Pam it usually depends on how bad the flare is, but I usually just leave the pads on through the day and turn it on when I need too. My tens runs for 15 minutes. Yes it does seem to help alot. The first sign for me tha it is working iswhen I go to the bathroom
And I really empty. After that the pain eases. I've been using mine for about a year now. Nothing else seems to help me. But I did read that there is a new drug coming out either late 2018 or early 2019. The drug is aqx-1125 or rospitor. It has been successful for pain and other symptoms that you might get with ic. I hope this helps answers some of your questions. Feel free to ask anything about the tens. Remember to use it carefully until you know how you are going to respond to it.
Hi Brenda
I’m glad the tens is working well for you. Can I ask - do you use 4 pads or 2? Do you place them lower back only or front as well? I don’t think I could do my front as I have a scar there which irritates. Does it help with the constant feeling of needing to wee? I get bladder pain too but my most bothersome symptom is the feeling of constantly needing the loo, even after I’ve just been - and I know from ultrasound that I am empting properly. Thanks.
I have the two pad tens, i put both in front. Some people put one in front and one in back. Since I started using this device i have been emptying, so there for i don't get the urgency as much as I use too. So give it a try and see what happens, it does feel weird at first but start on low setting and increase to your tolerance level. Don't over do it,
I looked up the drug Brenda, how did you find out it would work for IC? Is it just a pain med or does it do more I looked it up and found it not much for info on it. I live in Canada if its good and helps I hope I can get it here now. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for your reply Brenda. I’ll see how it goes. I don’t have urgency but do have mild stress incontinence - mine is more typical IC pain I think. Still, anything’s worth a try! Thanks again.
Hi pam, I,ve been researching the drug, what ever i could find using either aqx-1125 or rospitor. The trails have been a success but here in the u.s. they go through 4 trails, i believe thats the correct number. Any ways its beneficial for copd and arthritis along with ic. What i understand its not a pain med but a antiflamitory. I'm not a scientist or anything but it sounds promising. Its about time that they come up with something other than Elmiron.
I agree Elmiron and DMCO is not much to go on in installs are very uncomfortable and Elmiron since I have only been on it for two months has not proved to be much of a help but since that's all I have I have to stick it out. Please keep me informed of the new drugs also since I live in Canada I have to see if they have a name change or we have to wait longer..
Yes please see if you can get info on it. 😎
Brenda where do you place the tens pads on your front?, I am a little nervous putting them to close or on my bladder I don't know if I do if I will make the spasms and bladder pressure worse.
Pam i put them on my pelvic area, i can understand your fear. For me it works but for you it might cause spasms. Like i said its a trial and error kind of thing. Before u try it , can you talk to your doctor or physical therapist. I had no choice but to do it, my pain was leading my life and my urologist just wanted me to either get on Elmiron (which would cost me 350 u.s. dollars a month) or do instills which for me is painful because i have a very narrow urethra. So I hope i helped even alittle bit. 😎
Your right about the intills I dread them since my urethra is small, they have to use a baby catheter and even that hurts. I am glad I have insurance but with the economy the way it is my husband is lucky to have a job. I was given ketorolac 15 pills at the hospital for pain and inflamation I wounder if its like that drug you mentioned. I don't like to take it because it causes dizziness and drowsiness. The tens machine I found has come in handy for my back my arms and any other spot besides my bladder that needs a message. Thanks for your info.