I just took home a TENS box from my PT. Has anyone had any luck with these? Are they meant for temporary relief or for actual long-term "healing" or calming of the nervous system in general?
My RSD pain only flares from weight-bearing and from compression of my foot (too-tight sock/shoe combos, for instance), so temp/touch/etc. aren't a problem for me. I've done TENS a few times already and it has neither bothered me nor made a discernible difference, but my pain hits low levels on its own anyway, so it's hard to tell.
Accounts of your experiences with it would be great!
Thanks,
Mimi

I had 2 tens units for over 2 years for my TOS and RSD and they did help me. I think you just have to mess with the buttons until you get them set where they do the most good.

I sent one of mine to an NT friend and she used if for a long time too. She loved it. Her insurance wouldn't pay for one even though the Dr. had prescribed it.

I believe it's like any other thing done for RSD or anything else. What works for one might not work for another.

Give it some time and I do hope you start getting painfree soon.

Ada

A TENS unit worked for me for a couple of days... pain levels dropped a little... but on day 3.... OUCH... using the TENS made my pain levels increase quite high...


Again... what works for one of us may not work for another....


Abbie

Mimi,
Hi, In August it will be 6 years since diagnosed with RSD, which is now full body. However, I have my tens for 5 years and I was told if it worked then give it a name because it will become my best friend. I wear my tens 24/7, and there is no doubt about it, it helps cut down on some of the pain. I do take a lot of meds still, but it does make a difference. I have had to have my tens repaired about three times in the last 5 years and until I get a replacement I count down the minutes because my pain is much higher. The company I deal with is very good about sending one out overnight because they do understand.
I know through experience that with RSD everyone is different and what works for one does not for others ,but I believe it is worth the try. You can rent one on a month to month basis until you see if it helps, before you purchase one. I noticed a difference within a day.
Best of luck! If you would like any other info just send me an email.
Terri

thank you everybody for your responses! i'm glad to hear that it's been a source of relief for at least some fellow RSDers.

here's a good link that tells about the different kinds of E stim machines and what they do.
http://www.vitality-web.com/backstor...Stimulator.htm

according to the site TENS is mainly a pain signal blocker , for possible healing or oxygen increase you might try an IF stim.

I like my TENS but it depends on the day...sometimes I can't handle having anything on my skin. I did find it helps for sleep, I programmed mine for sleep. Hope it works for you...try messing around with the frequency until you find a good one. Also I suggest finding where the nerves are that you need to target and placing the TENS unit over that site. My pt just sent me home with it and said to put it where ever it felt good. My pain doc said to place it over certain nerves to get relief. Hope you get some relief.
Jennelle

I love my Tens Unit,too. Sometimes, it would irritate my skin..and then I figured out that the electrode patches needed to be changed out. I hope you have success with your Ten's Unit

Dew