I’m using my Infrex unit all the time (and the TENS unit simultaneously on acupuncture/acupressure sites at the recommendation of my physical therapist). I LOVE IT! It is really being very helpful to me in pain management. That said, my electrodes are wearing out, and I need to obtain more. My 3” Round are completely gone, so I am not able to use that protocol until I obtain more, so I was wondering if I could get a couple of spare sets of the things I use most in addition to the replacement set so that I don’t run out like this. I don’t know how that works with insurance/ Medicare, so please let me know on that front. If I can’t get several at a time, just let me know the frequency I can request to obtain what I need.

Also, as per my physical therapist, I am wearing the TENS 22 hours per day and then using both units sometimes simultaneously, combining approaches. He was very impressed with the unit, and I think you’ll likely have some additional clients from his referrals.
I am finding that the smaller electrodes are lasting 3-4 days because of the continual wear. And the larger electrodes are lasting about a week at most. That said, the Pre-Tens and the Clean-Cote are helping tremendously. They help both the condition of my skin and the life of the electrodes.

A few quick questions:

1) How much moisture are the multi-day electrodes supposed to tolerate? (showers, washing hands, etc.) I was afraid that a shower would ruin them.
2) I got one electrode in my last box that had a snap connection instead of a pin connection. Is that possible to use with my Infrex unit? I didn’t know how to hook it up.
3) Can I mix and match electrodes according to the site? For example, one of my protocols requires between the forefinger and thumb on the extensor surface (which is narrow and is in constant movement), two are on the forearm, and one is near the elbow joint (again a lot of movement and easy to bump). So, could I try a .75”X1.375” rectangle or even a 1.5”X2” rectangle on the thumb area while using the 2” electrodes on the rest?
4) What is the easiest way to determine which leads are used in the 2 Pole application? I can figure it out by trial and error a couple of times, and I can mark them with a silver sharpie or something, but I was wondering if there was a simple way of telling visually already that I just missed.
5) I love the Clean-Cote, but is there a way to remove that residue easily besides scrubbing vigorously in the shower?

If at all possible, I would like to request the following: (assuming that each package has four electrodes). Where possible, I prefer latex-free products, but if must use a latex product to obtain the smallest sizes I will do so. Also, I have sensitive skin, so where there is a reasonable option, please provide a skin-friendly electrode. For example, the

• 3 packages 3” Round Superior Starburst Model 628SB (latex free, with aloe)
• 3 packages Re-Flex Tantone 2”X2” square (I am hoping that these might stay adhered better to sites that are continually moving, such as my hands and wrist areas. If you think something else is better, please advise. If you have something that is slightly smaller like a 1.75”X1.75”, that would be even better.)
• 1 package Multi-Day 2.25” square gel pin connection (unless you can tell me how to use the snap connection)
• 1 lumbosacral 6”X4” butterfly – (Do I use the 2 pole or 4 pole protocol with that? I have been using the infrex on this region very often, so I thought this would be easier to use since I often have to ask for help in applying the electrodes there.)
• 1 package1 Re-Ply 2” round (tan)
• 1 package .75X1.375” rectangle
• 1 package 1.5”X2” rectangle

If you have questions or think I should consider something different, please don’t hesitate to call me at xxx-xxx-xxxxor or email me at __________

Thank you so much,
S S
DOB 9-9-1971

Answer To SS:

Hi SS,

   Thanks for the very nice email back.   I’m glad things are working well and once we get the insurance going think all will be fine.  I want to try to address several of your questions however many better answers are on our web site. 

   First off is if your physical therapist would like us to consign a couple of Infrex units to the dept. for patient trials we will be glad to do so.  Also if he/she does that please let me know as I want to send you some extra supplies as a “thank you” for helping us.   I’m also assuming you will not mind if I post your email to our blog, but I will not reveal your name or other identifying info.   Your letter has some very good, well thought out questions that many people need to know.   Also if your P.T. has any questions  then please have them call me.

  Now to some of your questions:

“ If I can’t get several at a time, just let me know the frequency I can request to obtain what I need. “ ( electrodes) – This to Linda but when possible, after insurance determined, then anytime we can send one shipment with more electrodes etc. then do so.  We can ship once with a year’s supply, but bill them out as allowable each month.  That way Sherri gets more electrodes because we only have one shipping charge rather than 12- 24 with minimal cost of $10 each when you put in handling.

“I am finding that the smaller electrodes are lasting 3-4 days because of the continual wear. “  Do not use any reusuable electrodes for “extended time periods” if you can prevent.  To increase the life of the electrodes it’s best to rotate them and the life is extended.  Example is if you are wearing electrodes 16 hours a day, it’s better to wear one set for 8 hours, then put on other electrodes for 8 hours.  That alone should minimally double the life span of the electrodes. As is seen on one of our electrode videos, store the unused pair in the refrigerator, wipe surface gently with toothbrush, and may occasionally need to dampen with water before putting back on.

