Tens Unit

[Guest guest]

Jerry wrote:

> You mentioned using your " TENS " unit for pain control in your email

to Debbie. Can you explain a little more about that so those who don't

know about it can benefit. I think it is a great option.

Jerry,

It IS a great option, especially if a patient can't use any narcotic

pain control. I guess I should have explained what it was, Jerry,

thanks for bringing that up.

A Tens Unit is a transcutaneous electro-nerve stimulator that is used

to relieve pain. The device used to contol the degree of stimulation

furnished is a little larger than a beeper. Attached to it are tiny

wires with pads that adhere to your body. You can place the four pads

where you choose, depending upon where the pain is located. I was

advised to place the pads on certain areas of my back, to relieve the

nerve impulses that reach the nerves affecting the pancreas. There

are three types of stimulation; burst, modulated and continuous, with

a range from low to high for the intensity of the stimulators.

Most units operate off a 9 volt transistor battery, and can be

purchased either off the internet, or, in my case, we found one in a

shop that specialized in body equipment and accessories for sports,

health and relaxation. The cost was about $100.

I used it often whenever my chronic pancreatitis pain was at it's

worst. You can walk around the house wearing the control device

attached to your belt, or put in your pocket, so it was convenient and

didn't mean you had to stay sitting in one place to have relief.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.