Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Oh today how my shoulders hurt. I thought about getting the heating pad, but to be honest I was too lazy and tired to go downstairs. So I went to my bathroom and grabbed the TENS unit. As my husband is usually gone 2 weeks out of the month I have to do the things that I can usually get him to do when I hurt too badly to do anything else. I have had it on for an hour and a half. I can actually move my neck and arm now, but it still hurts. Probably would have been better if I combined the TENS and heating pad. Anyone else have a TENS unit? Do you use it all the time? I frequently forget about it to be honest but for some reason tonight it popped in to my head. I am going for my first encounter with acupunture on Monday. She will probably tell me I have too much stuff to treat at once and will have to come 3-4 times a week. Like I can afford that. Heck my insurance doesn't cover that or massages. I am lucky enough to have a massage school close by and can get massages for $30 an hour. But I have my favorite massues and can get packages for $150 for 3 professional massages. Okay off topic of the TENS unit. Let me know what you think of your TENS unit if you have one.

I wish I could have read your entire messagae, but there is a huge advertisment for Benefiber acrosse the first several lines. I don't mind advertising as long as it stays between posts. What's going on?

I am glad you brought the subject of a tens unit up. I used one, years ago, for back issues and it helped some. Chuck and I just recently discussed getting another one and see how it helps the pain in back, shoulders, neck, etc...

Did you say how it helps you? As I stated, I can not read your first several lines.

I am leaning toward trying massage again. Last time, it was awful. May go well next time. I do have a fav mausser, however, she lives in the next town, so my thoughts are to have one come to my home.

I have checked and found prices are not much above going to one. Heck, by the time you factor in gas and time it is well worth staying in the comfort of your own home. Of course, I would never invite a stranger into my home without thorough checking.

My pulmonologist suggested acupunture. Let me know how that goes.

I think we should try everything available that is not harmful. Who knows...might hit solid gold.

Good luck, dear.

That darned ad was in my way viewing some other messages too. I just had to get out of the message and re-enter. The TENS unit has helped me so much I am able to move my neck and arm again. But I did use if for almost 2 hours. lol Probably would have been better with the heating pad also. My favorite size gel pads are no longer sticky....need to order more but they are hard to find. I hope you are able to find some relief if you get another one.

Thanks, dear. As soon as I get of here I am going to e-mail my doc for a script for tens unit.

I tried re-entering a few times, but it didn't make any difference. This time I was able to read your post fully.

Hugs

I didn't have problems with the ad in the way of this post, I do have others like that. Im curious for as to what is a TENS. I tried to check out the ad with no luck. Please explain what it does.

I got one after neck surgery. Used it the way they showed me. Didn't like it at all. I still don't use it for the neck pain I have now. I swear it makes the nerve pain worse for me. I'd much rather have actual neck massages.

Clap, ever been in PT and they hook you to a machine that sends pulses to your muscles and nerves? That's a monster unit. For home, you get a small, mobile unit. They are strong little suckers. Can put it on neck and it makes your legs and feet jump.

If placed correctly it can be very good, but it is very very hard to place it in the right spots when you are the one doing it. I usually have to move one or two of the electrodes around a few times before I can get it right. Clap, it is basically electrical stimulation. It can be used on muscles as well as nerves. If you use it for muscles it contracts and relaxes the muscles.

I have had PT and did the impulse. I really liked it, relaxed my muscle. Something to think about. Right now my electric mattress pad heater is working fine. The weather here is 80 one day and 60 the next. the drop usually makes me ache, so into bed for a nap and some warmth.

Tonya, I was using it right. I think I am just really sensitive to it. Even in PT, I couldn't stand it. They never set it higher then 3 and I was jerking all over the place. The therapist kept wanting to turn it up and I'd have to argue with her that I couldn't take it. I wish it would have helped.

Clap, so jealous of your weather. We have had a horrible April. Lucky if we've seen 60. Still mostly teens to 40's. This next week - 50's and rain, clouds, and more rain. My poor body. Pain and headaches! It snowed twice last week.

Donna,I am sorry that it did not work for you. You must be extremely sensitive to it. That stinks! I wish I had both of you guys weather, we reached 92 today with 80% humidity, ugh! We typically reach the 100's by mid May.