WOW!!!! You don't know how much I appreciate this!!!! This is the zapper I had talked about a while back, regarding my Uncle Milt. Yes, now I know exactly what he was describing over the phone to us, and what he wore to Great Aunt Dot's birthday parties!!!! It worked wonderfully for a while, but I don't believe it has worked for a year or so for him. Thanks, again, Richard!!!! And Tracy for bringing it up in the first place. Hah!!! Through it all, I now have an explanation of what my Uncle Milt had, for the family research!!!! You just never, ever know what you will find out on this list!!! I have a part filled in for the family tree, just by talking about health!!!!! Thanks again, and again!!!!! :o) Lynn PS And I even have the German for it, too :o) ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard Emlin Reed To: padutch-life@rootsweb.com Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 3:33 PM Subject: Re: [PD-LIFE] Backs :o) Ach Ja, der alter Transkutanelectrischenervenstimulator. That is my version of the German word for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for which TENS is the acronym. And before anybody ridicules the length of the German word, 37 spaces; let me point out that it is 5 spaces shorter than the English group of words, 42 spaces. }:-). Here is a description of the device for those who have "rickdroovvel". >From http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1694.html Transcutaneous (through the skin) electrical nerve stimulation sends a painless electrical current to specific nerves. The current may be delivered intermittently. The mild electrical current generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain. The treatment is believed to stimulate the body's production of endorphins or natural pain killers. The Physical Therapist applies electrode patches to the skin in the area to be treated. The mild current runs from the stationary stimulator through these patches. TENS is also used to deliver topical steroid medication through the skin to treat acute episodes of pain. This treatment is called Iontophoresis. The mild current causes the medication to migrate into soft tissue serving to reduce inflammation. The portable stimulator is a small battery-operated device that can be worn around the waist. The unit can be turned on or off as needed for pain control. Although these units can be purchased or rented, a prescription from a physician is required. The Physical Therapist is often the person to teach the patient how to use the device including proper placement of the electrodes for optimal benefits. To ensure the patient will benefit from TENS, the portable device is used on a trial basis before the patient takes it home for long-term use. Unfortunately, TENS is not always an effective treatment. Richard Emlin Reed Wesley Chapel, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tracy" <better_than_good@yahoo.com> To: <padutch-life@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 2:19 PM Subject: Re: [PD-LIFE] Backs :o) ---- Lynn wrote: > He has the same thing that my uncle has, where the bone is >> tightening around the main nerves in the spine? Growing closed >> around them tightly_it begins with an "S"? I can't remember exactly >> what it is, nor exactly what it is called_plus he has something like >> 3 herniated disks, and something else with another disk? > ************************ > Lynn, > > Is it stenosis? That is a narrowing of the space around the nerve. > It's something most people get as they age. Some people don't even know > they have it nd feel no discomfort from it. > I have stenosis, herniated discs, spondylosis and nerve damage...I > know how everyone feels who has back problems! I have found a TENS unit > will help with the pain. > > tracy ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PADUTCH-LIFE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message