with an area of pain only.
The machine works on the gate principal and acts as a nerve block by confusing the brain and stimulating endorfins
It will also work on areas of pain.
The explanation of the machines will either be explained to you at the Pain Clinic, or possibly the GP nurse or Occupational Therapist, who will visit your home and discuss improvements for you in home , discuss with GP.
If you need an explanation of the machines and what they do visit the sites selling them, there is a booklet that can be supplied with the machine it is very comprehensive.
One thing, the various modulations are used to prevent the body getting used to the machine on any one setting you change every 30mins Many machines have timers installed, although the machine is best used for a 3 hour period as agreed by many pain clinics and physio. You may find that a shorter period may be better for your condition, it depends on the patient
Once you understand the machine it is easy to use, and you will be able with care, find the best position for pads
Personally I have about four machines and I have been using them now for around twenty odd years and if used properly can work well ,although some people find no benefit I personally find them really good when in flare up
Good Luck
BOB
Hi Bob, can i ask you about what you said about an OT. Do you know what sort of things OT's can help with. Only i recently had a visit and all they offered me was a bath board and toilet seat. they didn't mention anything about ways to help with pain management, just access. maybe they do it differently depending on where you live?
Hello
They will come into your home, when recommended by your GP or hospital Specialist. They can supply tools for your kitchen, to assist in the bathroom, I have a lift fitted for the bath and handles etc so I can get in and out. They may look in the bedroom and lounge and help with that
If you need to purchase disability products, you if disabled will not pay the VAT and get it taken off the price
GOOD LUCK
Bob
Thanks Bob.
Hello
Back again, you can get seat pads that have a slit at the back, they take away the pressure on the lumber spine, also now you can get memory foam ones that feel light to site on.
The OT have various cushions that you could try
Good Luck Again
BOB
Hi bob thank you so much for all your info really appreciate it. What do you think of the heat pad, do you think it helps. Heat works best for me. I was looking on ebay there and I see they all massage as well but not sure about that, I cant stand anything like that. The physiotherapist touched a spot on my lower back last week and I near hit the ceiling. Does yours massage? Is it really gentle? Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks again
hugs
kitty
H ello kittyfisher
Mine does both although I only use the heat, as I mentioned I got mine from Lidl although on my travels I have also seen heat only and some of the disabled supply shops,
I have not seen the Boots magazine this year, although they will keep you straight. You could check the motability site they used to have items for the disabled, that can be used in the car, they can be used with a twelve volt adapter in the house.
When I got my last car it had these warmers fitted in the front seats, the first I have seen, all I can suggest is do some research, if still having problems I will see what there is on my travels if got time.
Do not worry regards questions that is how we learn
All the best
BOB
Hi Bob, me again. Apparently Volvo's have heated seats as standard, or so various volvo owners have told me. Just FYI. 
Hi, re your question about tens machines. I've got two, one given by the NHS and a slightly more sophisticated one I purchased online. In my limited experience...limited because I've only used them for one thing -my chronic pain condition-and I don't know anyone else who uses one, they work better on more topical type pain. Based on how they work, if you've got pain all over your body you might not get much relief, but it's worth a try. Your first stop is definitely a Pain Clinic, as it's really important to get the correct training on how to use them. i think it also depends on the cause of your pain how affective it will be, with my pain, it worked reasonably well whilst switched on but as soon as I took it off I definitely knew all about it. For a tens machine to work you have to be able to locate the source of your pain, for instance the specific nerve that's firing off, which makes me wonder if it will work for you. Do you have a diagnosis? Also, you can only use them for a limited amount of time every day. Have you tried anything else?
Hi I have fibromyalgia and polyarthralgia. No haven't tried anything so far in that sense except heat pads, hot water bottle and if its really bad I will go and lie on my granddaughters electric blanket. The medication which I've been on for such a long time gives no relief at all some days.
Thank you to all for your replies as I really don't have a clue about tens machines etc
hugs to all
kitty
Hi kittyfisher
Have a look at these on Amazon
amazon.co.uk/Dreamland-Size...
Or
amazon.co.uk/Dreamland-Size...
Hope these maybe something close to what you are looking for I too have just purchased a heat pad aa heat helps my hip & back mine is currently on route.
Sarah
Hi thank you. I had a nosy at it there, looks good. I see they also do bigger size pads too and also see a tens machine on there not even expensive. Will you let me know how you get on with yours please but by the looks of it its something I would definitely want too. Anything for a bit of relief.
Thanks again
kitty
I bought a tens many years ago and yes I do think there worth it as I found that I got relief for a while when it was on , I bought it from Lloyds for £20.00 half price ,mains and battery , with 4 pads 2 for heat and 2 for the electric pulses , if I was to replace it I would get a smaller one that I could use while walking about , rather than the bigger one I have that is too big to walk around with
I used a TENS machine when my pain was really bad. The pain clinic let me borrow one so that helped a lot, then I bought my own from the internet (if I could find it I could tell you what make it was!) I experiemented with trying it in different places so it took a little while to get used to, and to get some pain relief but it was well worth it.
I also find heat helpful and have got those wheatie things you heat up in the microwave. For emergencies (where there's no microwave) and if I'm out and about all day I will splash out and buy the stick-on disposable heat pads - I suppose there's nothing to stop you sitting on one, though best to check the instructions as some are only meant to be used on top of clothing to prevent burns.
To answer the questions about OTs - I have worked with OT s for years. Some are employed by healthcare and some by social services, so their roles might be a bit different depending on what service and department they work for. Some do specialise in providing equipment whereas others would do that and help with things like coping strategies, memory problems, and everyday activities such as getting yourself showered or dressed, or doing the cooking.
Hi everyone
I just want to thank everyone who has replied to my post this couple of days regarding heat pads/tens machines but also the extra info and support you have all gave. I've been in so much pain lately and to come on here and have so many lovely people replying to me is fantastic. I don't know what I'd do without this site and am extremely grateful.
Kitty
Tens machines are worth the money go to your doctor he will Lend you one to try my surgery did this and I found it very good. Also if you get a prescription from your doctor you don't pay the VAT on the Tens
Small battery cordless tens are ideal.You can buy two or three and use them when outdoors.They turn off after a certain time.The best products I have ever used. Hope this helps.
hi, i use a tens machine for severe muscle spasms in my shoulder blades and lower back. it is wonderful , i got mine from my doctor ordering it for me but you can get them from some of your stores that deal with disabilities, or a pharmacy, sometimes you may get them from places like fingerhut or other on line stores.if you have insurance or are on medicare they will pay for it with a doctors prescription. good luck
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