1)    How much moisture are the multi-day electrodes supposed to tolerate? (showers, washing hands, etc.)  I was afraid that a shower would ruin them. ( Shower will not ruin as that is a main reason for having that type electrode)

This multiday electrode is generally not a very good electrode and especially so when doing interferential therapy on the Infrex.  Reason  for IF treatment is the surface area for stimulation is very small and therefore the stimulus is concentrated in very small area – not good with interferential.

Other issue with this electrode is not skin friendly at all, occluding skin for long periods so breakdown more likely.  You doing right thing with the skin prep and clean cote so keep that up. 

Gravity is constantly pulling gel etc. down on that electrode as you wear it.  You stand up or sit up and gravity starts trying to get the gel out which means might have “leakage” on bottom edge breaking through the adhesive that is holding electrode on and dry out.  If dries out you will start feeling a “pin stick” because the current is concentrated in only areas where conductive gel/medium is.  This electrode is fine if you are happy and can be very good for small areas like hocu, space between thumb and forefinger in web space.

2)    I got one electrode in my last box that had a snap connection instead of a pin connection.  Is that possible to use with my Infrex unit?  I didn’t know how to hook it up. No was a mistake – Sorry.

3)    Can I mix and match electrodes according to the site?  For example, one of my protocols requires between the forefinger and thumb on the extensor surface (which is narrow and is in constant movement), two are on the forearm, and one is near the elbow joint (again a lot of movement and easy to bump).  So, could I try a .75”X1.375” rectangle or even a 1.5”X2” rectangle on the thumb area while using the 2” electrodes on the rest? 

Yes and that is really a good strategy.  Your therapist seems very knowledgeable and is unique in helping you with more knowledge than most have.  This is very good to cut and shape electrodes for the specic areas.  As an example if you are having pain in the “lower back” in large area then generally use larger electrodes, but if on small joint like wrist then use smaller electrodes.  Mixing and matching is perfect way to go.

Another useful tip is you can always use an “ace” wrap/bandage and secure electrodes like on your forearm by simply binding with the Ace and securing that way if helps.

4)    What is the easiest way to determine which leads are used in the 2 Pole application?  I can figure it out by trial and error a couple of times, and I can mark them with a silver sharpie or something, but I was wondering if there was a simple  way of telling visually already that I just missed. 

Might want to take magic marker as you’ve done  and mark the two cables if that makes it easier.  Now important point is when you have electrodes on and working, yet one electrode area felt more than the other, don’t’ change the electrode location but simply pull out cables at electrode and switch.  One electrode always has more of the positive/negative charge than the other and one always dominants.  If electrode you are feeling most is not one where most pain is, then switch cable and now the electrode over most painful area should be felt more and should help more.  Not sure what going on but most of our cables for Infrex are color coded to start with.  I do know that we do have some that were not color coded but you’ve overcome that with your markings which was smart.

5)    I love the Clean-Cote, but is there  a way to remove that residue easily besides scrubbing vigorously in the shower?   Acetone ( finger nail polish remover ingredient)  which can get at drugstore or we have some removal pads you can wipe with.

I had a tens unit sitting in my desk drawer for months, I had it prescribed for my hip, but it was unsuccessful. Over the last 4-5 months, my knee has developed a terrible and constant pain. i decided to throw the tens on to see if it would help. I’m still going to see a doctor but, I just wanted to thank you for the late night lesson, and instant pain relief without worrying about messing with more narcotics. Thank you, very much.
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As you probably know, after you spoke with me on the phone last month, I was even more interested in your Infrex Plus product. However, I am very cautious when buying anything on the internet, especially something as expensive as your Infrex machine is. So, after our chat, I tried to search your company at the Better Business Bureau’s website www.bbb.org but found nothing for MedFaxx, Inc. So, I then went to the “Contact Us” section of your website and found out where you are located. The next morning I called the local BBB in your area to check out your company. While on hold, I searched MedFaxx through their automated system but again came up with nothing. The woman that answered at the local N.C. BBB looked up Medfaxx, Inc. and also found nothing. She then put me on hold, checked with the business registry (N.C. Department of the Secretary of State) and she was able to tell me your name as President of the company and that your business had been incorporated in 1995. She then said that there have been no complaints about your company, which is why I could not find any information about it. I then asked her, “so, in this case, ‘no news is good news’, correct?” and she said “yes”. Because everything checked out okay, I had my son fax you the prescription to process an order for an Infrex unit.

