(Part 2) Best heating pads according to redditors

Excuse the terrible link format (stupid phone), but I got this XXXL heating pad on amazon. It’s amazing. I can use it to cover my front and back at the same time by wrapping it around myself. It’s what every endo sufferer needs. I like the timer on it too so if I fall asleep it automatically shuts off.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S1C4P54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C8sKDbQTQV0ZZ

I've had PN for 20 years. I'll try to answer your questions:

Yes, heat makes it worse.

Your feet are too cold -- mine are too hot! Buy heated slippers (https://www.amazon.com/ObboMed-MF-2305M-Infrared-Carbon-Slippers/dp/B077JK6K93/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=heated+slippers&qid=1563135159&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1) or a one-piece foot warmer (https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Enrichment-PureRelief-Deluxe-Warmer/dp/B07HS3D14B/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=heated+slippers&qid=1563135242&s=gateway&sr=8-13).

Be cautious about gabapentin and Lyrica. They aren't intended for neuro disorders -- work fine for some people, horrible for others.

5 and 6 -- yes to both. I haven't found any way to avoid it. Seems to be a case of "use it AND lose it."

7 - That's the worst. I'm on 50 mg daily of methadone (works very well for neuro pain) and terrified the DEA will make my doctor cut off all her patients.

I was using a wheelchair for foot and ankle weakness until a physical therapist set me up with OrthoBock braces. They work like a champ: go on ebay and do a search for OrthoBock.

This disorder is unpleasant. Awful. It SUCKS!!

As my doctor said: "It won't kill you, you'll just wish it would."

Sort of joining in the chorus here, but yep, that sounds like a muscle spasm. Chronic, gnarly, treatment-resistant muscle spasms are super common with EDS- they're usually associated with a particularly unstable joint, what your muscles freak out overcompensating for, but can be caused by other things as well.

The "zingy" nerve pain is probably caused by impingement- either by the unstable joint subluxing onto it, or the spasmed muscles squeezing the crap out of it. Given your description of the timing, it's probably a subluxation. My random IANAD guess would be AC joint, just because your description sounds a lot like what happens when mine slips.

Treating these things is a bitch and a half. Here are some of the things I do, which help somewhat.

• When it first starts, some self-administered trigger-point masage can sometimes stop it. Here are some tools I use: Neck knobby thing, spine knobby thing, foam roller. You can also use tennis balls or lacross balls, but I uh.. broke them \^\^;;;
  
• Aspercreme / Blue Emu - I find the classic Trolamine Salicylate works best for me, but if you have an aspirin allergy, or if Lidocaine works better for you, they make a version with that as the active instead. There's also a spray form for when an area is too tender to touch. They can be a little pricey, but Amazon has a Subscribe & Save discount on them, which helps.
  
• Combine the above with Tiger Balm or Icy Hot, if you can tolerate them, and I find it makes them more effective than either separately. I think they maybe help the ingredients in the above penetrate better?
  
• If you can get it, adding a final layer of CBD lotion or oil is extra effective. I use Ethos Muscle Melt.
  
• Slap a quality heating pad with a washable cover on the above and bake that shit in- (NOTE: I AM DEFINITELY NOT A DOCTOR, AND THE ASPERCREME LABEL SPECIFICALLY SAYS NOT TO DO THIS but damned if it isn't effective and at this point I'll do anything that works?)
  
• If that fails, grab some alcohol swabs to wipe all that shit I just recommended off from a few spots and then use a TENS unit.
  
• Medicate: this part is obviously dependent on your own rxs and state legislature, etc, but muscle relaxants and CBD are helpful things to have. For an OTC option, I've found that some antihistamines can be useful, but then again I've got MCAS as a complication so YMMV.
  
• Physical therapy- PTs often recommend certain stretches to help prevent spasms, but in my experience, every single time they have at best done nothing and at worst they've triggered/exacerbated them. I have had some good results with exercises designed to strengthen the unstable joint that caused the whole mess, though-
  very light, irritatingly soft and repetitive exercises that drive me crazy but actually are maybe kind of effective? BUT I AM NOT A DOCTOR.
  
  Hopefully this will be of some use. I swear some of the worst pain I've experienced in EDS has been from muscle spasms, geez.

Depends on what you want. Modern heating pads are only allowed to get so hot, unless you have to actively keep them on.

So if you are going for HOT, a "classic" thermophore is great. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZHJS0G/?coliid=I33NO79SFPCZG8&colid=7F8Z4MNFKO4P&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) These are loved in the chronic pain community. And again, it has a switch and it just keeps heating.

