Tens Machines

[mintymow]

Anyone have any experience of Tens machines. Do they work, which might be the best. My husband had a fall and has since suffered pain in his neck, pain killers are not really doing it. Have seen the doctor who prescribed co-codamol but I think they are making him constipated. Thanks.

[Connemmara]

Minty I bought one many yonks ago (so they are probably very much updated) - they are like electric currents going through - I used it for a bit but couldn't get used to it as if you hit the wrong button different currents would run through - it frightened me a wee bit. Still have it but never use it and I too am in a lot of pain. Painkillers you might eat a pack of smarties. and co-codamol (too many of them do indeed make you constipated) know that wasn't much of an answer. Sorry Con

[bednobs]

they are relatively cheap, so you really have nothing to lose. They use them on pain clinics and in palliative care units, so they must work (for at least some types of pain and on some people)

[woofgang]

minty is the problem improving? Hw long ago was the fall? does the co-codamol work for the pain? If it does, its worth going back to the doctor and telling him/her about the problem and asking to have a stool softener prescribed. They work very very well. They need to be taken regularly (no pun intended) and will take a little time to work if your husband already has problems. He also needs to drink plenty of watery drinks as the softener absorbs water in the bowel to bulk up the stool (are we all enjoying sunday lunch lol?) In addition to a softener, a diet rich in fruit and veg (obviously) will help. If he is eating bran cereals, he must drink plenty, otherwise the bran just sets like cement and causes further problems. Fruit, which carries its own water along with the fibre, is a better option.

Tens machines work for some and not for others, I used one on my knee to relieve pain and I couldn't have kept going without it but I had to fiddle with the placement and settings and I am an Occupational Therapist (retired) and knew what I was doing. They tend to be used more for the management of a long term problem than for something that will heal.

Did the doc say what was wrong with your husband's neck? How long it should take to get better? When he would like to see your husband back if there was no improvement? Does your husband have any underlying conditions? Arthritis? osteoporis Fibromyalgia? that kind of thing.

[mintymow]

Thank you woofgang, My husband is 1 year post operation on the brain to remove a benign cyst and a bleed during the operation. The bleed has left him with slight weakness on the right side but worse is his aphasia, his inability to read or write properly and some cognitive issues. The fall was just over 2 weeks ago he was alone at the time (and I thought asleep), so it difficult to know quite what happened. The doctor prescribed the Diazepam at first but that didn't seem to help, then the co-codamol and some physio (which we can can't get an appointment for until the end of July). He has some restricted movement in his neck which has gradually increased over the years (he is nearly 70) but this didn't give him much pain. Since the fall its worse. The doctor said he was very tight on one side. There was no indication as to how long it might take to get better. He doesn't walk very well and my concern is that he wants to even less and that he might get stuck in a chair. If its possible the tens machine might help I will get one to try and keep him active.

[Sparkles62]

Minty, is your Hubby having physio?
they usually give the tens machines out on loan at the physio, so that you can try it out before you buy one. X

[Old_Geezer]

I think they are overrated. Didn't do a lot for me despite they being recommended to me.

[Jeza]

Mic used one for a while. He said it was worse than useless, yet I know some people swear by them. Give it a go, what have you got to loose.

[woofgang]

I am going to be honest, without meeting your husband, he doesn't sound like the best prospect for tens :-( . I would suggest the your best option is to try the stool softeners. At any rate, go back to the doctor.
Are you coping generally? Forgive me but it sounds like you may not be...it might be worth being honest with the doctor about coping as well.....

[Sqad]

Removal of a cerebral cyst with an associated bleed with a resultant aphasia and right sided weakness......I would not use a tens machine anywhere near the neck.

Your choice though.

[Sqad]

\\\\Give it a go, what have you got to loose. \\\\

Another cerebrovascular incident.

[woofgang]

sqad you said what i was thinking...

[mintymow]

Thanks everyone for your comments. It is difficult having to make all the decisions, but I feel Sqad that I shall take your advice and not try the Tens. Woofgang, thanks for your concern, I cope mostly but some days not quite as well. We have a Carer every morning to get Ted up ad really we were doing well until the fall. Hopefully things will improve given time.

[woofgang]

do go talk to your doc about stool softeners. Used properly they work amazingly well, I am surprised they aren't prescribed with co codamol as a matter of routine.

[Greedyfly]

I have tried a TENS machine for a long term pain problem and had no relief, I also found it hard to use whilst working which was suggested by my doctor. I know people who have had great results and others with none. If your husbands neck problem has been a continual thing it might be worth speaking to the GP about a referral to pain clinic - if you have this facility locally.