TENS machine

fpcat

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a TENS machine for use for pains in my legs and feet caused by problems with my back. I am waiting for hospital appointment, but wanted to see if TENS would help. I've looked at several makes and models, and can't make a decision (too much choice for me). What do others who use TENS suggest, and do you buy the replacement electrodes specific to your model, or generic ones from Ebay? What else do I need to consider? Any help appreciated before I make an expensive mistake.

Reluctant_spender

I have this one - used it about half a dozen times, never replaced the electrodes yet.

http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=90&mpe_id=10614&productId=307105&intv_id=19576&evtype=CpgnClick&langId=-1&catalogId=1008

meritaten

I bought one many years ago when my back problem was REALLY bad. I found it very helpful and it reduced the amount of pain killers I was using. so much I actually stopped taking the strong ones and found that ordinary paracetamol was enough.
the electrodes are quite long lasting! they are really sticky and can be used time and time again! the few that came with the machine lasted a year or so - the ones I re-ordered were reasonable in price and actually lasted longer as I came to rely on the machine less and less!
I dont use it much now - but its there if I (or another member of the family) need it. best £30 I spent! but it doesnt suit everyone hun. if you can, borrow one to try out. and please - adjust the setting carefully the first time - you should only feel a SLIGHT tingle! a lot of people think that more is better - thats not the case! you shouldnt be uncomfortable............the slight tingle tells you its working and you should be able to go about your business and almost forget about it!

jenniewb

Does anyone know if these machines work well for period pains?

shykins

i have one for back/leg pain and agree i have never replaced my electrodes yet. i would be wary about the cheaper ones if your pain level is high

i second trying before u buy if u can, some hospitals lend them out. i also have one i got in poundland (yes i did say poundland lol) that i use on long journeys. its nowhere near effective as my main one but its small and helps

also i would say go for one with 4 pads if the pains are going down your legs eg sciatica as it will give u a bigger spread of pain relief

if its a medical problem u should be able to get VAT back on it the place i bought from supplied me with a form
hth

fpcat

Thanks, everyone. I looked at the Lloyds one, do you need mains power for the heated pads? I was loaned a basic one when I had carpal tunnel, but had to give it back. I don't know whether to troll down to Lloyds and buy one, or go for one on Ebay. There's lots of new ones on there, but I can't always find reviews or comments, so I don't know how easy some of them are. I don't know whether I would get VAT back, as I said I'm waiting for hospital appointment for surgery, but don't know how long I must wait, or what the criteria for VAT refund are.

Dizzy_Ditzy

i bought a basic one from Lloyds Pharmacy a few years back as I had really bad gynae problems and it was brilliant. I have replaced the pads once. You can get them for about a fiver or so from the same place.

I do still use it for period pain when its really bad and it's fab.

My advice would be to try one if you can and see how you get on with it. But DO NOT TURN THE POWER UP TO FULL as it will hurt you unless you have absolutely no feeling at all!!

shykins

i bought mine online years ago as u couldnt really get them in the shops then so i dont know how powerful the lloyds one. i was under my dr but didnt have to provide anything other than a signed form and i was still awaiting an official diagnosis at that point

hth

rockie4

Mine's a basic one from Lloyds, bought on offer at the time for £12.99.
I've had it a while now and it's brilliant for back and neck pain. OH was loaned one by the hospital but reckons that the cheapy one is just as good.