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Posted by artbyzoe on 26-Nov-2010 11:09 Report
Has anyone tried the TENs or Hidow Pain relief system? As seen on ACA recently
I suffer from chronic pain - currently taking a form of morphine & I am scared I'll become addicted to it -
So I was wondering if anyone has tried the TENs and or Hidow pain relief system
It's portable (size of an MP3 player) and has 2 patches that you place on the area of pain - it sends pulses to the area of pain -
I've done a little research on the internet - but I never trust testimonals left on internet sites - too easy for anyone to say "awesome, worked fantastic" etc as an advertising gimmick.
The cost is approx $200.00 but if it relieves some of the pain it would be worth it.
Look forward to hearing if anyone has tried it.
Thanks
Zoe
 
Replied by richbartim on 26-Nov-2010 11:38 (Ref 2234371) Report
yes I have had one for a few years now cost over $200.
we have used it a lot it does help. I have since bought 2 more units from the other side they were cheaper there then replacing pads. I could not find any here on Oztion at the time. you don't have to pay the high price look around for unknown names they do the same thing even the battery operated ones we bought one of those about $7.00. works great but it is one one pad not 4. great for small niggling pains.
Replied by artbyzoe on 26-Nov-2010 11:43 (Ref 2234394) Report
Wow Thanks for that info - sounds very encouraging.
I posted this question on facebook and one of my relatives message me saying she is going to use it during labour - she is due to give birth in a few weeks.
Man if it can relieve that sort of pain I want one & I want one NOW LOL
Will definetly start looking at different types of machines and prices now.
Cheers
Zoe
Replied by shahlame on 26-Nov-2010 12:38 (Ref 2234476) Report
Hi Zoe,
I've had one for years, too - one of the very old ones (Rich is right, the pads are terribly expensive).  I found it very helpful for muscular pain but not very helpful for bone-injury related pain.
Might I suggest you ask your doctor or physio their opinion, or even borrow or hire one to try it out first? 
It might save you some money in the long run.
I know what you mean about the morphine-related drugs.  I'm on them, and have always been scared stiff of becoming addicted to them.  Talk to your doctor about that, too.  My doc changed my tabs to slow-release ones, which she said weren't as addictive.
Val
Replied by limegreen on 26-Nov-2010 13:11 (Ref 2234490) Report
I'm really interested in this topic as I was going to buy one a couple of years ago but didn't know any 'ordinary' people who had used one and tend not to believe fantastic reviews!

I have nerve damage at the bottom of my spine (from an attack) which affects my hips and thighs.   The doctor has done tests on my legs and hips and has told me that there isn't anything wrong with them, so it's the nerves.    I can feel the pain in an area the size of a 50c piece at the base of my spine.   When I'm in bed and early morning, it's like electric shocks, later on it's just pain.

Thanks
limegreen
Replied by artbyzoe on 26-Nov-2010 13:26 (Ref 2234502) Report
Hi Val - I'm on the slow release morphine at night - but have another one I can take during the day if pain is very strong - I'm trying to only take that if the pain is really affecting me - ie I can't move, or do things.

The relative that sent me a message saying she is using it during child birth is a nurse - I forgot we had a nurse in the family LOL. Anyway she know my condition and has said it should help minimise the pain - maybe not needing to take pain meds during the day.

My pain is due to bones pressing on nerves in my neck - mid back & lower back - as well as arthritis.  She said it won't get rid of it - but will ease the pain - hence not needing to take medication. And because it is portable I can still work with it on = ie list items - paint, etc. etc.

