I'm sorry you didn't make it out for your walk.
I live alone and i know how it feels to not be able to do something yourself its frustrating I had a icey hot patch stuck on for almost a week couldn't reach it.

I don't know much about the drug your taking or how long you've been on it I just hope that it starts to work for you.

hugs
tori

If you have some peppermint tea try drinking a cup daily. It helps with constipation.

I used to connect the electrodes to the patch then stick them on my neck. It's hard when you don't have help.

I hope your evening gets better.

It's good that you vented. We all need to do it every now and then. This is the perfect place for it. You aren't alone. I swear my middle name is now, "frustration."

I wish you the best. I hope things get better for you. This is such a tough life we lead.

heatherhurts

I'm sorry about the TENS thing, I can't imagine trying to get those on your back by yourself, that has to suck. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worth it just to leave the pads on during the day once you get them placed and just plug and unplug them from the unit...you can always tuck the wires away into your pant wasteband so they're not hanging down....that way you only have to put them on once....

For the constipation, over the years the only thing I've found that really works is using Miralax daily and eating lots of whole grain foods and foods with natural fiber. My favorites are Nutrigrain cereal bars and whole grain apple newtons and greek yogurt. And lots of fresh fruit like cantalope and apples.

I hope things settle down for your soon.

Kat

Sometimes I wish I had eyes in the back of my head (like my mom used to say she had when we were kids). If you look in a hand mirror while facing away from the bathroom mirror, it's easier to see back there. Now reaching the right spot back there is another story.

Gentle hugs dear.

I'm really scared I broke the unit. I didn't drop it or anything, but it's not working. I went to try and use the restroom and I unplugged the wires from the unit cus I didn't want to take a chance something would happen. I made sure to turn off the unit before I unplugged them. Well, I plugged them back in after I was done and even though the screen is working and there are lights where the leads plug in...but there is no current going to the electrodes. I reached back and made sure everything was connected and as far as I could it is. I am really worried now. Why would it stop working? Please, any input would be so appreciated. I feel extremely overwhelmed right now. I keep crying and I know getting worked up isn't helping anything, but I am at my wits end.

I was loaned a unit years ago and had trouble reaching the right spot. You know how you curl tape backwards, sticky side out to stick up a picture? Well i put tape on the back of my hands then stuck the electrodes to them and was able to get them in the right spot, I didn't have to try a twist my wrists then. Also works if you space them out on a belt using tape again then rise the belt behind you to right spot , then pull it in. Found the tape on the back of the hands worked best. Hope I explained that right, and hope it helps, Blaine

First, sit down, take a deep breath and calm down. Just take a minute to let yourself calm down.

Try turning the unit off, taking the batteries out and letting it reset itself. Put the batteries back in, then make sure all your leads and such are plugged in, then turn it back on and see if it works right.

If it doesn't come back online...it's new, right? It's warranteed, Take it back to the place you bought it and tell them it's not working right. Sometimes electronics just break.

Let us know how your doing.

Kat

Thank you Kat. Taking the battery out did the trick. I am so sorry that I freaked out. God I have felt so anxious and overwhelmed today and my Klonopin is doing absolutely nothing to combat it. I don't want to be alone tonight, but my brother has a photo shoot and I wasn't able to go to his house. None of my friends could hang out either.

My cross-eyed cat, Luna, is periodically checking on me while my black Manx, Shade, is in hiding. He always runs when I start crying or when I lose my temper. I think the Savella may be behind a lot of this turmoil. Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin have done nothing to help my pain. Savella is among my last choices. I can't take heavier pain meds because I have a family history of addiction and chemical dependence. Man, I am ranting again. I am so sorry.

It's okay, you can't help what med side effects cause, but I have noticed the difference since you started the Savella....it may be a matter of riding out the adjustment period, which can be several weeks...or if you just can't stand it you may have to stop. Have you asked your dr. about increasing your Klonopin in the short term until your system gets adjusted to the Savella? Most Pdocs, who should really be monitoring Klonopin, are okay with up to 1.5 - 2 mgs. I don't know what your dose is, but usually it's .5 - 1 mg.

As for the TENS, sometimes when you move the leads around when it's on, it can get confused, (the great digital age) so if you unhook them make sure it's off, and if it does that again, just pop the battery out and put it back in. It just has to reset. If it has a reset button on the back, hitting that should do the same thing without taking the battery out.

