TENS advice

[wantokporo]

Can those who have had success with TENS share where they put the pads? I know we are all different but I would benefit from some experience. I tried them on my feet for 15 minutes each foot last night without any success. Thanks.

[Amrob]

I'm not familiar with the TENS device but I have been informed by the makers of the TOMAC device that it wouldn't be helpful for PLMD (if that's the intended use). More about that device below.

"About the NTX100 TOMAC System

Noctrix Health’s prescription therapy features a pair of devices worn on the lower legs. According to the company’s press release, the devices electrically activate the peroneal nerves bilaterally to produce tonic, sustained muscle activation compatible with sleep, which, in turn, supresses symptoms of "

[wantokporo in reply to Amrob]

Thanks. I had already checked on that. I do know of at least one person with primary PLMD who resolved her issue with TENS.

[SleeplessinNC]

My neurologist ordered Home Health OT to set me up on a TENS recently. The OT actually put the pads on either side of my low back. The OT nurse explained that it’s not going to cure the symptoms of RLS but distract the brain from focus on the legs. Whether this is good intel or not, I don’t know.

I’m on the waiting list for the TOMAC NTX-100 but Noctrix tells me it’s still “in production” in my area/North Carolina, US. I understand that it’s very expensive and insurance doesn’t cover it. They do have a waiting list and are sending information if you want to check out the website. It sounds like it works much differently than TENS.

Bottom line was that TENS did help somewhat with the RLS while resting in the evenings, watching TV, relaxing. It did not help me during the middle of the night when I’m fighting RLS and PLMS. It’s in my arms, my body, it was just too much to add the wires and the machine then stay untangled and sleep. Seemed like it kept me up more than it helped my RLS.

I think each person probably has to find the right spot and it’s not going to help all of us.

I wish you the best of luck , and I’m sorry to hear of your struggles with medication. It’s like we are each working our own jigsaw puzzle… same pieces….but some of yours, mine, all patients — go in a different spot and some just don’t fit.