Recently I learned that one of my friends with ms is looking into trying a TENS unitso I just sent him an e-mail telling him about MedFaxx, how the Infrex has helped me and sent him a link to your website. After I found the link for your website, out of curiosity, I went back to www.bbb.org website and typed in “Medfaxx, Inc.”; this time it provided a page with information about your company, including an “A” rating by the BBB. When I read further on the page, it stated that “The BBB develops a full report on a firm based on inquiry or complaint activity. This company first came to our attention in December 2009.” It appears that my contact with them last month prompted your company information to be posted online now on the BBB. This is very good for you and your company, especially because you may likely have future customers that are very cautious such as I was. I just wanted to let you know and compliment you on your good standing with the BBB after 15 years of service; this is something to be proud of. Also, I’m not sure if I told you when we spoke last month but, for six years now I have run a monthly support group for people with ms (sponsored by the NMSS – National Multiple Sclerosis Society) and I plan to share the Infrex with my group, to give them another option for pain relief, should anyone it need now or in the future.

For a couple weeks now, I have been checking my United Healthcare account at www.myuhc.com to see the status of the claim. On Friday last week I found that the claim for MedFaxx was approved for the full $1,695.00 so the machine is mine and I can relax (I was a bit nervous because the claim was submitted just under the wire for 2009). I have only used IF on the Infrex but would like to try to use the electrodes in water like you had suggested to me on the phone but I don’t know how. Do you have a video online for that? If not, can you give me instructions on how to use it?

Also, how often do the electrodes need to be replaced? Do you know if my insurance company (UHC) would approve/pay for new electrodes when I need more? And if so, how would I request new ones? Please advise when you have time. Thank you.

DA ( name withheld)

Our Response to DA:

Thank you D… for the very nice email which I am sharing with some of our staff. We appreciate you sharing the information with us. Just a fyi for you to “fill in the blanks”.

Actually we’ve been in business since 1977 or 1978, not sure which and started business as ConvaCare until several years later a big conglomerate, named ConvaCare, told us to stop. We did a “reinvent” with paperwork and became MedFaxx so we’ve actually been continuously in business over 30+ years. The reason we don’t join BBB is in past we were members and the only thing that happen was pay dues, because being a prescription driven business we could not really sell retail. Also we did do a lot of fighting with insurance companies on behalf of our patients and the insurance companies really didn’t care what BBB stated or not. BBB is fine organization but not for our type business.

Also I don’t think BBB did it, like Dun & Bradstreet did, but constantly our contact information was being sold to businesses and we were inundated with everyone selling everything from office supplies, to faxing us with vacation rentals etc. Over time we decided not in our best interest so I actually quit supplying D&B with information since all they did was sell it. D&B has been calling us yearly for info. for well over 15 years now and we still will not supply.

I actually did the “water video” last week and am waiting for our videographer, Jeff in CC above, to edit it and then we will post. I’m making a note now that the moment we have I will personally send to you via email. Jeff can you prioritize this one first please? This one is a little tricker in that we have to put in all sorts of “do not use while plugged into wall ” etc. on it however I really doubt there is much of an issue but lawsuits being as they are we have to be overly cautious so Jeff is having to drop into the screen several warnings which is taking longer.

I’m glad UHC paid for unit and nice thing is we are getting outstanding reports of excellent results from being able to use interferential as needed from patients. Literally there are less than 100 people, world wide, using this unit at this time so we’re really encouraged that maybe we’ve got a product that will truly help people which makes us proud. Of course it’s always the “first” companies that have to break the barriers and financial existence is key. There are some physiological changes apparently occurring that are new, and previously unknown of, which are proving to be very beneficial for many of our patients. We don’t know either, but can report longer carryover pain relief, and patients reducing pain levels much quicker than tens and less drug dependency.

You will find on electrodes that due to Infrex and IF mode being the almost sole mode being used that the requirement for electrodes is seriously diminished. Here are three videos on electrodes you may find helpful.

Electrode CareThat’s my wife, a physical therapist, on this one – Don’t you think I’m the better actor????

video-on-how-to-prolong-life-and-increase-conductivity-of-tens-electrodes.html

how-to-choose-best-tens-electrodes-for-your-pain.html

Now here’s a really important thing to remember. I can not answer for UHC but if like Medicare, Medicaid, liability insurance companies etc. then your electrodes and supplies should be covered for as long as you own the unit. I’ll have Linda in our office send you what we call our “standing order request” and basically your electrodes, batteries, cables, even topical pain patches like Tiger Balm, or topical pain relievers like BioFreeze, Sombra, etc. should be coverd by UHC. Instructing staff to ship you when you request the electrodes needed, and we will bill UHC, ( buy several packs to minimize shipping cost ) and the shelf life is very long so no problem with just storing till ready to use. Send us back where you are having pain on your body so we can recommend the best electrodes for that application unless the video gives you totally what you need. Linda and Anne Marie understand electrodes well and are knowledgeable on what is available.

We’re here, been here, for over 30 years so let us know how we can help you. Also if can do anything to help your MS group then please let me know including the free trial of Infrex to see if efficacious for your members.

Thank you.

Bob j

Find Electrodes here