Is there a way to test neuropathy w/o sticking needles in your veins?

I so concur that the testing is painful! I wrote a long reply earlier in this conversation feed regarding my experiences with 3 of the nerve and muscle studies. At this point in my life (I'm 74) I would not agree to having another done, exception being that there is a huge underlying reason for doing so. I gave birth with no medications three times, so I would say that in my 20's my pain threshold was pretty significant. NOT NOW, especially with fibromyalgia (over 30 years) and diagnosed central nervous system issues.

May I suggest that you inquire if perhaps anything can be given to "take the edge off" the pain, without it interfering with accuracy of readings? I know that the last test I had in 2021, there was no offer of anything to help me out. When it was over, I was spent on so many levels...

I wish I could say that the EMG I had was painless. I have a very high tolerance for pain and, yet, the EMG I had at Mayo a couple of years ago, was probably the most painful test I have ever experienced. I am scheduled for another one and am not looking forward to it.

That was how I thought. I didn’t want to go through it unless necessary to live. I too gave birth to 3 children without any medication(just a lot of heavy breathing). My only worry is that it might one day make it difficult to walk and it would be something I could have prevented.
But right now I am recovering from a mastectomy, so my neuropathy is on the back burner.
Thank you everyone for the advise and care!

That was how I thought. I didn’t want to go through it unless necessary to live. I too gave birth to 3 children without any medication(just a lot of heavy breathing). My only worry is that it might one day make it difficult to walk and it would be something I could have prevented.
But right now I am recovering from a mastectomy, so my neuropathy is on the back burner.
Thank you everyone for the advise and care!

I really hope you can find a way to get the EMG done without pain. I had it for 5 times, all of them very painful, and I gave birth all natural...but I'm so over it, never again! The last time I told the Dr. that, would the test had been performed at a Police Station instead of the Hospital, I would have confessed of any crime just to have him stopped!

Thank you so much for your information. I will ask if there is something they can add to the procedure to alleviate the pain. I have venous insufficiency that I am having corrected in July. It could be that is where some of the discomfort is coming from because my legs hurt all the time. I am going to wait until I have that procedure before i go for the EEG.

PLEASE, go over the waiver carefully BEFORE vein ablation & ask your provider, specifically, if it could negatively effect your neuropathy. TELL them what drugs you take for neuropathy & don't rely on them to read your medical history. Mine got MUCH worse after the procedure & the numbness & other issues can last for YEARS, not the 7-10 days they told me up front. Evidently, the cannula can hit nerves during the procedure. I consulted my vascular doctor because my feet were turning bright red & I thought it was blood pooling. After 18 months, the redness is worse, has spread to my ankles & the doctor is clueless, shrugs his shoulders & tells me to come back in 6 months (so he can collect another Medicare payment). I had plenty of pain in my feet prior to the ablation, but no numbness. Now my feet & lower legs are numb, as well as painful. I still have achy legs as well. Not saying you shouldn't have the procedure, just be cautious & aware of all the possible down sides. Maybe get a second opinion, since you still have time. The sad part of my experience is, I had just started Gabapentin 2 months prior to the ablation and it provided so much relief, I thought it was a miracle. After 7 years of misery, I finally found something that helped my suffering. Then I had the vein ablation & to my regret, it all came back with a vengeance. I wish you all the best.

I really hope you can find a way to get the EMG done without pain. I had it for 5 times, all of them very painful, and I gave birth all natural...but I'm so over it, never again! The last time I told the Dr. that, would the test had been performed at a Police Station instead of the Hospital, I would have confessed of any crime just to have him stopped!

I wish I could say that the EMG I had was painless. I have a very high tolerance for pain and, yet, the EMG I had at Mayo a couple of years ago, was probably the most painful test I have ever experienced. I am scheduled for another one and am not looking forward to it.