Far Infrared Heat Mat with Bone Mets

Has anyone used a Far Infrared Heat Mat that is filled with crystals? I have MBC with bone mets in spine. A friend let me use her mat and I found it really soothing and felt great afterwards. I would like to buy one myself but wonder if it would be OK for regular use with the bone mets, I don't want to do anything that could make mets worse. I've contacted my oncology nurse about it but she was no help, only said not to use red light therapy. Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

[pinkbody2]

I don’t see why it would be a problem. But I’m not a doctor. I’ve never heard no red light therapy. Why did your doc say no to that?

[Hidden in reply to pinkbody2]

Hi. Thank you for your reply. I only asked her about the infrared mat. She just said not to use any red lights because I did have a large fungating breast wound which has dried up, thankfully, and she was worried it might start opening up again. I only want to use a infrared mat as I found it very therapeutic. I worry about making things worse. Best wishes.

[Cowgirl1951]

I hope this link works. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/324...

[Hidden in reply to Cowgirl1951]

Thanks for the link. Very interesting and useful information. Best wishes.

[TammyCross in reply to Hidden]

I read that and a bunch of other articles -- note that the references in that article are to mouse studies. Most studies caution that we should not be using it. I wanted infra-red because it really helps with joint pain. My oncologist said no, not yet, studies are too small and not controlled. I was very disappointed; I think she is wrong -- but it isn't worth the risk. Back to Advil. Some of the effective treatments used in studies are of an intensity we cannot get at home, and there is a big difference in dosages. Sometimes a lower dose is harmful, and a larger dose is not (like cytoestrogens).

[Hidden in reply to TammyCross]

Thank you for your reply. It's difficult to know what to do for the best. I just don't want to make things worse than they already are. Best wishes.

[TammyCross in reply to Hidden]

Exactly. I think this is probably a really good thing, benign in its effects , noninvasive and beneficial. Too bad we are too early, before it has been well tested on people like us. I don't have the confidence to use it when my oncologist says it could be risky.

[GollyG]

Hi there, I've used a FIR heating mat for 5 years (started very soon after diagnosis with extensive bone mets) and I agree, I find it really soothing. I must have read something good back then about its effect on the bones, can't remember now. My not-very-good understanding is that it isn't red light therapy - mine has a setting that's maybe 'photon' (can't check just now as away on holiday) where it all lights up red, otherwise it's just deliciously warm. All the best!

[Hidden in reply to GollyG]

Thank you for the reply. The mats must be OK if you've been using yours for five years. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy your holiday

[Browniem]

Hello

I did a fair amount of research on these before purchasing one for my wife about 6 months ago. I bought from the manufacturer UTK on Amazon for around $200. It is pricey but effective. The heat penetrates a few inches below the skin unlike a standard heating pad that just basically heats the skin. The manufacturer was also responsive to a couple of questions I had. All the best

[Hidden in reply to Browniem]

Thank you for your reply. I've been looking on Amazon too, at the ones that penetrate below the skin. I think they are a bit more expensive here in the UK. My main concern is I don't want to do anything to worsen my bone mets. Best wishes.

[Browniem]

certainly understandable. Just to let you my wife has Mets throughout spine , hips and pelvis and there has been no worsening of these. I do however understand that everyone’s response may vary. Best wishes

[Hidden in reply to Browniem]

Thanks again, and best wishes to you and your wife.