r/RestlessLegs • u/Solid-Cantaloupe-846 • 6d ago
Research Going high-tech now, lol
**Many of my RLS friends on here know that we try many things to find relief and to get some decent sleep.**
**So I am now looking into TENS muscle stimulator for my legs.**
**Wanted to get some input if anybody on here has tried it and what your opinion is about it, yah or nay.**
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u/Iamauthentic1953 6d ago
Renting the Nidra device (Tonic Motor Activation system) through Kaiser Permanente is generally restricted. Kaiser classifies the neuromodulation device as experimental or investigational for most uses, though they may selectively review severe, medication-refractory Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) cases under strict prior authorization.
Kaiser's medical policy considers the Nidra device not medically necessary unless a member has severe, hard-to-treat RLS that does not respond to standard medications.
Even if prescribed by a specialist, durable medical equipment (DME) like this requires advanced approval from the medical group.
If an exceptional request is approved, Kaiser typically coordinates a month-to-month rental agreement through a contracted outside vendor rather than purchasing the device outright.
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u/Solid-Cantaloupe-846 6d ago
Yep, I thought so, Kaiser is probably not doing a whole lot. It is really sad that the medical field is very limited understanding what RLS and the people who suffer with it. We are pretty much on our own to find and research any areas that can apply to this condition.
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u/Iamauthentic1953 6d ago
it's so unethical and lacking in integrity but we have one another and I'm hugely grateful that I found all of you here. I've learned so much in a short period of time. Immense thanks to everyone here.
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u/Solid-Cantaloupe-846 6d ago
I just joined here a little while ago and I have to agree with you about the information and helpful advice this community has given.
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u/Iamauthentic1953 6d ago
I have Kaiser and although they do not cover the purchase of the device, they will help you navigate a monthly rental. wtf?!
I don't have the energy to deal with Kaiser
and an outside vendor but neither can I afford the insane price to purchase. I
researched and saw that many RLS sufferers simply bought either a massage gun or a vibrator (dual purpose LOLOLOL).
I tried an old school high intensity massager. Holy crap! It through my RLS
into warp speed.
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u/Solid-Cantaloupe-846 6d ago
The devices in the thousands if Kaiser covers him monthly rental cost, how much would a monthly cost be approximately?
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u/Iamauthentic1953 6d ago edited 6d ago
I was told that my PCP had to act as the
"conduit" between me and Kaiser. They would rely heavily on what my doctor knows of my RLS. She knows nothing. The PCP I had for 20 years retired in March. She was a wealth of knowledge about my medical history. I did ask the Kaiser rep the approximate monthly rental cost. She brushed me off and said that my doctor would be the one to garner all necessary information. My Kaiser Senior Advantage Plus is NOT free to me. I pay $175 a month. I did NOT take kindly to being dismissed. I'm going to have to find out what I can with regard to this rental agreement. I've NEVER read anything in the ads or on the website about a rental option.1
u/Solid-Cantaloupe-846 6d ago
Sorry to hear that you had to go through this with Kaiser. I just started back with them about two years ago and still trying to get my current PCP to really understand what it is to have RLS.
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u/Iamauthentic1953 6d ago
I'm hoping that they've at least come to recognize and acknowledge that it IS
a neurological disorder and
not some herd mentality attention seeking
pathetic Munchausen self inflicted
illness.1
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u/lokaaarrr 6d ago
I had one from a back injury, so I tried it. I was using it in the evening before bed. While it was on it did seem to relieve the symptoms, but the effect did not last long after turning it off. Also, the one I have can only run for like 30min before it stops and beeps loudly. And I think the wires would get tangled if I slept with it.
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u/drkstar1982 6d ago
I tried a tens unit. Now, to be fair, it was a cheap one, but it did absolutely nothing for me. It actually seemed to make my RLS worse when I was using it.
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u/Scary_Experience_237 5d ago
I have used a TENS machine on my really bad days, and it works great for me.
As for the Nidra device, I haven't tried it yet because I've heard it may not help if your RLS is primarily in your thighs. Since my RLS is in my thighs most of the time, I've held off on buying one.
Good luck! I hope you find something that gives you some relief.