Hi,

In my research I recall there were some reports made about slight irrigation
to the skin during some of the trials. It may be semantics but in your
post you used the work burning. I wonder if you could build up a resistence
to the burning caused by higher current through use of subtances like Aloe Vera. Not only does this natural substance ease burns but is healing, and
the healing aspect of it may also serve to give better resistence to the
effects of the electrical current. Most health food stores carry this in
a gel form. Of course you would not want to apply it before a treatment.
rather after.

Regardless, please keep at it, and know healing thoughst and prayers
to being directed to you.

Joydee

So today when I plugged in I hardly felt anything, now I am worried that's it's not working correctly! I turned it up to 2 and really felt nothing. Is there a way to make sure it's working ? The device showed it was running correctly,,no errors. Any thoughts?

Debbie

Have you called Dr. Fugedy? You may be adjusting and that is why you are not feeling anything. I feel nothing now. If you are feeling no irritation now he may suggest upping to 2 mA twice a day for twenty minutes.

Yes I spke to him and he said I could do it twice a day at either strength,,,I just wanted to make sure the device is working ok. last night at 1,0 I had a big red irritation on my forehead ,,,today I felt almost nothing at 2...

Thanks
Debbie

Hi,

Have I understood Deb. You say one evening you tried a lower setting
and noted a red irritation on your forehead but the next day when you
increased to 2 you felt nothing. Do you mean with a 2 setting your
skin did not have a reaction? If this is the case it may be the repeated
treatments with the device is working to densenatize. That would
be a postive and might even be considered a response to treatment.

Conversely, there may actually be a problem with the function of the
unit. No device is immune to malfunction. Do you have the telephone
number of the manufactor who made the device. You might call them
and explain the problem. They may be able to direct you to a local
repair shop in the area who could use there testing instuments to see
it the current is acually getting through the device.

Joydee

I think it's always good to double check the device to make sure everything is functioning properly. I have found that since I have gotten the hang of the placements and how much saline to use that I don't really "feel" anything either during the treatments. If something is wrong the device beeps at me (this happened a number of times in the beginning when I was still finding my way). Do you think you might have done anything differently like used more saline or had the straps adjusted differently? As said...you could just be getting used to it. Joydee's suggestion about calling the manufacturer is a good one too if you are worried. It's one of those things where not being in your shoes no one else can really judge because any of these things are possible.

T
Thanks for your ideas. Tonight I still did not feel anything at 1 or2 so I ran it at 2. After the tx my forehead was redish square where the pad was and mildly irritated,,,go figure. I'm gonna call fugedy tomorrow.
Deb

Have no fear Irene is here. I'l bring mine over and we can test yours out to be sure. I know mentally we'll never be happy if there is any doubt about a malfunction. I said that to you yeaterday, by now you should have been able to tolerate the 2 amp without the burning. Guess what maybe you didn't make it as tight and it made all the diff. We'll do a test run asap. Hang in there.

I have been so inspired by Catra that I too am pondering a return to work!!!!!! I don't know how yet but each week more miserable symptoms cease. When I hear newly diagnosed folks make post after post asking for help with each new symptom, and my own symptoms are leaving I know I should be happy with my progress due to tDCS. I am happy but not content.

My doc is willing to release me if I can reverse the balance problems caused by the spinal cord stimulator. I am now spending lots of time without my cane. Each week my balance improves. I am also working hard on my lower body strength now that the atrophy is totally gone. My once useless hand which had a severe spread due to the spinal cord stimulator is now 100% BACK TO NORMAL. (And to think that a popular treatment protocol for spreads induced by spinal cord stimulators is to install another stimulator!) Where would I be now if I had done that? When I look at my wrists now I have to think about it for a second to remember which hand was hopelessly painful and atrophied.

At this rate I am thinking about returning to work in the fall.

I am planning to be right behind you Catra! Please let us know how your meeting with you employer went today.

I am so happy for you James. I really hope that you will be able to return to work in the fall like you want to.

The meeting with my employer this morning seemed like it went okay, though I admit that I was disappointed that there was no resolution to the situation proposed and it was only a meeting for them to gather additional information from me. That was not what I was led to believe it would be and I am a little miffed at the 2 hour drive each way for the 35 minute meeting....but it is what it is. I was told that I would be contacted in a couple of days after the HR guy discusses everything with his supervisor so we shall see. I am so anxious to return and get back to it.