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Pain Pen

Posted , 4 users are following.

Nefret
Nefret

Someone in one of the threads was asking about this - I have used one for years, it was my lifeline when I was working and didn't want to take painkillers - I was fogged enough with the steroids and concentrating took some concentration, if you see what I mean.

It worked well for me - I used it mainly on neck and shoulders where I could locate a trigger point to zap. They are not of much use for generalised aches and pains.

I don't use mine as much now that I am not working, just once or twice when I've been out, but for those years I wouldn't have been without it.

The only thing I have against it is that you can't really use it on your head, which in fact is where I would like the relief most. Scalp and head pain has always been my main moan and still is, but now it doesn't matter if I go wandering about not knowing which day it is. I take both co-codamol and Tramadol for pain, the cocos work on the muscle pain and the Tramadol on the nerve pain I now get (that's a different story).

I find that just lately I have popped in here for a read more and more - just to see what Granny Moss is getting up to! Dear Granny Moss, I hope I am hoping to be the recipient of 'indecent proposals' in 20 years time!

Mrs O, you still sound under the weather with your glands - hope the hospital can give you some help.

Regards to all

Nefret

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • BettyE
    BettyE

    Posted

    Have used TENS but find it all a bit restricting what with batteries and wires! The PEN sounds much more convenient.

    I am grateful to TENS inasmuch as it precipitated my first PMR diagnosis. Took it along to GP to check ok for as yet mystery pain and she said she used TENS herself. Discussed my pain and I just mentioned that I had lost a lot of weight and that lit up the bingo light. Immediate bloods and sent for next day. The rest is history. ( Unfortunately ) BettyE

  • fiftiesgirl
    fiftiesgirl

    Posted

    Thank you for the info about the pain pen... it has been mentioned to me but my pains are so widespread don't think, from your description, it would benefit me at the mo...... where do you get them from?

    I have a TENS machine which I bought a few years ago when I last 'tore' a ligament in my back ... it was fantastic and really helped.

    Can I use it anywhere to help when pain is at its worst..... would it, for example, help on a hip or shoulder or top of an arm or leg? I presume you would not set it at its highest, just a low pulse? Would be interested BettyE in any tips and then I might go and dig it out and have a try! :lol:

  • BettyE
    BettyE

    Posted

    Will dig out the book that came with mine. As far as I remember there were a couple of donts but I'm pretty sure that anywhere like shoulders, thighs etc. are candidates for TENS. Will get back to you on here before bed-time. BettyE
  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey

    Posted

    I hadn't heard of a pain pen until now. I did use a TENS machine when at my worst, mostly on my shoulders, but like Betty I found it a bit cumbersome. I seemed to get the most comfort from my heat pad.

    [b:14ad810302]Nefret[/b:14ad810302] Good to hear from you again and thank you for the good wishes. Fed up with having a constant dry mouth and feel a bit concerned at the Dr dictating the words \"lymph tissue\" to the consultant, so feeling a bit 'knocked back' but you, more than anyone else, will know what that feels like I'm sure. :hug:

    MrsO

  • mrs_k
    mrs_k

    Posted

    Tens Machine

    I found it useful for fibrositis and told a mate about it, not knowing she had PMR at that time, as she had told nobody.

    Outcome, she bought a Tens machine with a belt that went round her waist, one part of the on the top of one leg, t'other on other leg. Then she managed to walk right round the supermarket. Norma now lives in Cyprus and still keeps her Tens handy.

    By the way, they are made in Scotland.

  • BettyE
    BettyE

    Posted

    Have tried to scan and copy the safety page from my book but I can't highlight it. Brain fog?

    Anyway it says not to use TENS on the Carotid sinus,Laryngeal and Pharyngeal muscles nor through the chest ( I suppose that means don't put one electrode on your chest and one between the shoulder blades. )Do not place electrodes in the mouth or over the eyes. Well, you wouldn't, would you. Nor on varicose veins or open wounds or recent scar tissue. So anywhere from the diaphragm down is ok. Good luck. BettyE

    :magic: :steam: [/quote]

  • fiftiesgirl
    fiftiesgirl

    Posted

    Thank you BettyE..... mine is a very modern lightweight affair and I have just looked out some new batteries and will give it a go in a while on my right arm to test it out :lol:
  • Nefret
    Nefret

    Posted

    Well, who would have believed it? I start writing about pain pens and suddenly get a call from the Physio Dept here. I was referred to them in July last year, re-referred in November for something entirely different and frankly had given up on either referral.

    Next Tuesday morning is the time.....I will be very curious to see which one of my ever-growing list of complaints they are going to treat. Hopefully it will be my feet and Achilles tendons as I would like nothing better than to be able to wear a pair of shoes (as opposed to clogs).

    I know ultrasound worked for me some years ago after a foot operation and am rather hoping for the same this time...........it will hopefully bring some relief even if I am stuck wearing clogs or sandals for the rest of my time. Well, Tuesday will tell!

    Regards

    Nefret

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