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EMG
Hello! I am new to the group and 76 years old. I was diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy when I was in my late 50s. I’ve been to several neurologists, who were not particularly helpful. I’ve had several Nerve Conduction texts which came back normal. At my last appointment the doctor told me there was another test he could do but he didn’t want to put me through it as it was “uncomfortable “ which I know is Dr speak for painful. Since my neuropathy is getting worse ( moved up into my lower legs from my feet), I am seeing another neurologist. I know he will do an EMG. What I’d like to know from this group is: exactly HOW painful is this test? What should I expect? Honestly- I’m scared. Thank you.
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@ih8spiders
How were you originally diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy in your 50s?
Have you been tested for small fiber neuropathy with a skin punch biopsy (tissue samples from thigh/calf/ankle)? Have you had extensive neuropathy bloodwork to rule out diabetes, vitamin deficiencies/toxicities, etc.? Are you a smoker or do you drink alcohol? Have you ever had cancer and chemotherapy?
Have you had MRIs of your spine to see if you have compression of spinal cord and nerve roots causing your symptoms? You would want to see an orthopedic spine specialist for this.
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1 ReactionI did have a ct scan of my spine back then, they saw nothing but mild stenosis. Other than that I’ve only had nerve conduction tests over the years, which have always been normal. Weird. I’ve had the bloodwork for diabetes and vitamin deficiencies. Because my nerve conduction tests were normal, the neurologist thought I didn’t need further tests. I’ve never had chemo. I’ve never had an EMG ( which I will be having Monday). I’ve never had a skin biopsy. Actually now that I think k about it, the skin biopsy might have been the test my previous neurologist didn’t want to subject me to because it was “uncomfortable”. I think he mentioned it was a skin test. I’d forgotten about that- maybe he wasn’t talking about an EMG at all….which was what I’d thought. Interesting. Thank you.
Each body reacts differently, but I think the reason the doctor is telling you it’s painful is because people who had it long ago with old huge dull needles (probes) and old methods will say that. I first had EMG/NCS testing on my whole body in 1980 and it was horrible. My son had the same 20 years ago and bad. Good news is when I repeated it on my whole body in 2015 it was nothing more than a nuisance. I wouldn’t be afraid of doing it again. They use tiny needles now so comparable to a flu shot. The shocks are mild now kind of like being snapped with a rubber band. Nothing like the old days. You’ll do fine and hopefully get some good info.
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1 ReactionThat is so kind of you, thank you so much for sharing!
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1 ReactionI’ve had idiopathic PN for almost 15 yrs now and getting worse like you. I’ve had an EMG - basically feels like some pin pricks - uncomfortable? Yes a bit. Painful? I didn’t think so.
The test only confirmed what I already knew - that I had neuropathy. Still haven’t found a good solution for me. Good luck with your test.
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1 Reaction@jlritz
I appreciate your comment. Quite honestly I wonder if there IS a solution to neuropathy-but this is the first time I’ve had a complete work up and I feel I owe to myself to try…
@ih8spiders we definitely owe it to ourselves to keep trying. 🩷 I wish you all the best.
Would love to hear how everything goes. 🙂
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1 Reaction@jlritz
I will let you know!