I'm getting fitted for a TENS unit this Thurs. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with it especially for atn pain. Iwent Fri. to pain management where I live after being sent there by my primary because they do not prescribe narcotics for pain. Well pain management tells me that they don't prescribe narcotics and will send a note to my primary recommending narcotics for me!! I am so confused. Exactly what does pain management do for people if they don't prescribe pain meds to people? I was there over an hour giving detail info about my past history, signed a form agreeing to take urine tests, not abusing meds and acknowledging that I knew that pain med scripts would not be called in but that I would have to come and pick up the prescription. Then I see the dr. and he says they don't prescribe them anymore and that it's up to the primary dr. but that most primarys will not prescribe them anymore... That was why I went there in the first place. I am the one who suggested the TENS unit to try as he had never heard of it being used for facial pain. I remember seeing some people having used it on here in years past but I can't remember if it was pro or con. If it doesn't work I don't want to waste my time or money trying it.

Also if anyone has used the TENS unit how long did you use it? Such as daily sessions and how long over time?

Someone set up a thread on the TNA websites forum and they gave detailed info about how they were using it and if memory serves me right, she was successful using it. I think she was using it for atypical TN pain. You might want to check there for the info.

yes EE03 Pat does have a big thread there (the tna site) on the tens unit. lots of info . You should read it. It was/ is successful for her.

Robyn at end of your first post you say you dont want to waste your time trying it if it doesn't work ..honey You should try it to know if it will work . weather it does or doesn't your time IS NOT wasted!! trying tens to find out one way or the other is ALLOT easier cheaper then having a major surgery like mvd or gamma etc those YOU CANT try ,... your just pray to God and hope the surgery helps . Give it a try . if it helps we will all do a happy dance for you, if not then you know you need to take steps looking into other things.
we are all different as is tn symptoms and different forms of tn .. bi lat a typical.. what helps one may not help the next.. so we all must be brave and keep trying things .Okay.

dont know what to say on your pain doc seems very odd neither your gp or pain doc will allow you meds to help with controlling and managing your pain perhaps see if you can find another pain specialist or pain management doc. the specialist is a rung higher up then a management doc I think. I had a pain management doc who gave med after med . then I had a pain specialist who did my pens and the latter was what helped me big time. I wish I had an answer for you . I do have a hug for you and a big wish for low pain and positive results when.. if you try the tens unit. I sure hope you will let us know how thing go .
PEACE
BMW

Robyn, I have the article which contains the protocol that was posted on the TNA's forum. Send me a PM with your email and I'll forward it to you. I also agree with BMW, you should try it for yourself to see what results you get. Don't forget that the TENS works by interupting the pain signals. Low pain wishes for you and hopefully some success.

This article is the one that Pat referenced on her thread.