To tell you all about my life changing TENS Machine

[Rhinestonecowgirlie]

I have endometriosis and have had years of excruciating period pain. It's ruined my plans, full holidays, work weeks, weddings. It's been debilitating at times. My mental health has taken a knock too, being in pain so much really takes it out of you, as I'm sure some of you will know!

Anyway, I was skeptical but ended up shelling out 70 pounds for a period pain TENS Machine. I hadn't heard of them until a few months ago. Anyway, my period cramps are so dull right now. I've managed a normal WFH day, instead of being curled up in a ball, vomiting with agonising pain.

I am so happy, I've had a wee cry. I just wanted to let people know, in case you also suffer with pain and hadn't tried a TENS Machine. I didn't expect it to work for me, but it did and I'm just in disbelief. It is worth a shot!

That's brilliant. I found it really helped during labour

Thanks so much for sharing! I didn't even realise it could help with period pains, though it was ace for me in labour. Good to know.

I’m so sorry that this has never been suggested to you before.
Glad it’s working well.

Thanks @Pinkpinkplonk, I know - only wish is that I'd known about it sooner!

I'm also long term endometriosis and finally had wide excision surgery at 45, I bloody wish someone had told me these existed in my late 30s.

I used one brand post recovering and enjoyed some relief.

I'm now an old fart and taking HRT and enjoying period free life, but I'm so so glad endometriosis is finally being taken seriously fior the utter awful pain it is

So pleased for you, OP. It will be life changing!

Could I ask which brand you bought please? I have very painful periods and would love to find something that helps.

Well clearly you need to spread the word!
Im a doctor( not in gynaecology medicine) but I suffer from endometriosis myself and use tens regularly.

@IdealisticCynic of course! I bought one called Myoovi. One of the reasons I was skeptical was because its all over Instagram so I thought it was a bit of a gimmick. It's worked a treat though! It's a bit expensive but you get 60 days to return if it doesn't work for you (hopefully it provides you some relief too xx)

I was looking at that one! Mefanamic acid helps mine a lot but I'm waiting for a referral to a specialist endo clinic
They told me they couldn't usually see endometriosis on an ultrasound and then said "ohhh" when they scanned me
All I know so far is I have kissing ovaries, endometrial cysts and they think my bowel and bladder are both involved
Any tips welcome for best treatment options

Can tens machines truly help a migraine sufferer... if so, which type/brand

Update...

Woke up around 4. Uncomfortable. Tossing and turning. Must have been cramping badly because my stomach was moving like mad. However, I wasn't in agony like normal.

Upped the machine once, some relief, still Uncomfortable. Now on level 7 and feeling more comfy :)

So, I'd say I can feel them just now but nowhere near as bad as normal. I'm definitely not in pain, just twinging now. Whereas yesterday, I couldn't really feel them much at all.

@2023shady so sorry to hear this and about the extent of your endo :( I had a lap and symptoms eased afterwards for a short time.

Glad the Mefenamic acid helps. It seems to wreak havoc on my stomach!

I have used Cefaly. Unfortunately, I only get relief when it's on and as it's a head piece it isn't very discreet, and I'm a side sleeper, so can't sleep with it on. It says it gives long term relief, but for me, as soon as it is off, the pain returns. I have to have it on the highest setting and I can't really do anything when it's on that setting because it pinches the nerves in my eyes so my eyelids are a bit stuck! Not unpleasant, but not practical.

Thank you Lougle…I’m sorry that you can’t obtain better relief than you have described.
The person I’m thinking of that needs relief, does sleep on their back, but even when not in migraine attack mode, can’t bear to wear a hat or glasses, as that can trigger pain.
ill look up the machine you named, though it does sound as though it may not be suitable due to it being something that is worn on the head.
I hope the migraines leave you in peace…
Have you asked about anti cgrp injections?
For me they have vastly improved my quality of life for the last twenty months….

Absolutely look for one with 4 pads and the ability to do a modulating cycle as well as continuous. I got mine through the pain clinic so you don't pay vat. I also use it for back pain, plantar fasciitis, and shoulder pain.

Have you tried a proper tens machine and putting pads at base of neck?
The cool head wraps are good.
Many swear a dyth piercing helps.
My migraines are a combination of hormonal and stress so if I feel my neck getting tight I put on the tens machine before it hits

I shout about Tens machines from the rooftops every time endo/period pain is mentioned on here. I was diagnosed with endo over 20 years ago.

My Tens machine is this one, I bought mine from Amazon but have linked the whole Tens machine site. It is rechargeable but I also have an older Tens machine that is battery operated which I kept if I need it for longer but the charge lasts ages. This feels more controllable than the dial, just button press up or down. It has 4 pads, so you can do 2 at the front on the same setting, two on the back or front to back left or right hand side.

https://tensmachineuk.com/tens-and-muscle-stimulation/tens-machines/rechargeable-tens-machines/premier-pro-tens-machine-muscle-stimulation

A couple of other things to try, plug in heat pad, so never loses heat, more controllable temp wise than a hot water bottle and none of the weight. You cannot use this with the Tens machine on though.

Massage gun, I find this brilliant for lower back ache. I feel it works in a similar way to the Tens with the vibration of the pummelling.

A hot tub, sorry but it is amazing, super hot water, loads of space to change positions very unlike a bath, feels like labouring (which is what my endo feels like) constant temp of 37 degrees (you can set the temp to whatever) and at other times a lovely place to chill just chatting and drinking non-alc beer with Dh, sometimes the children climb in too (late teens) and absolutely never had sex in it. Boak at the thought.

No, I haven't. Perhaps I should.

A tens machine for back pain means I no longer walk with a stick, I climb stairs, hoover, clean, make beds! All things I couldn't do before. I don't use it any more and exercise regularly (used to do 10 mins daily).

I might reconsider as my endometriosis pain is becoming an issue now.