Wellness

[Poodlepet2]

Momtodogs,just go to Healthmateforever.com.

A couple of good points have been brought up.I have seen signs in my psychiatrist's office that says Medicare will cover TENS units. That being said, I wonder if it is limited to particular brand or model. I have been through the battery types, and while they helped-a little-just don't compare to what I have now....and the cost of batteries? One day, I went through eight batteries.

The next point is that WITH a doctor's approval, dooBdoo is using a TENS unit for the treatment of migraines. You do not need a prescription to buy a TENS unit but there a number of medical conditions for which it is a big no-no. Make sure you check with your doctor-particularly in the head and neck region.

Finally,I would like to point out a few other features of the HealthmateForever.They sell a wide variety of inexpensive contact pads-all sizes. There are even slippers that connect to the unit-and I think they are only ten bucks. I am getting pair for my husband: I'm hoping this might help his gout flares. Did I mention that they also have hot and cold packs? This is such a great unit.....

Poodlepet

[CaliKat]

Poodlepet,

Congratulations on finding something to give you some much needed pain relief!

I have constant, excruciating pain in my back, and upper buttocks, caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction. I can only stand on my feet a couple minutes before the pain forces me to sit down. I also have peripheral neuropathy.

I would love to try the tens unit you have. I have looked on the HealthMate Forever website, but I can't find one for $299.00. I see them at many different prices, above and below that, but I'd like to try the one you've had success with. Would you mind telling me the model number of the one you purchased?

[Poodlepet2]

Calikat,I made a mistake on the price: mine was$399. The unit I have is Hm10AB TENS EMS.

Before you buy it-and it is expensive-I thought of something. If you have been to physical therapy, did you ever have EMS? If you experienced relief with that, that could be a very good indicator of how well this could work for you. Please let me know- I hope you find some relief. When you live with the type of pain that we do, anything helps.

Poodlepet

[Mom2Dogs]

thanks poodlepet.....

[Kachina624]

CaliKat, get your doctor to prescribe the unit. My insurance rented the machine for me and after I used it a couple of months, they paid for it and sent me the warranty.

[CaliKat]

Poodlepet,

Thank you for the model number. I did receive some kind of electrical therapy, many year ago. I don't know what it was. The physical therapist connected electrodes (I guess) to my back. It felt good while I was getting it, along with heat and massage, but I can't say which one gave me the most relief long term. Nothing took the pain away completely. But my condition is a lot worse than it was then.

I'm hoping by wearing something that will block the pain impulses from the brain, that I will get enough relief to do some of the normal activities I used to. Just being able to walk slowly for more than a couple minutes would be an improvement. Thanks again!

kachina624,

Thank you for your suggestion to ask my doctor for a prescription. That's a great idea! I will definitely ask him.

[Poodlepet2]

Calikat why not ask your doctor for a referral to PT-and ask him to specify electro stim as the main modality. I would ask for at least three visits and if you experience relief while you are having the treatment, I would say there is a very good chance the type of TENS unit I have could help you. Who knows maybe your insurance will cover the cost.

I use mine throughout the day-and I suppose it's this way for everbody-there are good days and bad days, but I always get appreciable relief. I have read that the long term effects are not known....well I asked a neurosurgeon who I know very well about that. He aptly pointed out to me that installing spinal cord simulators is one of the procedures he does and patients are not told to limit its use....but spinal stim does not work for everybody which is why a trial is done before a permanent device is installed.

It's up to you, but if you have insurance and it's not a supreme headache to get a referral,I think a "test drive" with electro stimulation would help you make a decision....and I do so hope it does help. This machine has increased the quality of my life in so many ways.

Poodlepet

[dooBdoo]

On 7/15/2014 kachina624 said: CaliKat, get your doctor to prescribe the unit. My insurance rented the machine for me and after I used it a couple of months, they paid for it and sent me the warranty.

Hi, kacina624!

Yes, this is what I said in my post. Some practitioners will arrange for a unit on loan so the patient can determine if it's a good choice for them, and mine was recommended by my PT and I then had a prescription from my doctor for it so part of the cost was covered by insurance.

By doing it this way, not only can the patient minimize the cost but also can have the input of their PT and their physician about which device is best for them.