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Why do I get such strong Walkman vibes from this?

Despite being diagnosed with Adenomyosis two years ago and living with it for even longer, sometimes my cramps still take me by surprise. I know to expect them during my period so as soon as PMS sets in, I’m usually ready with my heating pad and CBD. But because Adeno affects the uterus all month long, I tend to feel pain and cramps starting around ovulation and lasting through the rest of my cycle until my period ends.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the female menstrual cycle, that’s about 3 weeks out of the month when my uterus is painful and uncomfortable.

During that time, you can usually find me at home with my giant heating pad and CBD to help with the stabbing cramps that come with ovulation for me. If I need to go out, I’ll stick a cooling LILAS Menstrual Relief patch on for a bit of cooling relief, but typically it’s not long until I get tired and would rather be home with a cat and some creative reality competition show. (If you have any recommendations, let me know!)

The reality of Adenomyosis is that there are actually very few pain-free days. Since having my firstborn 11 years ago, I began to feel pain and small cramps in the middle of my cycle. OB-GYNs would tell me about Mittelschmerz — pain that can occur during ovulation. But as that pain got worse over the years, it gave me more and more worry. Finally my midwife ordered an ultrasound and was able to identify what looked to be Adenomyosis.

Now my ovulation pain has surpassed my period pain. As of this writing, I’m currently feeling stabbing-like pains on the left side of my uterus and shooting discomfort radiating out of my hip and down my leg. My back is stiff all over and I feel like I have a lump of cement weighing me down.

I wasn’t expecting to try a new form of pain method tonight, but my husband came back from his parents with a borrowed TENS machine and I figured I’d give it a go.

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A small machine uses a mild electrical current that “tricks” your brain into focusing more on the slight vibrational feel, rather than the pain.

“There’s so much out there for period pain that is either rubbish or isn’t strong enough to combat the pain that goes with Adeno so when I saw claims like “tricks your brain” and “electrical nerve stimulation,” it sounded a little suspicious and maybe too good to be true.”

This method wasn’t new to me, actually. My dentist actually told me about this. The first time he was giving me novocaine, he began rubbing my gums vigorously. He was a young dentist and had just taken over for my former dentist who retired. He talked about how the rubbing was a more prominent sensation than the discomfort of the needle. Even though it felt a little weird at first, it was the first time the usual pinch of the needle didn’t bother me at all.

When I learned that a TENS machine worked similarly, I was eager to try one but considering how expensive they run, I wanted to make sure it was something that was going to be worth the investment.

My heating pad works great most of the time for pain. But the social media ads for it have made it look really appealing, so I was glad I got a chance to test it.

First impressions:

I knew there would be sticky pads so putting them directly on the skin over my uterus will be a bit tricky. When I’ve used menstrual pain patches, I’ve learned I need to watch my placement. The pain from cramps sucks, but I fear the pain of ripping adhesive off that area even more. I placed the pads over my ovaries and that seems to work just fine.
Once I connected the wires, I turned the dial to turn it on. The dials go from 1-8. I’m glad I’ve only had to put it between 2 and 3.
The first moment I felt it, it was a bit of a shock, but only because I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the seconds following, I adjusted to it quickly and was able to increase the intensity a bit. The pain relief was immediate.
I settled into the couch with it and noticed my uterus and back feeling lighter and less uncomfortable.
As the night went on, my cramps got worse, but they came in waves, which is typical. I took breaks, even though you don’t need to with a TENS machine. When another wave of pain would come up, I could adjust the dial on the TENS machine and, again, feel that immediate relief.
The TENS machine I borrowed had two sets of pads, so I could have put two pads on my back, as well. There’s a second dial so you can vary the intensity. When I began researching TENS machines specifically for menstrual cramps, I didn’t see many that had two sets, but it would be something I think would be beneficial for me to look into.
I also think I would want a machine with heat. I ended up putting my heating pad on top of my lap as well for maximum pain relief.
I could see myself using something like this to make traveling more comfortable. I don’t know if I’d use it while walking around, but maybe on long road trips or train rides. I haven’t quite gotten used to walking around with it since the machine I have is a bit clunky and I’m not wearing clothing that I can easily clip it onto. If I were to purchase a TENS machine for cramps, I’d want it to be a bit more discrete. The machine I’m currently using reminds me a bit of a Sony Walkman, to be honest. But, hey, it works so I’m not knocking it!

After testing it for a few hours, I can say I’m a fan! I’m sorry I waited so long to try it and that I was so worried it wouldn’t work. When I read about it and saw the ads pop up on Facebook for period TENS products, I was skeptical. There’s so much out there for period pain that is either rubbish or isn’t strong enough to combat the pain that goes with Adeno so when I saw claims like “tricks your brain” and “electrical nerve stimulation,” it sounded a little suspicious and maybe too good to be true.

But now that I know it works for me, I know what I’m in the market for now and I’m hoping to find just the right TENS machine to fit the bill.

Driving or operating heavy machinery is not advised while using.

UPDATE: I took the machine with me while traveling and it was a lifesaver! I loved being able to adjust the intensity since my cramps can be unpredictable and they come in waves. The next day I went back to wearing my pain patch, but wished I could deal with the pain as it comes and goes.

Got a recommendation for a TENS machine with heat and preferably two sets of pads? Let me know!

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