Question about TENS therapy

[carolinawoman]

I posted this last week on the pain forum and only got one response from a person who said TENS never helped her. Anyway, I went to a pain doctor about two weeks ago. I had been referred to him by my urologist who now thinks that my bladder pain and heaviness may be nerve damage rather than IC. The nerve damage could have come from a difficult birth of my son as well as my vaginal hysterectomy/bladder and rectal repairs a year ago. Anyway, the urologist had suggested TENS therapy. When I mentioned it to the pain doctor, he said TENS therapy won't work in my case - can't remember his first reason, but he went on to say that there would be no place to put it "down there." This seemed logical, but after doing some research, I found that people with bladder problems can put it on their lower abdomen or lower back. The pain doctor did give me a drug called Lyrica for nerve pain - it's providing a tad of help for my bladder, but actually does more for my fibromyalgia. Has anyone else been told they couldn't use a TENS for bladder problems? Has anyone else been diagnosed with nerve damage of the bladder?
Betty

Vaginal hyst/bladder & rectal repairs-July 2005
Cystoscopy with hydrodistension and biopsy-Feb. 06
Taking Elmiron, Lyrica, Lexapro, estrogen patch

[armslee]

Hi Betty-
I am really sorry that I didn't see your previous reply. I guess that I am sort of the TENS goodwill ambassador by nature, haha :smile tee
I have alot of lower back pain and bladder pain that both my physical therapist and physician believe are more due to my pelvic floor dysfunction than my IC. The TENS can bring very fast relief of pain but it is a temporary relief.
Alot of my pain does come from bladder spasms which will also turn into vaginal spasms as well. I place the electrods on my lower abdomen just above my hairline. You can push lightly on your abdomen to find the most tender area to place your electrodes. From that point, you simply turn up the frequency percentage to what feels comfortable.
If you do get a TENS, try to get training from someone before operating the unit yourself. It can be a bit intimidating until you get the hang of it. I wear mine ALOT at work and have invested into some cute handmade pouches sold at a local "earthy" store here in town to store my unit while wearing it. It is nice to place the extra cords in and makes it look more like a fashion accesory instead of a piece of medical equipment hanging on my hip! :D

Please let me know if I can help you out with anymore questions!
Hugs,

[carolinawoman]

Thanks Wendi. I really wonder if this pain doctor knows what he's talking about. I'm going to mention TENS again when I go back on July 20.

Betty

[ICNDonna]

So far I haven't used my TENS for bladder pain, but it is definitely helping me with my frozen shoulder. I know there are at least several people who post regularly who are helped with bladder pain.

Donna

[noukie]

Hi Betty,

When I went for fysiotherapy a year ago for my lower back pain and pelvic pain I told my fysiotherapist about my bladderpain( not knowing then what I know now since Monday) and he also used the Tens there. I found relief from it, it was short relief, but I only went there once a week. Though knowing now about IC I think I will talk to my doctor and insurance to get Tens at home. So for me it had positive effects even though for a short time, but gratefull for every minute with less pain! So yes talk to your doctor about it again, it might help you.
Anouk

[samaruba]

Hi Noukie,
You are from Holland? I am Dutch too (I'll write in English, it's more polite). I just gave birth 3 months ago. I suffer from pelvic and lower back pain too (bekkeninstabiliteit). They did a C-section (keizersnee) and now I'm diagnosed with nerve damage from the surgery, but I'm wondering if I have IC. How did you do on the TENS and everything. Did your symptoms get any better? Do you have frequency or urgency or only pain in the bladder?
I hope to hear from you.
Sam