Tens Machine

[helendonn]

Can anyone recommend a TENS machine for PN, I have been advised this may be helpful.

[eeeee]

Hi there,I use a Boots mini tens on my back for a compressed genitofemoral nerve and an acti-patch loop on the front of left side of pelvis. Together they really help me get through the day. I know PN is a different nerve but a tens should help.

[helendonn in reply to eeeee]

Many thanks, will take a look at this, it's so confusing with so many to chose from!

[eeeee in reply to helendonn]

I tried a wireless tens which was expensive. The mini tens works just as well and costs £15 in the UK. Good luck and hope it helps.

I'm also going to trial a spinal stimulator to see if that helps before even thinking of surgery!

[helendonn in reply to eeeee]

Great tip thanks. I had no idea that nerve conditions are so debilitating, and soo painful! Wish you well with the spinal stimulator. Are you in the U.K.

[eeeee in reply to helendonn]

Yes I'm in the UK. South Yorkshire.

I've been suffering since 2011.

I was diagnosed last August by Dr Greenslade in Bristol. He's very knowledgeable in pelvic nerve pain.

[helendonn in reply to eeeee]

Yes I have heard of Dr Greenslade, I was referred to see the specialist At The National Hospital in London, but have been informed by letter that I no longer meet the criteria, as they are only seeing patients locally! I live in Essex. It seems that a number of pain services are being decimated!

[Cheryl37 in reply to eeeee]

I just did a trial spine stimulator last week. It worked pretty well. I will be putting the permanent one in late October. Hoping to reduce all my meds this way. fingers crossed

[eeeee in reply to Cheryl37]

Glad it's worked for you.

Could I ask where your pain is?

I am so hoping this will help. Should have my trial in 2 months.

[Cheryl37 in reply to eeeee]

My pain is in my lower left pelvis radiating into my groin. Most likely ilioinguinal nerve pathway. The trial stim took approx. 50% of my pain away which was amazing. However when I had a really bad pain day it didn't do quite that well. It really is just a bandaid though. As soon as I turned it off the pain was back full force within about 30 seconds, but I will take any help I can get at this point.

[Adele1 in reply to Cheryl37]

What brand stimulator is it? Where is your pain?

I have rectal pain. I tried it 4 years ago & it didn't help then, but they've improved them.

[rivercourt1]

Hello, I have used tens machines for about fifteen years and have tried so many different ones over the years. I did purchase a very expensive cordless one but found it difficult and complicated and a bit of a faff to use, I would recommend you never bother with one. Now I am using one called an INTELECT Tens which I bought on the internet. This is the second one I have had of this make and I have found it very robust as it has been dropped many times.

I have mine on low all day and could not manage without it. Quite often people say... oh it did not work for me, I found it did not help!!! So my suggestion would be that you start using your new tens as per the instructions it will come with, then play with the controls and find what setting works for you, I play mine like a fiddle and change the setting if it is not helping to one that does give some relief. You will end up using it on a setting that usually helps with the pain, however do try other settings.

Good luck and I hope it helps. If I can help any further or you have any questions, I am happy to help.

Penny

[helendonn in reply to rivercourt1]

Thank you Penny, the information and your experience is really helpful to me. I will look into this. Do you have PN?

Helen

[rivercourt1 in reply to helendonn]

Hello Helen,

Sorry not sure what you mean by PN?

Penny

[helendonn in reply to rivercourt1]

So sorry about that, P.N is Pudendal Neuralgia, I was diagnosed earlier this year, and coming to terms in managing this hideous condition!

Helen

[rivercourt1 in reply to helendonn]

HI,

So sorry you have this debilitating problem. I have something else but am in pain 24/7 and just mange it the best I can, sitting is dreadful and lying down even worse so have the tens on all the time until I lie down to sleep. It does not take the pain away but it does help and I think if you only get 10% help from a water bottle or something else, well it's better than nothing and each little thing helps a bit.

Re the tens, most come with four pads/two leads, I find you get a bit tangled up with four, so I just use two pads and one lead, it's what works for you.

I do hope you will try tens as I do believe they help to some extent. Any questions I am very happy to help if I can.

Which part of the country are you, I am in in Lincs.

Best wishes,

Penny

[helendonn in reply to rivercourt1]

So sorry to hear about your pain Penny, I at least get some reduction in pain lying down, and able to sleep usually. I live near Colchester, in a small village, in the process of trying to move into Colchester town centre, as driving or being a passenger is horrible, and I need to get some independence back!

Best Wishes

Helen

[Carolee62]

Hello, I find all this info about the tens very interesting I don't overuse my pain meds not even daily sometimes and never more than 1 - 2 but I am always looking for alternatives my pn presents almost solely in rectal area and can become completely debilitating would any tens help this area? Thank you and best wishes to all - I know the pain!