TENS unit info anyone?

[MeggerasMa]

I'm considering purchasing some type of TENS unit as a Christmas gift for elderly parents, both with multiple pain problems. I don't want to be cheap and am willing to invest in a quality product, but have no knowledge of these units and the reviews I've read are all over the place. To avoid a long story here, I'd appreciate information from anyone with experience with any of these units. The specific pain involved is low back pain (from spinal stenosis and other issues). Thanks in advance.

 

[Pooh2]

I have an Empi unit. My PCP wrote a prescription to my PT who set me up with the machine. My insurance covered 80 percent of the cost. So you may want to check to see if there insurance would cover it and then offer to cover any co=pay?

 

[tammykva]

My husband bought one for himself a couple of months ago and he loves it. His elderly mom uses it and says it helps her back. Our kids age 16 and 19 use it regularly for muscle aches and back aches also The unit he bought I the LG Quad Combo lgmedsupply.com Like I said he loves it uses it whenever his back in bothering him. One thing to note though is make sure you buy extra contacts (the sticky gel pad that connect to the electrodes )the number they send with the unit is not enough if you use it regularly.

 

[disneymarie]

I'm considering purchasing some type of TENS unit as a Christmas gift for elderly parents, both with multiple pain problems. I don't want to be cheap and am willing to invest in a quality product, but have no knowledge of these units and the reviews I've read are all over the place. To avoid a long story here, I'd appreciate information from anyone with experience with any of these units. The specific pain involved is low back pain (from spinal stenosis and other issues). Thanks in advance.

I had the best one not from my script, but through ReliMed sales person the web site has the for about $75 I love mine because it is not the bee sting, it is more modulation . But, I don 't know a grand parent to go through hooking it up and putting pads on....

I would get a good chair massager that goes up and down the back massaging. I had one from Boscov's they have a website.

 

[LJSquishy]

I tried out a really nice Empi unit through my insurance and hated it. They are uncomfortable to use unless you enjoy tiny electric pulses. It doesn't feel like a shock, but it feels like muscle spasms. My dad has one and says it helps him but the reality is he only uses it twice a year because it is a hassle. You can't really use it on your own on your back area -- someone else has to put the pads/lead wires on for you. My mom has tried his and also hates it. I honestly gave it a good try (for almost 2 weeks) and it did absolutely nothing to help my back feel better.

With your parents being elderly, they probably would not find it comfortable at all. Unless they have specifically mentioned getting a TENS unit to you, I would not get one for them. Most insurance companies do cover a percentage of the cost, so I would have them inquire with their doctor first.

 

[MeggerasMa]

Thank you all for your considerate responses. You've brought up some points I hadn't thought about. Yes, the whole process of using the sticky patches and gel and then just hooking it all up would probably be overwhelming for them. It's difficult to come up with practical ideas for presents that are useful yet still seem "gifty" if that makes any sense. Previously, we done the lift chair recliner (which though they didn't like at first, now they love), an IPad (hoping that they could manage to play some games and explore the internet, yes we set up a wireless router and take care of the data plans), but as their physical struggles and frustrations increase, we are getting low on ideas. I've finally settled on stocking their freezer with prepared foods that take little effort to put together for meals. Also think perhaps we'll get them a Keurig (not the fanciest model because they have to be able to remember how to use it). I think my mom would eventually appreciate not having to clean up coffee grounds or a coffee pot every day.
Thank you again for the thoughtful responses. DisBoard people are always so helpful.

 

[LJSquishy]

Thank you all for your considerate responses. You've brought up some points I hadn't thought about. Yes, the whole process of using the sticky patches and gel and then just hooking it all up would probably be overwhelming for them. It's difficult to come up with practical ideas for presents that are useful yet still seem "gifty" if that makes any sense. Previously, we done the lift chair recliner (which though they didn't like at first, now they love), an IPad (hoping that they could manage to play some games and explore the internet, yes we set up a wireless router and take care of the data plans), but as their physical struggles and frustrations increase, we are getting low on ideas. I've finally settled on stocking their freezer with prepared foods that take little effort to put together for meals. Also think perhaps we'll get them a Keurig (not the fanciest model because they have to be able to remember how to use it). I think my mom would eventually appreciate not having to clean up coffee grounds or a coffee pot every day.
Thank you again for the thoughtful responses. DisBoard people are always so helpful.

The Keurig is a fantastic idea for them! Great thinking. It will be really easy for them to figure out, and you can periodically stock them up on K-cups if you don't want them to have to buy them. I don't have one, but my parents just got one (my mom personally says the coffee tastes watered down, even the extra bold) but my dad loves it and whether your parents are coffee, tea, cocoa, or apple cider drinkers there is surely a K-cup to please them! I recently saw that they now have lemonade K-cups but I'm not sure how it works for a cold beverage! lol

 

[pink_fins]

I would like to add something here. I am 65 now and have been using a TENS machine for a few years.... lower back pain. There are different levels of pulses that it can be changed to......even a close to constant one. You just have to find the right number each time and the pain is lessened.

My insurance paid 80 %(dr presc) and a pt person showed me how to use the machine. Sure it has those stickie diodes. They aren't really hard to use. And you can get new ones at a reasonable price I also have arthritis in my wrists and I can put them on my back..

As far as the coffee maker. consider this.... do your folks like the different coffees? take them out and see what they order. I just like the regular stuff.
I guess it takes time to like the various favors
Also the pods cost more....

You know your parents. perhaps some pictures of different items you might want to purchase them in a booklet form would be a better gift. This way they can pick what they want.....

have fun choosing

gail