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.

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

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 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

happy daze everyone,
Dee

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.

Wow! I just tried one of these!! They work great! Thanks!