United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

The company have replied to me about using the Thermacare on an insensate arm. You're right Leeanne, they say there is an increased risk of burning if you can't feel your arm, even tho the product isn't much warmer than the body. They also advised against using it on scarred tissue. They advised me to contact my doctor. I did, and she said that due to the fact that I can't feel my lower arm at all & have massively reduced circulation, extreme muscle wastage and my arm has no 'self regulation' in its temperature control (like a newborn, my arm apparently cannot cool itself when too hot or warm itself when too cold) I should NEVER use anything on it warmer than blood heat (oops! I have done in the past, but I must admit my hand looks a bit funny afterwards, probably burnt but I couldn't feel it!) She did say it would be fine on my upper arm (which has feeling in small patches, is still 'normal' size and can still goosebump in places) but it's my lower arm that gets the worst pain so maybe it's a no-no for me. If you guys can feel some in your arm it should be ok but if in doubt ask your doctor. I'm really sorry about this, it looks like it would be SO comforting! :0(

I'm so sorry that this isn't a solution for you. Michaela has Horners Syndrome and has trouble regulating her body temp in that area, but she has also gained feeling over the years and can now feel hot and cold and pain in her arm so I felt safe using it on her.

Have you tried the bed buddies that you heat in the microwave. We have one about 4 feet long and 6 inches wide with a gel pack you heat and put inside. It can keep you toasty at night just laying up against it without the hazard of burning. They have a thick Fleece like cover and velcro at the top to keep the gel pack in.

Has anyone tried to but rice in a sock and microwave it?
Often used for arthritic people.

Take a clean cotton sock and fill it partially full with uncooked rice and knot the sock closed. Microwave approx 2 minutes or until warm and apply to area.
Will release some gentle steam from the moisture of the rice alone - do not add water.
May be reused often.

We've tried the rice thing but thermacare lasts for at least 8 hours and attaches to the body so it is completely portable and allows freedom of movement. Hence the reason for trying to find something Michaela can were to school. Thanks, LeeAnne