Heating Pads

[CaliAnn]

I have no idea where this post should go ... so I thought I'd try here.
My problem is I cannot handle heating pads anywhere on my body. I take very hot showers with no problem, but if I put a heating pad anywhere on my body - it hurts me - a lot. The heat of the hot water in the showers help me so much, I don't understand why I can't handle heating pads. I'm supposed to try heating pads for my back, breasts, bladder and uterus when I have my period, but when I put one on, I can only take it for 2 minutes before I got to pull it off because of the pain. My husband can use the heating pad no problem, so it's not like it's too hot or anything. I've even tried different ones, but same problem. Anyone else have this issue or know what the problem could be?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

[ICNDonna]

Since you can tolerate the hot water in the shower, it just might be that a wet towel between you and the heating pad would help --- or just use a hot water bottle wrapped in a damp towel.

Donna

[Shalai]

Cali
Maybe it's just the difference in moist heat vs. dry heat? Seems like I heard a long time ago moist heat was better for cramps, muscle pain, etc., while dry heat was best for bone/joint pain, such as arthritis and the like.

Donna might be onto something there with the damp towel.

Sherry

[CaliAnn]

I agree about the moist thing. Does anyone know if they sell heating pads that produce a moist type of heat?

[creatingkarma]

The last heating pad that I bought came with a sponge-like material to wet & place inbetween the heating pad & the cover. The package should say "Moist/Dry Heating Pad". I got mine at Walgreens.

You could also try rice socks. You take an old tube sock (no holes) & fill it with rice & tie a knot in the end. You stick the sock in the microwave for a couple minutes & it works like a heating pad plus it's a moist heat. I got this idea from my physical therapist.

[Kara Isabel]

You know what I did when I had a stye was moisten a small hand towel with warm water and put it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds and applied that to my eye....as per doctor's orders.

It doesn't stay hot too long, but just an idea til you find something that works :)

What about an electric blanket? Those don't get as warm as heating pads and are still comforting.

[CaliAnn]

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Kara - I did try an electric blanket, I can't tolerate it either. For some reason, my body is super-sensitive to this kind of heat. I asked my doc once about it, and he said my skin is just hyper sensative due to a skin disease that I have, (I don't think he really knows, but that answer seemed to shut me up :)