I would like to invite @sweatergirl, @crockett, and @sandytoes14 to this discussion to give their thoughts on a portable TENS unit for pain.

This is my first attempt to reply to this group. I have osteoarthritis in several joints with 2 knees replaced, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as well as scoliosis in my back, a bone spur in my lower back digging into a nerve, sciatica etc. I have never gotten any relief from a TENS device, either at the physical therapist's or the drugstore ones. My current non-drug relief comes from lidocaine patches and rubs from the drugstore along with prescribed Vicodin. Tylenol does nothing for pain except for headaches. Because of digestive issues inherited from my father's family, I cannot take Celebrex or aspirin/ibuprofen/naproxen sodium. Sorry this is so long. Hope it helps.<br><br>

Does ice or heat help?
They want mom to try Gabapentin.. but She's on a walker and can fall... I have patches.. I'll try them. On mom... do you have to use them a bunch before there is noticeable help?
Has anyone used Voltaren gel for pain

@leslie324 you are welcomed to the group. It is a group we all wish we were not a part of.:)
I agree with your experience with the tens, tried it for pain in my feet (PT) and it actually made it worse.
Now for my back pain, fibro I use RX Lidocaine patches at it gives me some relief but only in the area of application
and you are only supposed to use two at a time 12 hours on 12 hours off so I have to be selective on the "where".
I use an opiod "as needed" for more of the severe pain that is more wide spread (I have cancer also). I am taking Cymbalta
for depression, I do not really notice any additional pain relief with it. I take gabapentin without, it would seem, the worst of the side effects many suffer. But then again I have been on both for a very long time I probably have adjusted to it and I can't remember when I first started. Chronic pain is a pain in the ... since many times either they can't find a direct cause, which is the equivalent to "it is all
in your head" or they treat it only to the point of pain reduction, you are left always in pain.
Many people here have a lot to offer I hope reading what others are saying and/or doing helps you.

How to handle this?? We have a well respected radiologist at my church. He looked at MRI of moms hip and lumbar. He saw on the " coronal" view of the left hip a " illeosoas tendonosis." Edema and fluid in or on tendon that he said would produce the pain mom is having. On the MRI report of the left hip, written by the radiologist who originally read it , he doesn't mention it. I want that person to read what our friend says that he sees so it can be confirmed and treated by our pain doc and others. There was a doc who ordered the MRI of left hip--- should I go through her? Or direct to radiologist ??? I don't know the radiologist . Thanks !!!!!!!

I have Voltaren and it helps to take the edge off of the pain