Personally, I enjoy a more heat and toss approach. So this is used with a blanket on the other side (so you make a sandwich you-heating pad- pillow/ blanket) but you don't have to monitor it. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX5CR0M/ref=sxr_rr_xsim_1_a_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3513574162&pd_rd_wg=R8QBF&pf_rd_r=WYNPNJR4TFDTXKQJTBE6&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00LX5CR0M&pd_rd_w=ws5nT&pf_rd_i=heating+pad+wrap+around&pd_rd_r=c5bcf031-4ce6-49e6-85d5-d975b57ad023&ie=UTF8&qid=1522531102&sr=1)

I can't agree more with the physio.

This is what my arm looked like when I arrived in the hospital: http://i.imgur.com/BEJCzOl.jpg

I was told I would get at best 20-30% of my range of motion back and that I was lucky to keep my arm at all.

That wasn't acceptable so I started cranking away at my physio. 8 hours of physio at home every day. Within 3 months and a lot of pain later I had full range of motion back in my elbow and fingers. My surgeon was blown away. So much so he is using my recovery as a case study for his classes now.

I highly suggest getting hydrocollator packs and a slow cooker to heat your fractures and muscles. It will help return range of motion.

These are what I used: https://www.amazon.com/Chattanooga-Original-Hydrocollator-HotPac-Standard-Size/dp/B01ALJE8J8/

The hot steam makes a world of difference and works so much better than regular heatpacks.

Even after all that is done, continue with physio. I had lost some use of my shoulder due to being in a sling, and I've continued to work at it. Only 3-4 months ago I finally regained full range of motion there too.

I have some fused bones that need separation but the hard part is (hopefully) behind me.

My SI joints and neck are the worst this time of year. I use a jade-infrared heating pad for my hips/SI because the heat seems to penetrate deeper. I think I have this one:

Back Rescue Infrared Heating Pads, Fast Pain Relief for Back and Neck, Real Jade, no EMF, FDA, Easily Adjust Temperature and Time, 21 x 32 Inches, with Carry Bag -1 Year Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0759VN36T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CAu1DbQA6727V

For my neck I use a regular neck heating pad like this:

Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief | Standard Size Renue, 4 Heat Settings with Auto-Off | Spa Green, 14-Inch x 22-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JCXJTW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SCu1DbZY2B0P0

I’m debating about switching to some sort of heated mattress cover that will stay on for 6-8 hours because most heating pads (like the neck one) shut off at 90 — 120 minutes, which means I wake up with a sore neck and have to turn it back on 1-2 times a night.

I’d love to hear any other ideas or suggestions you’ll have.

Maybe you can try this back brace. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075YSNZTW

my grandma has a similar looking thing, could be a warmer like this: https://www.amazon.com/Heated-Electric-Angelique-Cordless-Heating/dp/B07LBB49CR/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=warmer+electric&qid=1558994523&s=hpc&sr=1-12

I love this heating pad. It's large and has variable heat settings with a long cord. That and some Tiger Balm or Peppermint Oil.

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XXL Ultra-Wide Microplush Heating Pad with Fast-Heating Technology, Moist Heat Therapy, 6 Temperature Settings, Auto-Off Timer and Convenient Storage Bag (20" x 24") https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075K1GMJ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XNo6BbZCWR4GN

I use this one It's pricey, but it's big and I can turn it all the way up to 159 degrees.

Edit: Never mind, just saw your price point. I'll leave it though in case someone else finds it helpful.

I got this one:
MARNUR Heating Pad Wrap for Neck... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P6D47D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It has been a lifesaver! I like that I can use the magnets to keep in clipped in place on my back. Like a little cape of pain relief!

I got a similar one from Amazon last summer. It is sooo much better than trying to hold an old fashioned heating pad around your neck.

hey girl! i found these rechargable hot water things off amazon that i absolutely love. i call it my “waterbaby” and it’s basically the only thing that helps me besides straight up painkillers.

the downside is that it may not come in time for your trip- it does take a few weeks or so for delivery. you’d also need an adapter to charge it from a cigarette lighter if you do take it on trips (one that lets you plug a normal wall plug in) but it might help you when you do get it!


https://smile.amazon.com/Lavender-Rechargeable-Portable-Personal-Heating/dp/B01HQM880S

there’s some similar items from other sellers, but i can’t personally vouch for any of them. i’m just fond of my “waterbaby” because it’s a good weight (not too heavy, just a nice, comforting, almost “kitten curled in your lap” feel), i can charge it again as soon as i feel it’s too cold, and it doesn’t look suuuper weird. i take mine to my boyfriend’s apartment all the time and am able to use it kind of in front of people and not be too embarassed (i can’t imagine using one of the big flat heating pads plugged into the wall while trying to chat with his friends who drop by suddenly and unannounced).