Hang in there, you'll get through this, one way or the other, you'll get through it.

Kat

My dose of Klonopin is 0.5mg. My psychiatrist has me taking a half tablet in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. I am becoming skeptical that that's enough. I called her office about supplements that a naturopath had asked me to start and her office staff said my doctor is out of town and won't be back till some time next week. I guess I have to ride it out till then. I do see my pain doc tomorrow so I plan on mentioning a spinal cord stimulator and the many side effects of Savella I am having. Thank you guys for being patient with me. I really appreciate it.

I'm sorry your having such a rough time with the Tens unit. It can be hard to get everything where you want it. I found what works best for me is I always connect the wires to the pads then put them where I want them, no fuss, no muss. In regards to the constipation again I have to say "ditto" to everything Kat said. I like the miralax because it has no taste and since I drink a lot of water it's easy to take. To relax have you ever tried any of the stress relieving/calming teas? I have one by Yogi called honey and lavender stress relief (I think that's the name) I have a cup with a nutragrain bar. They have a great website that lists all their teas, it's Yogi tea. You can also get it at Wal-mart, Target etc. I hope things have calmed down for you and your feeling
a little better. Please keep us update.

Hugs & God Bless
Lisa

Learning to live with a tens takes a little time. You've gotten great advice already, I just wanted to add a couple thoughts. I ordered extra long leads bc I'm tall and the whole restroom thing is a pain. Also, put your hair under a bbcap to keep it out if the way. Neck/shoulder placement can be tricky. As the pads age, I moisten them a bit to get longer life (as long as they're not damaged). Btw, ask your TENS provider about types of electrodes. Some stick better than others. As for exercise, don't overdo it just bc you have a TENS. Lastly, since like me having to place them at the neck be aware that electrodes and jewelry don't mix! I went to an anniversary party and needed my TENS that day. I thought the necklace I chose hung safely. What I wasn't prepared for was that an unexpected hug would dislodge the electrode and Murphys law being in effect, slide the necklace underneath the live electrode :0 I got zapped and could hardly respond :0 I have to hold down the on/off for a few seconds on mine (an eternity when metal is frying into your neck!) to actually turn it off. There's a safety sequence to avoid accidental setting changes so it wouldn't turn down either. I think I pulled the dang electrode off (not great on fingers!!!!) then ripping out the wire while my h tried to open the battery compartment. If I had my wits I might have pulled the leads out at the unit but with two sets I could pick and my brain was too frantic to think :0 I can laugh about it now but I'm sharing so you don't make my mistake!!! I'm very glad to have a unit bc it helps. Good luck with yours!
As for constipation, yes Miralax, also a good probiotic and try Kefir. Trader Joe's Strawberry or Pomegranete are my favorites. And don't discount relaxation breathing to help with anxiety there's some great free stuff online (soundstrue.com has a sister site and free podcasts). Wellness wishes!

Hi m1087744,
I was just going to tell you what Kat said, very good info Kat. My machine shuts off all the time if the electrodes move in the slightest way. I place a piece of tape over the electrode wire where it meets the pad then it won't move around. this should help but if your still having a problem then I would take it back to the store you got it from. as for your constipation I have a few tricks which worked for me Black licorice is a laxative if tou like it chew about 5 strands and when my constipation gets bad I use restoralax. You can buy it at Safeway or walmart without an RX. YOu take it in coffee , water , or juice, it stirs in clear no grit like metamucil. Very eeasy to drink but it takes two days to work , I never got any cramping or discomfort at all. Good luck Isabee

RaggedyAndy....ouchy on the necklace, I imagine you got that sucker off you pretty quick. I will admit to using my TENS unit as a part trick once or twice...when my completely ass of an ex-husband would pass out drunk and not be quite as helpful with his sons as I needed him to be...ummm...I'd put the pads on his scrotum and turn it to 10....lol...he woke up right quick!!!!

Isabee do you remember Citracil? I think they still make it. That stuff was so nasty, you'd stir it in your water or juice and then could literally pull the strands of slime up with your fingers or spoon..Yeah, I'm gonna drink that all day!!! LOL

Thank goodness for advances in the constipation control department!!!!!