heating pad help
 

Hi! This is my first time replying to a question, first forum I have been to as well (just a bit behind the times!), but I visited the website you referenced (healiohealth) regarding finding a comfortable heating pad. I do not have this specific one, but I do own several "Thermophore" heating pads that the web site says is similar to their product. The Thermophore definitely has wires running through it, but it also has a very thick, soft cover to help make it more comfortable. The main thing to know is how hot of a heating pad do you want. If this one is anything like the Thermophore, it gets VERY HOT! This is what makes it a moist heating pad even though you do not add water per se. But because it does get very hot, you can put even more layers of soft material between you and the pad for greater comfort. However, if you notice, the on/off switch looks just like the Thermophore in that you have to physically hold the button down the entire time you want the heating pad to be on. If you let go of the switch, it automatically turns off. This is a safety issue to prevent accidentally falling asleep and getting burned. I have RSD in my back and in my arms, so holding the button down can be very taxing and uncomfortable. Luckily (for me anyway), Thermophore has recently come out with one that has a switch that you do not have to hold down the entire time. You press the on button once and it is timed to stay on for 20 minutes, the recommended time for use of a heating pad. So I was thrilled and bought the new one as this brand heating pad is the only one i have found hot enough to really feel like it is really doing anything! One last consideration is again a safety one, and again to help prevent accidental burns, is that you are never really supposed to lay on top of a heating pad, but lay on you stomach and apply the heat on top of your back. That being said, I have owned a Thermophore for many, many years and know how it affects my body and what my limits are, I lay on my all the time and I love the intense heat! Again, I am talking about the Thermophore brand only and not the one at the website that does look similar. Hope it helps!

Thank you everyone for responding.

I ended up buying the similar one you talked about that comes on for 20 mintues and then turns off by itself. I also need to purchase one for my desk chair at work. Right now I have a pillow against the back of the chair because my back hurts to touch the back of the chair... sucks.. Not sure what to do about that yet. I might try to bring my one from home and see if I can put my back on the chair.

Thanks again everyone!

Dealingwithtos, I had the same thing happen to me last year when I got the SCS implanted. The RSD spread into my back & into my right rear end & hip where the generator is. They also redamage a nerve from a previos injury & made the pain down my left arm worse. I just changed pain medications & am off Fentayl where I couldnt use a heating pad. Before that my Mom had bought me a Thermaphore. Its a moist heat pad. Its soft but its provides wonderful heat & you cant get burned by it. I hope you find one that helps you.
Hugs, Denny

this kind has a digital control, you can set the exact temperature and the length of time you want the heat on for, then is shuts off.
http://www.amazon.com/Moist-Heating-.../dp/B0006NMT5U

I have just gotten a Sumbeam heating pad that has a wrap around velcro strap. It's wonderful because I can move any way & it stays put. I think I got it at Walgreens, Walmart or CVS.

playing catch up
 

hey everyone, sorry havent been on, still bad stomach/ulcer problems going on and only getting worse, but didnt log on to whine about that, well unless someone has some cheese to share :wink:

Heating pads: now over the years ive tried about everyone out there and those wires inside, the stiff plastic'ness ( new word lol) and even the cord would hurt me.

This past Christmas I was given one of those heavy glass pyrex baking dish ( God knows i dont trust myself using that lol) BUT it came with a cover AND this big gel pad, this gel pad can be heated in the microwave to keep yrour food warm! omgosh, it works great for me and my deep pain areas! That gel pad has been the best gift ive ever got. now of course you could freeze this thing too but ACKKKK no cold, big no no there!

I ended up giving the dish to a friend, without the gel pad and even priced them at the store in case i ever need another one, and they are wicked cheap, so i bought another one :D Those thermowraps are okay but when their done, their done and they are not cheap. Gel pads are the way to go, well aata least in my opinion :o

happy daze everyone,
Dee :grouphug:

I agree about the thermophores, they're great! I've been using them for 27 years.

But, I have another suggestion that you may not have tried, it's the Lidoderm patches.
Lidoderm is the brand name for Lidocaine patches.
They're not inexpensive but they DO Work! So depending on what your insurance covers, and ask your Dr for Samples!
I have never used a whole patch yet, (you can cut them). But, I have TOS also, and two discs in my neck, and two more herniations in my low back. I cut about a third off each patch, stick it on (self sticking) but soft, and that pain is gone! For a day.

Hope you're better,

Pete
asb

I had a SCS implanted as well (Dec 2010), and this caused my RSD to spread/flare. I love my heating pad. It's nothing fancy, but with pillows I can manage. Some days I hurt do bad, that all I want is the heat to try to ease things or at least "warm me up". When areas get cold (especially the implanted pieces), it is much more achy.

I did receive an electric blancket for my car a few years ago. This has been a God-send, especially when in the car. It works on your cigarette lighter, and is amazing. I kick on my heated seat and wrap up in the blanket, and am happy as a clam:).

Recently, I have been questioning the implant's benefits versus the new symptoms, the new areas of my body that has been affected. When I had the trial, it was successful, but really for one day. The doctors knew that I was going to have lead migration problems and I think "forgot" when it came time to implant, as they did not surgically place the leads. I had another surgery in Dec to surgically place a paddle and fix my battery that had flipped and poked out. This surgery is when I really noticed the increased problems.

The doctors did not tell me the chances of spreading/flaring. I hadn't found this forum until just recently. I didn't really understand my diagnosis of RSD/CRPS, as the information available is not really informative.

Sorry for the rant and hijack. I do love my heat (I had previously loved ice until I learned ON MY OWN that it was causing more damage)! I am also slowing coming to understand this "disease" and wish more was known about it. It seems like it has been around a long time for it still to be in testing or trial stage.

Hello .I have rds in my rt arm . I use a thermal heat pad 　
It helps me sleep At night . I did have a pain block it helped
A little. I'm new to this .only 3 months now .

Dealing,
I also just developed RSD in my back after having a SCS revision surgery about six weeks ago. My physical therapist suggested I ask my doc for a Rx for the moist heating pads, as the big ones can be expensive. Many people are able to get it paid for through their insurance companies. Please let me know if you find anything that works for you, as I am snuggled with heating pads all day long.
Wishing you the best!