Cube Mark One Run

[bigmommasally]

I've been suffering from Painful Arc Sydrome (something to do with the rotar cuff in the shoulder) for the last month or so. Doctor gave me Diclofenac for a couple of weeks and I'm now waiting for physio appointment. The pain isn't too bad in the day but is much worse at night and seems to be getting worse, for the last week I've barely been able to sleep for more than 20 - 30 minute snatches. I'm on Cocodomal for pain relief which helps with the dull ache but doesn't really help with the spasm type pains in the arm when I make a wrong move. Mum has lent me her Tens machine today and I've had it on for a few hours, it doesn't have any leaflet with it but Mum tells me I can have it on as long as I like, is that correct? Does that mean I can sleep in it? Does anyone know how it works to stop the pains, is it only effective when I'm wearing it or will the benefits continue when I turn it off? Sorry I probably sound a bit of a dim wit

Edited November 23, 2010 by Guest

[Woodcat]

Mine has a 15 min time limit then it switch itself off. i think it's 15 mins every hour but don't quote me cause i use it as and when i need it. What it does is simulate the muscles because your nerves can only carry so much information so it basically overloads the nerves with information to block the pain i think. I know that it's meant to have a cumaltive effect so every time you use it and then turn it off the effect of the pain relief should last longer. Thats in theory whether that happens in practice i don't know i hope your physio appointment come up quickly.

[Blackrocksrock]

My one has a 15 minute limit too but I keep on turning it on and keep it on all evening and switch it off and use a hot water bottle at night - Mine is my hip and lower back so its easy to use a bottle. It does work wonderfully though as I am also on diclofenac (hate them) and use Co-codamol instead but my stomach suffers - TMI sorry

[Powerlady]

There is a time limit on tens machines normally....having said that, women use them as pain felief in labour sooo..that kinda goes against that.

I personally use a combination of Ibuforen/paracetomol for my back, when its bad..I take Ibuforen say at six in evening, then paracetomol around eight, then do same again six hours later,or as and when you need it but that's me and so it has to be your choice..but physio at hospital told me to do that...

[Blackrocksrock]

There is a time limit on tens machines normally....having said that, women use them as pain felief in labour sooo..that kinda goes against that.

I personally use a combination of Ibuforen/paracetomol for my back, when its bad..I take Ibuforen say at six in evening, then paracetomol around eight, then do same again six hours later,or as and when you need it but that's me and so it has to be your choice..but physio at hospital told me to do that...

 

I wish I could take Ibufrofen but unfortunately I cannot as make me sick but they say its really good for pain relief.

[Powerlady]

That's weird..cocodomol make me sick..

 

Shame that..have you tried reki..found that helped me..

[bigmommasally]

Thanks everyone. The machine mum has lent me doesn't have a timer, I think it is an older model. I used it until I went to bed last night and managed to get 2 hours uninterrupted sleep before the pain kicked in again and kept me awake on and off for the rest of the night. So a better night than before, hope I can get as good if not better tonight.

[Powerlady]

Fingers crossed for you..nothing worse than being in pain and not being able to sleep..Good luck!

[beach chick]

just a thought bigmommasally, have you tried acupuncture? I am currently seeing physio (just had 3rd go) because I damaged my shoulder while on crutches earlier this year. no diagnosis, just extreme pain on certain movements.

so at the mo I am having ultrasound, something called differential (?) which I think is basically tens, manipulation - and now acupuncture. it was fantastic - half an hour afterwards I had NO pain, and although it's back this morning it's not as bad as it was.

I hate cocodamol, makes my upper arms turn to wool for some weird reason! the other thing I've found useful on my broken ankle was a deep freeze gel (rather than a heat treatment). you can get it OTC but I think there is a prescription strength one which is more effective.

Edited November 20, 2010 by Guest

[Blackrocksrock]

That's weird..cocodomol make me sick..

 

Shame that..have you tried reki..found that helped me..

 

Acupuncture worked when I had frozen shoulder but not on my knee unfortunately - I go to a wee lady every 6 weeks and she has magic hands and helps a lot! = I would love to go to her every day!! I have had reiki but the lady said she knew I was so sore and tight on my muscles she needed to massage me instead! She knew that without touching me - I was very impressed,

[debbier]

something called differential (?) .

 

Interferential? I had that for my tendonitis.

[beach chick]

yup that's it, interferential!

oops, sorry about swearword earlier & thanks for edit egluntyne!!

[bigmommasally]

Been to see the Physio for the first time today, he has diagnosed Frozen Shoulder rather than Painful Arc Syndrome. Not good news as he says it can take up to 2 years for it to get better, am going to need regular physio and cortisone injection Can still use the Tens machine but need to continue with the cocodamol for now as well.

[beach chick]

oh poor you. I hate cocodamol, it makes me feel as if my upper arms have turned into wool.

[Ms Marple]

Hi there. Here is xome info that might be useful re Tesn machines. http://www.patient.co.uk/health/TENS-Machines.htm

I used one throughout my labour with YS - 18 years ago!! I thought it was brilliant. I got OH to attach the electrodes just as I thought I was definitely in labour and used it on a low setting. By the time I delivered, about 10 hours later ( always slow!) it was at the maximum, but everything was great. It was explained to me as helping to produce endorphins - these have an effect a bit like morphine, but you make them naturally in your body anyway. I would recommend its use- but then I only used it once!!

Hope you are feeling a bit better.

[Blackrocksrock]

When I had the frozen shoulder - it was so long till my appt for injection I cancelled it and went for acupuncture and success It went away after about 2 sessions and has never (touch wood) come back since - the nhs is so slow and I was so sore I could not wait the 6 months appt I was given! Its worth a try of acupuncture.