Hi Everyone,

I have recently developed RSD in my back. I assume it's because of SCS surgery in November. The SCS is wonderful for my arms - BUT, now I have this horrible thing in my back.

I have a question for everyone:

What is a good heating pad that I can lean back on in my recliner? I have a hard time with anything that is uneven or bumpy. My back is very sensitive - but heat seems to help.

Does anyone have a heating pad that WORKS but is flat? No cords within the pad?

I did hear of a thermal - moist heat heating pad. I am willing to spend the $50 if it actually works and doesn't have cords that I would be laying on... Has anyone tried this one?

Thank you so much for everyone's help.

I have the small square ones. I have 3 of them and they do have cords so they won't do what you need. If you do hear of a good one, let me know though. I would like to have a bigger one.

I did want to say hi to you though. You hadn't been on for awhile and I am sorry to hear what you are going through.

Ada

I don't have RSD in my back area or have the heating pads as the heat doesn't seem to help me that much really but I have seen some heating "wraps" advertised on the television over here in the UK that you can get from most grocery stores. They are called Thermacare Heat Wraps and are self heating and can provide relief for up to 8 hours. They are quite cheap also - they are only a few £'s over here and I believe that you can wear them in any position whether you are sitting down or laying as they fasten around your waist so they are nice and secure.

Here is a link to them - i'm not sure if they have them over in the US but it might be something to look into if you haven't already:

http://www.superliving.co.uk/pharmac...heatwraps.html

(Mods, I hope I am OK to post the link - if not, please remove it. Thanks!)

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to deal with all of this on top of everything else! I really hope that you start feeling better soon and you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need anyone to talk to, please know that I am here for you because I DO understand how scary and frustrating it is having to deal with spreading!!

Take care of yourself and please keep us updated when you can!

Thank you both for responding.

Ali, I have followed your condition since you first came on this site. I haven't responded to many posts, but I do read most of them and am amazed as to how you've adapted to your condition. Congratulations.

The heating pad that I'm looking at is here: http://healiohealth.com/tek9.asp?pg=...cific=jnopoqj0

Not sure if this is without the cords that I would have to lay on. So, if anyone has used this heating pad, please let me know.

Thank you.

I wonder if something like this would work for you-
http://images.google.com/images?q=Th...N&hl=en&tab=wi


I might look into these at some point too.

I didn't see how long they are supposed to hold the heat yet..

I looked them up on Amazon to get more info, reviews and a range of prices -
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_hp...+Pad&x=15&y=15

Thank you for your kind words.

I don't think I have "adapted" to this condition as such but I try my very best to work round it if I can. It is VERY difficult but when I went onto the Intense Physical Therapy Program, the PT's there helped me realise that this condition might be with me for the rest of my life unfortunately and that I can't just sit around and do nothing. I have to try and do things, despite all of the limitations I have.

It is VERY hard at times but I try and keep moving and stay positive as much as possible and do some "normal" things. I have spent this week in bed not being able to do anything hardly as I am in a huge pain flare at the moment but am trying to work through it. It's hard when I can't do things that my friends want to do and it really upsets me at times but I try and "cope" with it and do what I can.

I think, for me, the PT Program taught me a lot. I am no where near better and still deal with pain of an 8 and a half on the pain scale on a daily basis but I have realised that I am in pain whether I am sat doing nothing or doing something so I may as well try and do something if I can. I still have my days though where I don't want to do anything and just want to give in but I try and work through it with my doctors and family.

Good Luck with finding an heating pad. I hope it works out for you!

Hey that has infrared heat -

[NOTE(Please Read):
Due to the fact that this product was recently re-designed to feature infrared heat, infrared technology is not explicitly mentioned on the product packaging nor within the user manual for this product. We are working on re-designing the packaging and user manual to reflect the presence of infrared heat. Instructions for use of this product remain the same. Please keep this in mind when you receive your shipment! ]
that is good

I have this one - http://www.healiohealth.com/tek9.asp...cific=jqkmcqj0

It has rectangular semi firm pads - in the picture on the site you can see the 3 sections - those are the pads.
They are kind of firm so I don't know it that would bother the same as the wires/cords in regular heating pads.
And I can't tell in the pictures iof the other one is made the same or not.

Why not email or call them or the manufacturer and ask for more info about it and maybe more pictures?

you might enjoy the king size better - it could cover most of your whole back.

I wish my IF heating pad was bigger, but we also have a TheraTherm Digital Rectangular Moist Heating Pad -14 X 27 for full back heating.
It's more flexible to place around arm or across shoulders if needed so they both have certain uses.

[Key Points of Infrared

* Infrared in electromagnetic spectrum – Natural absorption in the human body centers around 9 microns.
* Depth of Penetration – 6 cm (2.36 inches). [Heating pads, which provide topical conductive heat, only penetrate 2 - 3 mm.]
* Radiant vs conductive
* Our product’s infrared energy produces relatively cool temperatures (104°F - 113°F). Won’t dehydrate or burn.
* All systems come with hi-low power settings. On the low setting, after full heat up, the micron range holds steady at 9.1376 (9137.6 nanometers) based on surface temperatures of 111°F. On the high setting, the micron range is 9.1089 to 8.7778 (9108.9 to 8777.8 nanometers) based on the range of surface temperatures of 113°F to 135°F.]
http://myheatingpads.com/how.htm

Hi I have RSD from both feet all the way up to the neck/shoulder area. I have also had the SCS implanted. I have only had the SCS for 4 months now. I had RSD in the back well before the SCS although I do believe that the surgery effected the area to have spread enough to where I can feel the difference.
The only thing for myself that has helped is a Moist heating Pad. I love it!! Of course as you know with RSD you can't have direct heat or Ice. I was a bit concerned at first with the Moist Heating Pad but it has worked out and I'm a easier person to live with as mu husband would say. Turn my SCS on, and sit in the recliner with the Mosit Heating Pad on my back it's like the best feeling in the world!! Hope this little bit of info helps you my RSD friend.
~Kristin~

You have to try the Thermophore. It's fantastic. You should order online. They are n ot cheap, but work great. They also have one that has a clicker control so if you fall asleep, the pad will go off and won't burn you.

Hi there. I have 2 of the thermal-moist heating pads( 24" long`x 12" wide)..wonderful. I purchased them from Walgreens. The cost was about $30.00 each. They also have an auto shut off on the 3 levels of heat control panel,so I won't get burned. I keep one in our bed, and the other travels with me throughout our home. Dew