Thinking About TENS

[MelanieJean]

Hey guys!

I went to my new doc. Things went GREAT! I really like her. Nothing I have tried up to this point has really helped. She seriously suggested InterStim for me, because nothing else has helped. She has done a lot of InterStim and it isn't something she recommends to all her patients. But I've been reading about InterStim and it terrifies me!! So my question now is What is a TENS unit and could it help me with pain. Would it be a good alternative to getting the InterStim, or something at least worth trying before I try InterStim?? Any suggestions?

~mel~

[ErinBear]

Hi,

TENS units are devices that use a small amount of electrical stimulation to help control pain. The Interstim is an implanted device, that has to be installed surgically. The TENS unit is used outside the body....no surgery is involved! So in that way, it definitely is less risky. I'm not sure how and where one would apply the stimulation pads for pain relief in the case of IC - maybe at the lower abdomen or lower back? I am trying to find out too.

I have a TENS unit and have used it in the past for other problems. It did help me. I was just asking my urologist today about the possibility of using it to treat IC, since I already have the unit. He has been so helpful with everything else but didn't seem to think it would work for this. However, I've seen notes from folks here who've used it successfully. I'm guessing he just hasn't had experience with this yet. So I'm going to try to figure out if I can learn something about how to possibly give it a try if I can - I have the thing here. :-)

Anyway, I hope this helps some. You would need a prescription to get a TENS unit, and probably a referral to a physical therapist or pain management specialist to get the unit and training on how to use it. They aren't cheap but if you have insurance it may help cover the cost - I don't know.

Take care,
ErinBear

[ICNDonna]

I think a TENS unit would definitely be worth a try. I used one for shoulder pain after I had surgery and a frozen shoulder. It was very effective for that. The unit I had was leased --- my insurance wouldn't purchase it for me, but ended up spending more than the cost of the unit on rental! I've been thinking about asking my uro to order one for me so I can give it a try. I know several people have posted that they have good results.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Nicole in ATL]

Hi Mel,

I got a TENS unit a couple of months ago. My uro refered me to the pain clinic, they wrote the script, and then I bought it on-line. A uro can prescribe it too.

I want to try all non-invasive treatments (even if they are just pain relief) too, before considering interstim. I'm currently taking elavil, oxytrol patch, hydroxzine, and percocet for pain.

The TENS unit helps me with frequency, urgency, and pressure and I've had to take less pain meds since using it. I place the pads on my inner ankle/calf or on my stomach.

Take care,
Nicole

[peachycajun]

My uro referred me to a pain dr and I asked him about the TENS unit, but he didn't think it would help in my case. He has me on the fentanyl patch and oxycontin.

I have read where others on here have had help by using it. I would say it's worth a try if your dr thinks it is.

danielle

[Katrina]

Ask your doctor for a TENS unit. A TENS unit is believed to work by providing another source of stimulation to "divert" the brain from paying attention to your bladder. It's based on the spinal gate theory. Some patients find TENS very helpful while driving, or in situations when a pain medication isn't appropriate.

that is taken from a part of the IC handbook.....good luck in your treatment!

[MelanieJean]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it! I've been referred to a pain management clinic, so I'll ask them about it. :) I really appreciate all your input. Thanks a ton!

~mel~

[ErinBear]

Hi MelanieJean,

That's great you've been referred to a pain management clinic - they can be really helpful sometimes. I've been to one in the past for a different problem and it was very helpful.

I talked with my doctor again today about trying TENS, and he said he'd write me a referral to the physical therapist so I can get trained on using it for this application if necessary, so he's had a change of heart after I made another pitch. So I feel really thankful. It just seems like it's worth a try! :-) And I already have the unit.

Hugs,
ErinBear