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valleygirl1955 avatar

How painful is a NCS/EMG study

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Nov 7 6:54am | Replies (35)

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@valleygirl1955 Im curious about 1 thing, is this pre-surgical testing? I’ve had this procedure done on my legs several times. I’ve also had 14 back surgeries. I’m guessing by your Nick, you were born in 1955? I’m a ‘58 baby. And therefore a Medicare recipient? Both these tests and an MRI or CT are mandatory prerequisite tests if this is leading up to a surgery. There was no residual pain. But everyone is different. I would sum it up as moderate to moderate to severe depending on the person and test administration. Mine was moderate and there was no pain as I walked to my car after the test. When they are using the 2 needle probes, they stay long enough to hear any anomalies in the nerve from the speaker and move on. The second test is where you feel like you’re being electrocuted. But when it stops, the pain stops too. I’m definitely a patient advocate but I understand Medicare has unusual rules when it comes to diagnostic testing that you cannot escape. If you have a bulging disc, it’s important to know what nerve is specifically affected by it. This will confirm what an mri can’t. I pray you don’t need surgery as Medicare requires the most sadistic and painful test I’ve ever had. A Discogram of discography. I’d be more than willing to tell you or anyone that’s interested. You sound strong and independent. You won’t need home care or a day off unless you have a radical reaction which I doubt. Godspeed!

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Replies to "@valleygirl1955 Im curious about 1 thing, is this pre-surgical testing? I’ve had this procedure done on..."

@bilt4pain thank you. Most helpful. Yes, it is prior to surgery. And yes, regular Medicare with Medicaid picking up the 20% . I realize now that I can stop it at any point I feel it too painful to continue, and I would. I just remember the 1 done on my arms as being excruciating and I tried to stopped it but the administrator kept saying "1 or 2 more"; like 15 times!!! I will stipulate in my consent that when I say stop; it means stop, I'm going home now; not stop for 30 seconds and continue. Hopefully this test and the administrator will be better than before.