The Rebuilder was the one of the first things that helped reduce my PN pain, and is now the first thing I turn to to relieve the pain of flare-ups. When I first used it, it took three weeks of twice daily use to notice a definite difference in pain reduction, especially at night. I've found the company a pleasure to deal with the past ten years, always pleasant, helpful, and providing better than expected service. They have a 30 day money-back guarantee that some people in the old BrainTalk forum used. The company returned the money, no questions asked.

If you buy the Rebuilder, get the regular Model 2406 with the water bath, not the portable version. The water bath provides stimulation to the entire foot rather than just around the conductive pads, and the Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in the water is pain relieving and soothing in its own right. Some is absorbed through the skin to calm and quiet the nerves in the area.

I think that Rebuilder Medical overcharges for supplies. You don't need their electrolyte mix with silver, just use a tablespoon of Epsom salts to each side of the water bath. Their cream is wonderful, but very expenses. Instead, use any skin cream (I use Blue Emu) with some Ben Gay or Tiger Balm mixed in for a nice soothing coolness. You can get replacement electrode pads on the internet for about 1/2 their price. The 9 volt batteries last a long, long time.

From reading about positive results in animal studies with TENS and micro-electric stimulation, I would guess that any mild electric stimulation in an Epsom salts water bath would help most of our PN. If you have a relative or friend with a TENS unit, or if your insurance pays for one, it would be worth a try in a water bath for a few weeks before shelling out $400 for The Rebuilder ( http://www.rebuildermedical.com/ ) (or their compeditor, The Rejuvenator ( http://www.peacefultechnologies.com/default.asp ) for $200. Before you buy, it might be worth your while to ask on this forum if people have had good results and support with the Rejuvenator. $400 is a lot of money for what probably cost them less than $40 to make. I can say, however, that mine has had a lot of totally dependable use for about 8 years now.

When you use electric neuro-stimulation, be sure not to set the current strength too high. The idea is to gently stimulate and electrically massage the nerves and muscles to reduce pain and promote healing, not beat them up and traumatize them. Sessions should be 1/2 hour each.

I hope this helps.

David:

Alan's toes are completely numb. If someone lent us a tens unit (can we do this with epson salt and water), do you mean that he might get feeling back in his toes again? That he might be able to drive again?

That would be wonderful??

thanks,
Melody