Neuro said no interstim try tens-Help

[tlacey]

:help: My surgery for the test Interstim was scheduled for December 1st. I saw my Neuro yesterday and he doesn' think it's a good idea with my back problems. He gave me a rx for a tens unit and wants me to try it. Now, I see my uro tomorrow and have to tell him. What i may to start off the Holidays.

I've got a lot of questions. How much do they cost? What's the best way to use them? Do i wear it all the time? How does it compare to the Interstim or does it? :help:

[tlacey]

I don't know why but this dropped off the new posts

[windwalker]

I dont know anything about them, but wanted to let you know I'm crossin my fingers it gives you relief. Take care.
Dawn

[ICNDonna]

I have never used a TENS for my IC, but did for a shoulder problem and it worked very well for me. The way I used it was to attach the pads when I got up to go to work and clipped the unit to my waistband or put it in a pocket. Then when I experienced pain, I could turn it on.

I need to go pick up one for my husband for his neck and I have priced one locally at about $150 --- they are also somewhat less expensive on line.

Donna

[emilyrose197377]

I wish you luck and I am sorry that your surgery was cancelled. I hope the tens unit works for you.

[tigger_gal]

I wish you luck :) any thing other then surgery is worth a try ;) I havd a broken tail bone, positioned in the wrong place and 2 hernaited disc.. I do have the interstim without any problems..

[Janie Miranda]

Hi,
I have a TENS unit and I find it an invaluable part of my treatment. I wear it for a few hours everyday. The cost can vary a lot for TENS units - find out if your insurance will pay for it. I got one that is rather expensive (around 800 dollars but I know you can purchase them for much much less around 100 dollars I think) My unsurance paid for mine and pays for the pads every couple of months too. I had a lot of pain in my back - i think it was referred pain from my bladder but a few hours of wearing the TENS unit - the pain will be gone and it also seems to help me relax my bladder so it helps with my retention.
I would definitely want to try a TENs unit before getting something invasive like the interstim.
Good luck. If you have any more questions feel free to send me a private message.

[Sarojini]

I also have a TENS unit. I place two electrodes over my bladder in front and two on my lower back (make sure to cross them-- the TENS unit dealer or your doctor will explain how to do this). It works quite well -- I just dug mine out after a while and it does help. You can wear it all day if you like, but I usually just wear mine for a few hours at a time since I start getting a bit irritated from the adhesive used to stick the electrodes to the skin. My unit has a timer on it too, so that you can set it to stop after 30-60 minutes -- many of them, including mine, have different modes that you can use as well, and your doctor should be able to help you figure out what settings are good for you.

Some insurances do a rent-to-own type thing where you make payments (they pay part, you pay part) for several months and then you own it, or you can also purchase them online.

I definitely would try TENS before going all the way and doing Interstim...

[Dianne]

I couldn't survive without mine. Got it off this site for about $100 some years back. I put all four as close to rectum as possible on lower back. That's what the pain clinic told me to do. I sleep in mine. Two on each side stacked so they look like a box of four.

[pottywoman]

I wear mine 25/7. Helps so I can at least sleep witout tossing and turning all night. I put the two electrodes over the bladder area. Found if I put any on my back it makes the pain worse. It feels like the bladder is being punched. I think it works differently for everyone. My insurance paid for it but I do know of a place that has a web site that sells them for a good low price. If interested just instant message me.

[ICB]

My doctor recommeded a TENs unit; however, my physical therapist recommended an Electrical Stimulation Unit and my doctor said okay. The therapist stated that it works by going deeper into the tissues. It's fantastic!!! Whatever you get - I hope it works as well for you, as mine has for me.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

ICB :flower:

[ChrissyH]

My doctor has talked to me about using a TENS unit, but not with electrodes on the outside. She uses a vaginal electrode and claims that many of her patients have a lot of succuss with it. I am not at the point where I need to use one, but am curious if anyone uses their TENS in this way versus the electrodes on the stomach or back.

[mallenajolie]

The tens unit is similiar to the interstim. I have a feeling if you have luck with the tens, than interstim would work. I think it is under rated. It helps alot for me. I go to a pretty well known uro and he says I am the only one who he has prescribed for. I think thats a shame.

[patricia1]

mallenajolie I am happy that the tens unit is working so well for you. But I tend to disagree a bit about the Interstim. In that the tens unit and the Interstim are similar. Just because the tens unit works does not neccessarly mean that the Interstim would work also. The interstim is a bit more complicated and certain things should be taken in before considering it. Yes they are similar maybe with the stimulation and so forth. But of course this is just my opionin and I maybe out of line, but just what I think.

[mallenajolie]

sorry just a theory....about interstim and tens...I have never tried interstim nor intend to due to some people I knew had a bad experience. But I guess they insert it differently now (that was several years ago when they had their experiences). I thought about the bion, but last time I had bladder related surgery it was a mess (severe retention/bladder bleeding, etc). I think thats why my uro kind of goes the pill route with me.

[patricia1]

I know what you were thinking. I just did not want people to get them confused. The Bion you are talking about seems to be less invasive. There is a girl on here that is going through the trial of if and seems to have had great success. She went the Bion route due to the contravsory about the Interstim.

[Dusty]

I have a tens unit. The neurologist and the physical therapist I see ordered it. So on
that basis the insurance paid for it and the replacement pads when they get old, the batteries also. I do the same as far as my bladder goes place on the bladder area. That how the physical therapist that also treats ic said to place it. Then I also place it where ever else..as I had interstim but not anymore. So I use it in those areas also.
Or on my shoulders if they get to hurting. It is in a nice carry case and all...they also gave me rechargable batteries and a charger. Check your insurance because I think
if it is doctor ordere they cover it. Give it a try as they told me they can be returned if it does'nt work for you. It is worth a try anyway.
Best of luck to you,
Dusty