A huff and puff and ? to those who have utilized the Tens unit

November 10, 2004

My pain doc recently prescribed the TENS unit to me on a trial basis. He was

going to send me down to their PT, but then the nurse came in and told me I

could go to any PT office. They couldn't legally tell me to go to one or the

other. We decided to go to the one in where we live instead of this one which

was 2 hours away because it was just handier. Well upon appt time my family

came with me for two reasons: my doc had recommeded they come so they could see

exactly where they were going to put the electrodes and my memory is terrible.

When we first clamoured into the room (there was 4 of us) the PT said rather

rudely, " No, you will all have to go back out there and sit in the waiting room.

There is not room in here for all of you. " Let me say that there was a

pletheral of room for them, but whatever. Then she began to question who is

this doctor that thinks I need this, ect. and was sceptical of my diagnosis. I

had to recant all the visits to drs and specialists as well as test to confirm

that I did have CP to her. As she was opening the TENS unit she then stated

that she did not see how such a unit could help with CP because the pancreas is

deep within, and this is only for exterior pains. My husband went on to explain

the pain docs theories (about the gate) behind it. She left to get scissors,

and came back with a print out from the massage therapist on accupuncture points

for the gall bladder. Though her demeanor had changed a little when we had

finished recanting all the surgeries, dr visits, and confirmation from a

university, she was clueless. She had no idea where I should place the

electrodes or the modes of operation, but maybe that chart would help me some.

After my huff and puff of discouragements, I was too amazed to question further

or maybe ask for another PT person. And to think my insurance money is going to

this! Now I am sitting here with this unit and have no idea how to properly use

it for CP. I know how to stick the electrodes and the different dials on the

machine, but that is it. Can any of you give me more guidance? I still say

docs need to be a part of this digest to have some expertise on CP! Thanks

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