[smae]

Hey there

I'm wondering if anyone here uses a TENS unit for a problem OTHER THAN neuropathy.

I have 5 things wrong in my lower back, and the only pain relief I get is from a heating pad. However, now that I am on the fentanyl patch, I am not allowed to use a heating pad because it will make the patch release more medicine than it should and it can cause an overdose.

Therefore, I've been dealing with some major back pain without any relief. Today I decided to try my TENS unit that was prescribed for my back a few years ago.

I put it on and started it up... got to 6.5 and left it. I only had it on a few minutes before I started getting major shocks and spasms in my left foot--on the underside/bottom of my foot. I turned the TENS unit off and it subsided.

So my question is this--does anyone have a similar issue, where a TENS unit bothers their neuropathy?

If so, have you found any ways to make it better, such as going to a lower setting or moving the electrodes? I need relief in my back, but not if it will be at the expense of my feet. I have greater pain in my feet than my back, and am finally getting minimal relief from this patch--the last thing I want is to make the pain worse.

Thanks!

[malawigirl08]

Hi Sarah
Why dont you try to get a second hand medical rebuilder, I have one and although I dont believe it is curing me it does give me pain relief when I am using it. It is also very good at getting the circulation going, I only ever have swollen ankles when I dont use it.
Also my doc showed me how to do accupuncture and that sometimes gives some relief.
Take Care

[smae]

I've tried to find one but can't find any that I can afford.. I don't have any money because I can't work... maybe someday but probably not for years. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

[malawigirl08]

Originally Posted by Sarah Mae

I've tried to find one but can't find any that I can afford.. I don't have any money because I can't work... maybe someday but probably not for years. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

I only paid £20 which is around $30 on ebay so keep searching, it may just work for you. I will keep my fingers crossed xx

[smae]

I don't even have $30 right now.. I have bills to pay and no income.. so something like that will have to wait. I don't even have enough for my next cell phone bill. =\

[Leesa]

Hi Sarah Mae ~ Can I offer a suggestion? PLEASE don't use heat on your back. I was taught by a Neurosurgeon that heat draws blood to the heated area and causes swelling. It's already swollen in there if there's pain. Ice should ONLY be used, and 20 minutes at a time, every 2 hours. It's worked for me, and I've had spinal pain for 24 years. In fact I've had 2 open surgeries. So throw your heating pad away, and keep the ice handy. You'll be surprised at how much better your back will feel because it will reduce the swelling and numb the pain. Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[smcdee1]

Originally Posted by malawigirl08

Hi Sarah
Why dont you try to get a second hand medical rebuilder, I have one and although I dont believe it is curing me it does give me pain relief when I am using it. It is also very good at getting the circulation going, I only ever have swollen ankles when I dont use it.
Also my doc showed me how to do accupuncture and that sometimes gives some relief.
Take Care

Hi! I have diabetic neuropathy and the pain gets very bad and meds just don't take care of it. I use a TENS unit for additional pain relief. It's just a little hand held battery operated thing. You specifically mentioned a medical rebuilder and I wondered what that was? .Also what do you think of acupuncture? I am thinking to try it. Thanks, Sharra, age 62, Central Texas

[boleynbloke]

This is my first attempt at using a forum, so apologies in advance if I've posted incorrectly.

My response is for the member who is concerned about using a TENS machine for neuropathy. I particularly wanted to respond to the member's concern about using a heat pad whilst using a Fentanyl patch. You certainly should not place a heat pad over the patch or the result could be a fatal overdose, but I use a 75mcg/hour patch on my upper arms and frequently apply a heat pad to my lower back. I'm not medically qualified to give such advice, but I would recommend the member speak with their specialist because it would be a great shame if they are going without much needed heat relief.

[aussiemom]

If you look around at the settings on your TENs unit, you should see different things, for settings. They control the wave length, some other things. Unless you had it set by a PT or doc, play with them, see if you get some relief. If you are getting twitches, or contractions, something is set too high. Try moving the electrodes around too. Nothing is set in stone with this. I can get 8 electrodes on my unit, and they might be anywhere. I also have a zillion settings on it, and they change all the time too.

[ditzydame]

i have used a TENS for about 25 years for back and neck pain issues.
it works to some extent some of the time for my back.

i have one leg deadening off from spinal stenosis (back surgery in my future) but the machine does NOTHING for my PN which is not caused by any of my back problems

the feeling i have in my *dead* leg is quite different to the PN feeling