Tens machine

[Nula]

Hello Everyone

A few weeks ago I posted a thread about pain management Well the pain isnt getting any better. I have chronic pyelonephritis and the Doctor said the pain was due to inflamation and chronic infection.

I was wondering if a Tens machine would be of any use? Has anyone used this machine for Kidney pain? Would there be any disadvantages to my kidneys if I used one?

Thanks in advance
Nula

[Hal]

Hi,

I've seen these machines Nula. Whether there is an advantage or disadvantage or harm I don't know and you'll be hard pressed to find out because:

a) The Tens machine practitioner will say it will help your pain and it won't cause any problems

b) A (typical) doctor would say it won't help your pain, it won't work and it could cause damage.

I've done various alternative therapies myself (some helped but didn't "cure" me). For all of them, my doctors said they wouldn't work and were very cynical and offered no support whatsoever

Good luck with whatever you try,

Hal.

[JMan]

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation; 'device that suppresses pain by stimulating the skin with a small electrical pulse' or similarly 'A method of producing electroanalgesia through electrodes applied to the skin'

I've used them in the past, and as far as I know they ARE used in some hospitals as one of the armoury of modern pain relief controls.

I used one undersupervision with my physio for a damaged foot tendon/ligament.

As long as used properly they are generally safe however DO get the advice/training of a qualified practitioner such as a trained physio etc.

To the best of my knowledge there shouldn't be any adverse affects in using a TENS unit near the back/kidney area, but if in doubt, check with your doc for any ADVERSE effects.

[Nula]

Hal do you mind if I ask what other alternative therapies you have tried?

Im determined to find some kind of pain relief as my only other option is to have my right kidney removed which the doctor said will lead to my left kidney failing completley.
So if you have tried any alternative therapies that have had a positive result I would be interested to hear of them.
I do plan to get my doctors view on alternative therapies before I actually try them out.

Thank you
Nula

[Blaine]

There is a company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA named Medtronic Corporation. They make a wide variety of medical products such as pacemakets. I believe they also make TENS machines. You can go to their web site www.medtronic.com, and enter tens into their search function for more information.

[url]http://websearch.medtronic.com/search/query.html?col=mdt1&qp=&qs=&qc=&pw=100%25&ws=0&la=&qm=0&st=1&nh=10&lk=1&rf=0&oq=&rq=0&qt=tens

I hope this helps.
Blaine
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[BrendaM]

Hi Nula
Tens machines are often used by women in labour (in fact I used one myself 12 years ago ) so I would think them gentle and safe. They act to 'irritate' the nerve endings and so to deaden them a little. Such as when you scratch the same part of the back of your hand, eventually the feeling goes. Did it work for labour? I can't tell because I don't know how it would be without it. - and I'm not about to go through it again to experiment
The advantage of using it for kidney problems is you can try with and without to see if it makes a difference.
They are commonly available from chemist shops (even from mail order parts & manufacturers supplies) and a local supplier to me lets you test one in their offices before buying.
I am a great believer in alternative therapies, accupuncture is another thought to give great relief for pain, and I have heard marvelous stories. I tried but hate needles and felt uncomfortable; husband found it helped his muscular problems. How about accupressure which might be less painful or reflexology, all these work on the chinese medicine lines of energy through the body.
Hope something works for you
regards
BrendaM in UK

[Hal]

Hi again Nula,

Seems as though you are getting positive responses on the Tens machine. You asked what alternative therapies I have benefited from.

The main therapy that actually has given me a result is hypnotherapy. Although this hasn't improved my physical health in any definite proven way, it has definitely improved my mental health, which in turn I believe has improved my physical health

It has made me much more relaxed (I used to feel permanently stressed, worried and have panic attacks and have what felt like a permanent tightness in my chest). I would say that improvements in my mental well being have contributed to me generally being able to get on and have a full life even though I am on dialysis, and keep a positive outlook on things.

I was taught self hypnosis so I can now instantly drop myself into hypnosis any time anywhere if I feel a bit stressed out or want a bit of relaxation. I have also used it when having minor operations to insert a neck line under general anaesthetic for pain control and found it quite effective.... so maybe it could help with your pain.

I have also experienced Reiki a few times. I found it an amazing feeling (I could feel the heat from the practitioners hands even though she wasn't touching me) although I can't say it helped me healthwise as unfortunately I ended up on dialysis.

I hope these suggestions help and of course recommend seeing someone qualified in both cases.

Best wishes,

Hal.

[Cheryl in CT]

Hi, Nula -

I've never had renal pain (not that I'm complaining) but I did have a TENS machine at one point for back pain, following a fracture. Personally, I have to say that it didn't do a thing for me, but I do know that these machines have helped many people for various types of pain. My feeling is that it's worth a shot, if your neph approves. After all, even if it doesn't help, you'll at least have tried it - and if it DOES help, all the better.

Here's hoping you'll be feeling better soon!

all the best,
Cheryl

[Elaine]

Hiya Nula saw u post hope u pain easing.

My daughter has severe kidney pain and has tried and myself Tens machine but sadly found that it actually aggrivated my back and my daughters' kidneys. But perhaps for some people it may help- worth a try maybe?? My daughter takes codeine/paracetamol co-codamol which eases pain a little. Although have also taken to using a hotwater bottle to area which is comforting and helps ease pain. My daughter is having her kidneys removed shortly prior to bak on transplant waiting list and hope that will help.

Good luck and hope the pain eases soon Elaine UK