Anyway I've made an offer on one- will see what happens
Cheers
Zoe
Replied by richbartim on 26-Nov-2010 13:59 (Ref 2234521) Report
The TENS machines are adjustable. to start off with just put it on low to see how you go with it.
if you feel like you want it stronger then turn up the dial. if too strong turn it down.
I don't feel I need to use it as much now that I am not working but Hubby uses it at least once a week.
Replied by huonbrook on 26-Nov-2010 15:39 (Ref 2234589) Report
Interesting thread, bet it gets a lot of feedback.
I have been on pain relief drugs since my 3rd head on motor vehicle accident.(drunk drivers the lot of em!!) about 10 years ago.
I was always worried about addiction and my wonderful Docter found a slow release pain drug call Tramel or tramadol
As far as I know it's not addictive, well not phsically but mentally because of the pain it takes away is another thing.
If I am having a few good days I can stop taking it without any problems.
I have been researching the TENS machines jusr recently and may have to hire one and give it a try.
Thanks for starting this very interesting thread...
Replied by shahlame on 26-Nov-2010 16:30 (Ref 2234625) Report
Hi again Zoe, Rich, Limegreen and Huonbrook,
It sounds like we are all in similar places!  I reckon if anything works, go with it - but I also think everyone is individual and our reactions to things are, too. 
I'm on the Tramadol SR, with top up from other over-the-counter painkillers if I'm doing more than I should.  The physio tried me on the TENs machine soon after my injury, but it didn't do anything at all.  That's not saying it wouldn't work for other people, though ( he also tried acupuncture; it didn't work for me but does for many).  I hate to tell you this Huonbrook, but Tramadol is one of the synthetic opiate drugs, and they can be addictive.  You probably aren't one of the 'addictive personalities', so count yourself lucky :)  If I don't have my tablet within an hour of the time I should, I start going into withdrawal - so I'd say I'm addicted.  At least with these tablets I have a good chance of being able to come off them under doc's guidance. 
The TENs machine works on the feedback system from the brain - and we should be able to 'distract' our brains from the pain in theory.  Practice for me is something else :) 
I'm seriously thinking of  having either a brain transplant or a body transplant  he he he.
Good luck with the TENs everyone - I hope it works for you.  Come back and let us know,eh?
Val
Replied by hetha08 on 26-Nov-2010 17:02 (Ref 2234647) Report
Hi..
To evryone involved in starting this thread and contributing - I also say - Thank You.
I have just had radiotherapy for bone pain.
My big problem at the moment is diarrohea and fatigue - not
pain. However, I have had pain and was prescribed and use codapane forte.
I am concerned that I am going to have to go onto heavier stuff at some stage.
The thing is.....if you have no pain......you can function. I see that somebody said that the pain relief was not suitable for bone pain so maybe that counts me out.
But it's great to see this discussion.
Thank You
Heather
Replied by shahlame on 26-Nov-2010 17:57 (Ref 2234665) Report
Hi Heather,
It was me that said the TENs wasn't successful for my bone pain, but don't take it that it won't work for you - it might (hopefully), so it's worth trying.  Do you know anyone with a TENs you can borrow, or perhaps hire one to try?  If we lived closer to each other you could try my old clunky one.
All the best everyone.
Val
Replied by huonbrook on 26-Nov-2010 20:03 (Ref 2234711) Report
I forgot to mention that acupuncture also works really well for me, the drawbacks are that as I'm rural sometimes the drive in and out to get it done undoes all the good work the acupuncture does..catch 22  !!.
I would definately recommend acupuncture by a good practitioner for pain relief.
At one stage I was having it 3 times a week and it gave lots of relief.
Replied by aggiesattik on 26-Nov-2010 20:44 (Ref 2234724) Report
Hi everyone, My hubby uses a ten machine, an old one he has had for years. He had melanoma diagnosed 12 years ago and had a radical neck dissection where they cut out the trapezius muscle in his shoulder & all the lymph nodes on the same side after the mole on his face grew inwards and he ended up with stage 4 cancer (lymph involvement). His muscles are now retracting and he gets spasms constantly which causes great pain, esp at night. He is also on slow release morphine - Kapanol at night- and he cannot sleep without this but has recently had to cease his anti-spasmodic (Endep) as it was bringing on glaucoma symptoms. The tens really works well for him in the evenings or when the spasms are bad as it seems to numb the area. As with the others, the pads are expensive but worth it. We have managed to shop around and find them and he tries to get a fair bit out of each pad before having to replace them.

I def think a tens is worth it - great idea to trial one first.

Cheers, Ang.
Replied by lifemagician on 26-Nov-2010 22:02 (Ref 2234767) Report


limegreen I too have a nerve damage related condtion, and get minimal (none-the-less welcome) relief from TENs.

What however gives me great relief, but does not cure, is acupuncture.   Almost every week I visit my doctor, and when I miss a few weeks, I really feel the difference.

See if you can find a GP who is also an acupuncturist.  These are becoming more and more common as the new generation of doctors realise that drugs are not always the answer.  It is regarded as a normal visit, and as such, is bulkbilled.

