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TENS success

Posted , 6 users are following.

khi
khi

Hi, my husband had an accident which has left him with spinal problems, he has two ops which has left him worse than ever.  They have said there is no surgical target so he has been signed off by his surgeon and he is now being seen in the Pain Clinic.  They have given him a TENS machine but it is not doing much.  Has anyone had success with one considering what a serious injury/complaint he has.  Also, has anyone used a TENS had no success, I just wondered what the next step is, what will he be offered next, any ideas gratefully received.  Thanks

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • chrissie1312
    chrissie1312 khi

    Posted

    I used a tens before I had my op. Didn't do anything. At all. I eventually had to have an steroid injection directly in my nerve to try and relieve the pain. That only lasted 3 months.... They eventually took my disc out completely, replaced it with a disc and fused my spine.

    Worked wonders. Would never look back!

  • sandrog
    sandrog khi

    Posted

    Hello khi, The Tens did absolutely nothing for me. That was after surgery to my lumbar 1-4, my sacrum and coccyx which they just cemented together. I am now in a wheelchair fulltime, and still in acute pain. I refused to have any more surgery as the pain management course I attended for 4 weeks, the more surgery people had  the worse off they semed to be. None of them benefitted from having multiple ops. The best thing I have found is hydrotherapy treatment or sitting in a hot tub, if you can afford one. I just wish I had something locally as I don't drive, and the nearest one is over ten miles away. I did try it out but by the time I got home again, I was absolutely shattered, and the benefit was lost. I would push your pain management specialist to get you more regular injections and possibly pain patches. I hope this helps, all the best Sandrog.
  • khi
    khi

    Posted

    Thanks chrissie1312 and Sandrog, he has had no relief using the TENS but he now has an Op coming up for his neck so hopefully that will relieve his pain in his shoulder and upper back and then we can concentrate on his lower back.  It is so hard he is now being sick on a regular basis due to waves of pain, he is on the most meds he can before going up to the morphine level which we really want to try and avoid.  I am wondering whether he should think about a fusion but I have heard such mixed results plus I think most of his problems are due to his nerve root being so damaged whilst his diagnosis was made.  Fingers crossed this op will help.
  • patricia4866
    patricia4866 khi

    Posted

    Hi Khi. Patricia here. Prior to surgery, my TNS unit provided satisfactory pain diversion added to the anti-inflamatory oral OTC pain medication I was already taking. My drug of choice was Ibuprophen 600mg evety 6 hrs around the clock. TNS units are not meant to relieve pain in as much as they provide an alternate avenue of neural stimulation. -ie- give the nerve something else to think about beside the current amount of pain I am having. In conjunction with the ice packs, the anti-inflamatory meds, a back brace and just plain prayer, I was able to make it through until surgety. I wish you the best of luck, my friend. Please keep us informed of your

    progress.

    Patricia

  • jodini
    jodini khi

    Posted

    Hi. I had spinal fusion surgery in 2010. I have de-generative disc disease and could barely walk. It went as well as could be expected, but I live with pain 24/7. Someone mentioned a TENS machine a couple of years ago and I've used one ever since. It does help me. I don't use every day, as some days, my back is too sore.

    After my spinal surgeon signed me off, I was referred to a Pain Management Programme. They have now helped me as much as they can.

    I'm still trying to get my medication right. I use a hot water bottle often.

    I'm sorry I can't offer any more advice, simply because like your husband, I'm still struggling with help with pain.

    I'm trying to retrain my brain by watching and reading 'The Secret'. I'm trying anything!!!!

    I wish you luck x

  • sandrog
    sandrog khi

    Posted

    Hi Khi, Sorry to hear about the TENS machine not working, but not surprised as I don't know anyone who says they do work. Your husband should ask his GP or pain clinic about pain patches, these stick on the skin and last about 3/4 days. I started off sticking them to my abdomen, but they brought me out in a red patch which was quite sore. I then tried putting them on my arm, and my skin didn't react to them, I have now been using them for about 8 years and they really do take the worst of the pain away. It is also better than keep popping pills. Give them a try, but make sure you alternate the sides you put them on.

             Hope this helps, sandrog.  

    • khi
      khi sandrog

      Posted

      That is really interesting, are these pain patches morphine based, as at the moment we are trying to avoid these as he is on 43 and the doctor said he should try and last as long as possible without going down the morphine route.  I am so glad you have found something that helps with your pain.
  • sandrog
    sandrog khi

    Posted

    Hi Khi,

              Yes they are morphine based, but I know there are some others which I believe are Ketamin based. But I think the fact that they are slow acting and you have no chance of over-dosing, weighs much weight in their favour. If you don't ask you don't get is my opinion. I wonder what these specialist's would prescribe themselves if they were in like for like pain. Hope your hubbie gets sorted out soon. Good luck, sandrog.

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