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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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Spider
I looked into nerve pain 2 yrs ago after suffering much pain from an eroded TRYGEMINAL nerve.
I had worn its insulation away thru playing a lot after sax as an 81 yr old.
All fixed now after taking B12 supplement daily. Still do. B12 as well as making new blood cells , makes MYELIN , the insulation around nerves. Alcohol stops B12 absorbtion thru the small intestine wall. Have stopped drinking.
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2 ReactionsI had that procedure a couple of years ago. I think my pain tolerance is very good. I thought that while it wasn't pleasant, it was akin to pricks rather than jabs. I will be going again tomorrow. I'll let you know about this time around.
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1 ReactionI too have an appointment for the NCS/EMG nerve studies. I am petrified. I had one of these combos done on my arms and it was just downright awful. I tried to stop the tests but the administrator kept saying, just a few more sites, like 15 times!!! These test will be on my legs and I already have quite a few problem areas that they will to skip or risk loosing a few of their teeth when I kick them. I'm praying that maybe it won't be as bad on the legs and that this administrator will actually know what they are doing and above all, follow the law!!! When I say stop, I don't mean let's take a 15 second break; I mean stop, I'm going home now; and they, by law, must do what I say. I will also stipulate this in my consent form, along with areas to be avoided. That way we are all on the same page.
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1 Reaction@pah17
I just had mine and it was no problem at all! I hope your is the same. Thanks so much!
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3 ReactionsI am quite certain everyone's response/reaction to an EMG will likely differ from another's response. I have had an EMG down my arm and later down my legs. The only pleasant portion of the test for me was when it was over.
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3 Reactions@cek
Actually I was surprised it wasn’t bad at all… I think the person who did the procedure was very good. Of course it’s not “fun” but was not so bad for me…
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2 Reactions@ih8spiders. I had one last summer and after being told it was painful, I discovered for myself it was not bad at all. Everyone of course has different tolerance.
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2 Reactions@ih8spiders The technician does make a difference. The test involving my arm was extremely painful. Enough so that when it became necessary to have an EMG on my legs I was anticipating something far worse. The technician was different as was her technique. There still was considerable pain, but it was more tolerable than the test on my arm.
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1 ReactionDid your Dr. explain what the EMG test does? It can be uncomfortable and for me it was tolerable. It can be very helpful in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders such as nerve damage and in my case it is sensor motor neuropathy
You can Google EMG and get a real explanation and what to expect.
Good luck.
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1 ReactionYes, all good! It wasn’t bad at all!!!
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