My doctor warned me that because acupuncture works on and through the nerves, and because my nerves are damaged, it may not work.   But I have had great relief.   And best of all, she uses lasers, rather than needles.   The whole consultation is less than 10 minutes.

Lifey who now relies on it
Replied by aussiebares on 26-Nov-2010 22:03 (Ref 2234769) Report
Hi guys and Zoe what a great thread.... I have found that the tens doesn't work for me it seems to aggravate the muscle pain and then I'm not sleeping....I have been on the slow release tramol and tramadol and they to did not do much....I'm now on oxycontin but try to take it only when it's too unbearable....I have tennis elbow, golfers elbow, RSI, and carpel tunnel in both hands/arms...35 years of leather upholstery is not good for you...lol.......I have found only one thing that helps, well two but one is illegal...lol...the other is floating in a floatation tank or in a warm pool this seems to relieve the tension and after I can really relax and sleep pain free....I hope the Tens works for you, let us know how you go...
Cheers
Julie
Replied by toby1 on 27-Nov-2010 07:39 (Ref 2234833) Report
hi my hubby has nerve damage to both legs i got him a musell rebulder and has a tens on it he was in a wheelchair now can walk no pain but cost 1.000.00 from usa he has neouphary had it for about 4 years now best money i ever spent maureen
Replied by carbonprincess on 27-Nov-2010 13:23 (Ref 2234963) Report
 Hi All.

I bought a tens machine following back surgery 10 years ago. I had varying results with it. If my pain was just pain without nerve involvement it did provide a little bit of relief (particularly if I lay down and listened to a muscle relaxation tape at the same time) however, if I used it when I had sciatica - absolute nightmare. It was like being electrified. 

After several excruciating experiences I gave it to a friend who suffers from fibromyalgia. She finds it to be a tremendous help.

I have tried many things to relieve spinal pain. The most successful for me has been Osteopathy and to remember to do piriformis and hip flexor stretches at least twice a day. I try to limit pain killers, but some days are better than others.

CP
Replied by gypsycat on 27-Nov-2010 13:56 (Ref 2234998) Report
I just found out this week from my MRI I hvae degenerative something in my lower spine. My Dr conveniently goes away for 2 weeks and I'm left high and dry in pain and taking up to 3 valiums a day and panadol and whatever pain relief I can get. The medical system in rural areas sucks. have never felt suicidal with pain like this before in my life. I am basically bed ridden, cant do a thing and have to rely on family and friends to do everything. If someone can help me I'm begging you! I can only get on ht e computer in bed a few times a day.
Replied by artbyzoe on 27-Nov-2010 14:04 (Ref 2235005) Report
Gypsycat - you have mail
Replied by artbyzoe on 08-Dec-2010 20:13 (Ref 2240902) Report
Whoo hoo I just received my new TENS machine - just spent the past 1/2 hour trying to figure out how to use it though -
Looks like I'll be spending the evening reading through this thing called a "User Manual" - uuummm
Here's hoping it works.
when I figure out how to use it I'll let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Zoe
Replied by artbyzoe on 11-Dec-2010 19:43 (Ref 2242254) Report
Today is the first day I have been able to work out how to use my TENs machine.
It's got so many different settings Accupunture, Stroke, Massage, Cupping, Manipulation, Scdrapping, Weight Reduction, Immunotheraphy.
Uuuummm slowly working my way through the manual.
I've only tried the Massage setting so far, on my lower back and neck - can't say there's been much relief.
But I think I need to do some more reading into the other settings - gosh it's like reading a "text book from school days"

BTW can you use them too much?????? I haven't been able to find any information about that yet.
I've only used it twice today for 15 mins at a time. This morning and right now.

Cheers
Zoe
Replied by nefer_sold on 13-Dec-2010 20:43 (Ref 2243286) Report
Hi Zoe

Which TENS did you buy??  There are so many its hard to decide.

You can use them as much as you like and when you feel you need to - a bit like drugs.

Its figuring out the right "intensity" that helps you and the best location to place the pads e.g. if pain is in knee area placing them 8-10cm above is best.

Have fun playing with all the different settings - you will get nothing else done whilst you figure it all out.

I'm dreaming of a pain free Christmas!!!!!!!
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