To anyone who uses a Tens machine.

[Constance13]

How often do you use it - and for how long?

Does it help you?

Thanks in advance.💐💐

[Soraya_PMR]

This discussion from last week:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Hidden]

As you will see on the post linked by soraya_pmr I have used them for years. If you need any further info please ask.

[Constance13 in reply to Hidden]

It's the "how long" and "how often" (per day) I'm interested in. I know loads of people use them.

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

Usually programmes run 20 to 30 mins and automatically switch off, but sometimes you might want to start with 5 or ten. The programmes have different patterns and strengths so you need to understand which pattern is better for the part of the body. There's usually a guide in the box with suggestions for placement of pads and times. The pads will loose their sticky eventually but can be wiped with damp cotton wool before you put them away once they dry up. I keep mine in the fridge too to keep sticky. Lloyds used to do a disposable one if you wanted to try one, but very limited size of wire so you can't stretch it far.

[Constance13 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! I've only ever used mine for 5 minutes at a time, twice a day (if I remember)! Thought I might up it a bit!

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

You have to suck it and see. On really bad days I have had it in different places across the day. I do like to save it as my backup. A word of warning if it is 2 port one (4 wires) don't put them on each forearm. They can spasm your hands so you can't turn it off. The teeth or chin have to be used. 🙄🤑

😂😂😂

[Constance13 in reply to Hidden]

😂😂😂 I only use it on knees and ankles!

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

You'll be can-canning with it on. 😂😂😂

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

Inability to turn it off 😮

😂🤣😂🤣

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

You only do it once.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

My mind is having a real boggle ...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

There is a mobile version designed for period pain which can be used all the time.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

I have worn one for several hours at a time. I wear a remote controlled one sometimes and put the pads across my shoulders and trap muscles no matter where the pain is. I find it works just as well.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I'd try one if it weren't for the fact I now can't - they don't mix with pacemakers!

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Or a/f so you would have been in trouble even earlier!! Some people have tried mine but don't like the feeling. I suppose that could be because they didn't have pain!

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Do you have to watch out at airports and things now?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I believe so.

One is meant to get a log book thing with all the details for production at security. I didn't at discharge so went up to the ward to enquire. Silly infant who was duty ward doctor informed me I didn't need documentation because it was all on the hospital computer. So I pointed out I wouldn't normally have access to that at a US or Chinese airport or if I was in an accident on the motorway. And it would n't happen in the UK. To which she replied "THIS is South Tirol..." Didn't know whether to laugh or cry! Anyway - she did print out a sheet of some sort. In Italian. This pacemaker is said to be MRI-proof. Hope I don't need to try ...

So I went over her head and asked my favourite consultant who rolled her eyes and promised to speak to the cardiologist when she got back from her jollies next week. You couldn't make it up though could you?

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Omg. The ward Muggle believes she is in the centre of the world.

[Pippah45 in reply to PMRpro]

My neighbour was prescribed a TENS session by her GP and had to make the surgery double check due to having a pacemaker! It really shouldn't happen should it. She is not always on the ball but luckily she was that day!

[Hidden in reply to Pippah45]

Thank goodness.

[Chihuahua1 in reply to PMRpro]

You are quite right. They can interfere with pacemakers and definitely shouldn't be used if you have one. My one has a continuous setting and on occasion I have used it on that setting. I have used it overnight just so that I can escape the pain long enough to get some quality sleep.

[Constance13 in reply to Hidden]

There seems to be a lot of "unbelievable" things you can do with a Tens machine. 🙃😳🙄

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

😂😂😂

[enan-illuc]

I used a TENS (EMS) machine when I was in terrible pain and it worked great. I would sleep with it on a timer and it really helped. If the pain woke me up I would set it again, sometimes four times a night. I still use it for pain and stiffness when I need it. I used mine for my Trocanteric Bursitis from the GCA/PMR. I hope this helps.

