"Problem" with Stim Unit

The unit itself works great, but I can't seem to keep it clipped to anything.  The cords are sooooo loonnnng and they are frequently getting caught on things like the knobs on drawers or doors, even clothing.  Then they pull loose, either pulling the pad right off or detaching from the lead.

Since my back surgery, I've found that I cannot wear anything "snug" around my mid-section so I defer to baggy clothes or my jammies if I'm home all day.  I have a gait belt I sling around me which should be plenty thick enough, but even clipped to that, any time I bend over or reach, the unit unclips and falls to the floor.  And with it, of course, comes the leads.

Most of my clothes don't have pockets, but never under-estimate the power of borrowing men's cargo shorts!  Even then, with the unit tucked away in one pocket, and the many long inches of cords folded up into another pocket, they inevitably unravel.

I rely on it daily on a very consistent basis.  I move the placement around (Lord knows, I have enough "pain spots" to keep that battery busy),...but I run through 9v batteries like crazy.  I wear it when I go out as well, and having it fall on the floor in the produce aisle as I search for where the unit went and pick the pads up is,.....not only not very hygienic but frankly, annoying as all get out.

Any suggestions?

Merrida

What would I Velcro it "to?" Maybe stick one piece onto my gait belt (since I can slip that on and off over anything) and the other half of Velcro onto the back of the unit?

It has a sliding clip to secure onto stuff, (that cannot be tightened, only loosened) and "common sense" (yeah right) suggests it should be able to, you know,...clip onto stuff.

I have the cargo shorts, which I love to bits (I adore cargo pants, I love pockets....I'm not a "purse" kind of gal)...but since the back surgery, I've shelved most of my pants. Even the very loose, elastic-waisted cargo pants can only be worn for a short time before the pressure overloads my torso, then pain, and back to a nighty or jammies.

I'm not sure how I could use elastics for the four long cords, but maybe twisty ties? That should work.

Thank you for the ideas. Given my precautions and restrictions, every time my cords get caught or tangled and pulled out and the unit goes flying onto the floor, I have to get on my hands and knees looking for the unit, detached pads, or flying battery. Getting UP from that is impossible if I'm not near a wall or a person to help.

This makes it dangerous as well as inconvenient.


Merrida

You're not being crass in the least, and your suggestion is perfectly reasonable. Now, it's my turn for being crass. I do not wear such an "upper under-garment," but I can see where it might be helpful. It's hard to explain but just light cotton fabric, even like seersucker, brushing against my skin, is very painful. So even a loose fitting brassier is too much pressure for my skin.

The sweatpants I do wear are of such lightweight, one must be careful not to wear them on bright, sunny days, else they become a tad on the transparent side. I have a pair of sweats, with pockets, with an elastic waist, but the elastic folds over and crimps inside the "waistband" and hurts.

I know this will dissipate. It's better now than it was even a few months ago.

The STIM unit is the size of a small, thick phone, with two leads and four wires, and it would be challenging to conceal, or secure, such a large item within the confines of a bra....that's why I've resorted to just clipping on the gait belt over my clothing.

I'm more interested in function over fashion. Once my collection of scars grew so substantially and my body changed in retaliation, quite frankly looking sharp or fashionable is not a priority,...comfort is. It's more important to me to feel comfy so I can give it my all during PT or walking the dog...working up a sweat happens easily (thank you menopause for the added bump to my hormone fluctuations), and my body doesn't tolerate heat well in the least.

I soak through clothes easily, and because even simple and extremely lightweight clothing causes pain after a few hours, I'm not yet at the point where I can wear slacks and certainly nothing as heavy as jeans. Even thick tee-shirts are too much.

As I said, I know it's temporary, so I'm looking for help getting through this stage because it's greatly impacting my attempt at activities that, for most people, are pretty basic.



Merrida

Howdie,

I too have my tens on most days, but the clip works fine on just pjs, sweatpants, etc.. you can also get a cord for around your neck or a holster that goes under your arm. You can use the s ort of travel for hiding your passport or even for a gun. Check out ebay.

For the lead wires, tuck em in. That works for me, even at the office. Twist ties, as you note also can do it.

Lastly, get a set of 2 or 4 rechargable 9v batteries. Mine work great, but get at least 500mAh... $10 bucks for 4 with charger on ebay.

P.s.... I bought a holster from cz (they make one of the best pistols in the world)... holster on clearance months ago $4.99...amazing price...they still have em...http://shop.cz-usa.com/P-11194/Shoulder-Holster-Cz8382.aspx

Post Edited (cogito) : 9/3/2013 11:24:33 PM (GMT-6)

Sig... totally overrated IMHO. Bought a few, never kept one. CZ is in a completely different class. But I'm an eccentric on such things... my second favorite is a Stoeger cougar with a trigger I customized.... sorry everyone --- I know this is totally off topic!

I love my Sig Sauer P238, just sayin!!

Anyway, when I had a tens unit I used the fanny pack at times too. That worked pretty good for me. I also used a passport belt/ pouch. It was designed to be used while traveling and to be hid descretely under clothing.