Best of luck! Does he get a lot of back, neck, and shoulder pain? When it gets cold outside one of these can be a lifesaver.

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Super UL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdlz_vbitNU

https://www.ebay.com/i/332879919837?chn=ps

https://www.amazon.com/Asixx-3-Shift-Electric-Heating-Abdomen/dp/B07JK49BV2/

https://www.walmart.com/ip/USB-Powered-Soft-Heated-Shawl-Colder-Electric-Warming-Heating-Blanket-Pad/927414845

Interesting, but a hot water bottle sounds lighter and easier (edit: and safer). :) If you try this, let us know. Curious as to how it works and a jump start might be great.

I prefer to use this instead of a hot water bottle https://www.amazon.com/Heating-Menstrual-Relief-Therapy-Relieve/dp/B07QWBSS1R/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1ZZR924CAX8HZ&keywords=heating+pad+period+cramps&qid=1569170949&s=gateway&sprefix=heating+pad+period+%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWkRSUlAwUlI1TVVWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjIxMzkyMVFZU0owTlFQQUpYNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODA5ODM4MUJDTENaNzE1UEhOVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

My absolute favorite is this oversized heating pad. It doesn’t get too hot to burn but hot enough to bring down the pain, and turns off after awhile. Full disclosure, I fall asleep with it on the highest setting all the time and have never gotten burned.

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad for Back Pain and Cramps - Fast-Heating, Ultra-Soft Heat Therapy with 6 Temperature Settings and Auto Shut-Off Feature - 12" x 24" (Charcoal Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KVYTV86/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kHS1Db0KH64XH

Although, this is another one of my favorite options. For me, the heat from water is much more therapeutic (see my massive water bill for the several hot showers a day I take haha). But this is like an old fashioned rubber hot water bottle. A lot of them come with cute covers on them. You pour hot water in it and it literally lasts the night.

Hot Water Bottle with Knit Cover, UBEGOOD Rubber Transparent Hot Water Bag, Good for Pain Relief (2 Liters, Blue/Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6BMNPX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FJS1DbKPR4BFD

Finally, I personally don’t like this because it is too tight on my belly, but some of my other friends with endo swear by using this at work. It might be more discrete in the workplace.

DOACT Waist Heating Pad for Back Pain, Heat Waist Belt Hot Compress Therapy for Menstrual Abdomen Cramps, Lower Back Pain Relief, 5V Electric Heating Pad for Women Men https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SR1JRHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PKS1DbQTMM4CR

There are electric heating pads designed specifically for shoulders. This one is a bit pricey but it's a trusted brand, I got it earlier this year for my sister and she loves it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GC1YAC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have arthritis in my back and work a desk job which can be torturous. I use a cushion that corrects my posture while seated and it's great until it's time to go to bed. The only heating pad that's ever worked for relieving my aches is Thermophore. The 14" x 27" is the perfect size for covering my lower back and right hip where I feel the most pain. I've been using the same one for five years now. It's slightly weighted and drapes nicely to keep the heat trapped in. It stays put until I change positions.

There's two versions: Max Heat which has an auto-shutoff switch after 20 minutes (three heat settings) and the Classic, which has a lever you have to hold down if you want the heat to last for more than 20 minutes (or use something to keep the lever pressed in). In my experience, the Classic isn't BIFL because the lever can break off or the circuitry could short out due to holding it down for too long over time. Also, there is a danger of burning yourself due to falling asleep while using the heating pad with the lever pressed in. I highly recommend the Max Heat version.

On a good day, one 20 minute session relieves my pain and I usually fall asleep during the process. The three heat settings range from "oh, that's nice" to "this is exactly what I need, life and this heating pad is so awesome" to "SEND HELP, IT'S TOO HOT!" Well worth the $60!

I've not been cruising yet, but I imagine there are some cheap easy things that you might appreciate having.

I bought a handful of these cheap flashlights last year - they're remarkably good, and at $3 each you can afford never to run out.

Likewise, gel hand-warmers are probably appreciated on night watches.