[Linny3]

I have used a tens unit for over 30 years. I use it mostly when my back gets really bad. Lately I have used it when the pain in my hip from pmr gets bad. I does help. Doesn't cure but does help. I crank mine up pretty far and I get a real ouchy feeling. I think it simply takes my mind of the pain. Good Luck

[Suffererc]

What is it and what is it for pleade

[Constance13 in reply to Suffererc]

Google 'Tens Machines' you will get all the information you need. It isn't expensive, and as you will have read above, it helps many people deal with their particular pain.

[Chihuahua1 in reply to Suffererc]

I think it stands for transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation. It is attached to the skin via gel pads and electronic pulses are sent through the muscles to numb the pain. You choose the strength of the stimuli and also the type of pattern used in accordance with what you prefer personally.

[jinasc]

Constance on the thread that Soraya has referred to you. I replied and I also posted a link. Please read it..............I have a vague feeling from past times with you............it just might be a no-no.

[Constance13 in reply to jinasc]

Thanks jinasc! You're right! I tried it twice yesterday and my knees and ankles were tingly painful this morning. It took 3 hours to get back to normal.

💐💐

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

Which is hardly the point is it!!

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

Certainly not! Knees haven't been any good all day - and I was getting on so well before.😏

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

Time for a crib sheet - "What definitely doesn't work for me".

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

😂😂

[Constance13 in reply to Constance13]

Excercise of any sort ought to be the 2nd on the list!😏 I try, I really do, but if I walk/excercise for

more than 15 minutes I'm in pain all night, and nearly all the next day. Even standing for ten minutes knocks me out.😟

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

Then do 10 mins, 5mins at a time if that is all that works. It is still better than nothing - but you have to be firm about it.

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

I do walk (not waddle) round the flat for 10 minutes every hour until 2 pm every day. I'm fine with that!

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

You are fartleking in your condition!!!

[Constance13 in reply to Hidden]

???????

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

😂😂😂 interval training...exercise then rest, building up in intensity.

[Constance13 in reply to Constance13]

Just looked it up! Sounded rude to me!😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Constance13]

Oh dear. I am not sure anyone who has no pre-pmr experience should start using one. I may have said it on the other thread and not this one. I hope your legs recover. 😕

[jinasc in reply to Constance13]

Constance have you tried Flexiseq or Acupuncture?

[Constance13 in reply to jinasc]

Both - on your advice!

Acupuncture didn't help at all. Tried 3 times - 10 sessions a time. Flexiseq helped a bit but not enough to keep up with the expense! It's not only the PMR but the Polyarthritis -difficult to manage the pain. Old age really galloping up on me.

Thanks for your concern. 💐💐

[jinasc in reply to Constance13]

Constance we go back quite a long way now and I reached 11th year into overdraft time this April gone.

Take care.

[Constance13 in reply to jinasc]

Wow! How are you doing re OA etc.?

For some reason I've "lost" the little envelopes which give you the opportunity to private message someone.

Hope weather is better in the NE than it is here in NRW. Never known such a May.

[jinasc in reply to Constance13]

Weather brilliant just now................fingers crossed and BTW I meant 11 years after birthday not remission that is now into 8th year.

Sent you a PM. Just click on your name in your post or click on home. xxx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

The envelopes are on patient Constance - here you just click on the person's name,

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

Ooooer! I've only been using the sites for 6 years!!!

[anutycrixp]

I use tens for existing back pain and sciatica - have done so for a long time.Sometimes I get skin reaction and have to lay off for a while.When I developed P.M.R last year the tens did not help for those pains at all,as did no painkillers either! The only effective treatment for me was steroids .

[Pirnilla]

Yes, I use it and it helps with PMR pain during treatment but not in a longer term for me. I also use it for taper symptoms and that takes the pain or uncomfort away. I take 30 min each time.

[Emerlad_70]

I have just started using it for my pmr and it worked quite well between my shoulder blades , I kept it on all afternoon

I have used it in the past before When I had broke a bone in my back with success