1. < Neuropathy

I want to know more about TENS stimulation

Posted by cb3 @cb3, 2 days ago

TENS means transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. "A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own pain killers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain."

This sounds good but I am still at the level of curiosity coupled with fear. Can TENS cause brain damage? And what's this about too much B6 causing more damage? I don't see how we can group everybody's metabolic systems into one clump. Can this stimulator cure PN? How long does the pain level stay at bay? How many treatments do you need and how often? I've seen the machines at Amazon. Would a neurologist have them in their office? Will this stimulator work on lumbar multilevel degenerative disc disease?

We do not have a neurologist in this whole county. And I'm not keen on traveling long distances to see one. And I just learned our Podiatrist is leaving so I need to find the new one who is replacing him. Your support is greatly accepted at all levels. Thanks. CB

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cb3 | @cb3 | 1 day ago
In reply to @jsiegel "Hi, happy to answer any questions you might have. I have a tens unit that accommodates..." + (show)
@jsiegel

Hi, happy to answer any questions you might have. I have a tens unit that accommodates four pads on two separate channels so yes, you can use them in multiple locations at the same time and when I apply them in the right positions and adjust the intensity levels to what’s tolerable, I find I get instant relief, particularly in my back. Yes, you can travel with it and conceal the wires and the controlling unit in your clothing. On occasion I’ve even slept with it on all night. Hope you find this information useful and are able to find the same level of relief that I did. You just have to experiment a bit. I do keep an extra supply of pads and batteries on hand because I use it a lot.
Good luck.

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Oh, thank you, thank you thank you thank you thank you for answering my questions. How did you test what you can tolerate? Did you try it on your hand or your leg ... I tried searching for "TENS intensity" on the net, but confusion popped up. I ask these questions because I don't want to hurt myself. And there is no neurologist practicing in my county.

It sounds like you have found the TENS-happy-medium. So now you can get out walk and socially engage like normal people. That's what I look forward to doing. Many hugs and blessings to you. And thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, as trivial as they may be.

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1 reply
jsiegel | @jsiegel | 1 day ago
In reply to @cb3 "Oh, thank you, thank you thank you thank you thank you for answering my questions. How..." + (show)
@cb3

Oh, thank you, thank you thank you thank you thank you for answering my questions. How did you test what you can tolerate? Did you try it on your hand or your leg ... I tried searching for "TENS intensity" on the net, but confusion popped up. I ask these questions because I don't want to hurt myself. And there is no neurologist practicing in my county.

It sounds like you have found the TENS-happy-medium. So now you can get out walk and socially engage like normal people. That's what I look forward to doing. Many hugs and blessings to you. And thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, as trivial as they may be.

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Trial and error, I started with the lowest setting and increased to what was tolerable assuming my body would let me know what was too much and that worked for me.

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gailk4 | @gailk4 | 1 day ago

Rather than TENS, I strongly suggest looking into SCENAR therapy, which the inventor of TENS himself said is far superior to his own invention. SCENAR improved my neuropathy symptoms by 70-80% I estimate. Unfortunately it’s not easy to find everywhere. It’s FDA approved, but not covered by insurance. I hope that changes soon. It’s commonly used in Europe and Asia for all kinds of pain relief. Google “SCENAR vs TENS” for more info.

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artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | 22 hours ago
In reply to @cb3 "I just ordered a TENS today. Hope it reliefs my neuropathy and back pain. I'm sorry..." + (show)
@cb3

I just ordered a TENS today. Hope it reliefs my neuropathy and back pain. I'm sorry you've experienced so much pain and suffering. And I pray you find something that offers some relief. At this group, we really do need each other, don't we? Hugs, CB

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I hope it works for you, My nerve damage started with the mrsa bacterial spinal meningitis. It caused my lifetime migraines and other complications. Just promise me if your nerves feel like they are on fire please stop.

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gus0557 | @gus0557 | 26 minutes ago
In reply to @cb3 "Hey Gus, Oh, wow! I'm so sorry for your suffering. I take a slew of vitamins..." + (show)
@cb3

Hey Gus,

Oh, wow! I'm so sorry for your suffering. I take a slew of vitamins and minerals. Why did your primary tell you to go off of them? I take things like Boswellia, Turmeric, Omega 3's for a few. I can't imagine going off of those. But I'm curious to know why with you. My PA is a Nurtitionist and she has never mentioned going off of the supplements. In fact she is the one that got me on Alpha Lipoic Acid. I hope your specialist gives you good news. You deserve it. Hugs, CB

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Hi CB,
I also was taking nerve vitamins along with many prescriptions for nerve conditions. I have tried them all. Since nothing worked with me and my PCP was concerned with all the possible side effects of all medications I've tried, she finally told me to stop everything and just stay on the blood pressure medication. The new neurologist put me on 600mg of Alpha Lipoic acid. I've been on it for 2-3 weeks now. I saw her today and there are more tests I need to do. However, she definitely confirmed the large fiber neuropathy and the cervicaland lumbar radiculopathy. She is starting me on corticosteroids for 10 days with tapering doses and then I will start a new medication used for nerves and epilepsy. She still does not have the full picture as it was only the second time I'm seeing her. She is also referring me to a spinal orthopedic specialist to check on the horrendous pain in my right shoulder which is almost rendering my whole right arm useless and I am right handed. This could be form the cervical nerve being pinched at C7-C8. Plus she also referred me to a neuromuscular specialist who may have more answers. I guess we shall see and I am living day by day with each new day holding something different as far as neuropathy is concerned.
But believe me, no physical pain compares to the emotional pain of having to deal with the condition all alone. That in itself can take a major toll on a person.
So, this is my story so far. I feel each person with neuropathy can write a book on what they go through.
Thanks for your message and take care

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