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EMG test needed-no positioning accommodation

Posted by speechless623 @speechless623, Nov 17, 2023

I need an EMG Diagnostic test done, HOWEVER, EMG technician informs me that I am required to lie prone (on my stomach) as part of this procedure. I am physically unable to lay on my stomach due to multiple stomach surgeries. EMG Technician tells me there is no alternate position to accommodate my inability to lay on my stomach as part of this procedure. Can anyone help me with this matter? I find it hard to believe I cannot lie on my side, stand or assume an alternate position as an accommodation so I can get this needed testing??? HELP please.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 17, 2023

I've had a few EMGs done and have laid on my back and side mostly. I don't remember being required to lay on my stomach although it may be needed to test specific nerve groups. Are you able to discuss your question with a neurologist?

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1 reply
speechless623 | @speechless623 | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "I've had a few EMGs done and have laid on my back and side mostly. I..." + (show)
@johnbishop

I've had a few EMGs done and have laid on my back and side mostly. I don't remember being required to lay on my stomach although it may be needed to test specific nerve groups. Are you able to discuss your question with a neurologist?

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That;s another problem, I live in Citrus County, Florida (this area is known for scarcity of qualified doctors). EMG was scheduled by my Primary Care and technician travels to Primary Care doctor's office. Only neurologist is at UF or USF and there is months long waiting list. Mayo is on the east coast in north Florida - real long drive for me.

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @speechless623 "That;s another problem, I live in Citrus County, Florida (this area is known for scarcity of..." + (show)
@speechless623

That;s another problem, I live in Citrus County, Florida (this area is known for scarcity of qualified doctors). EMG was scheduled by my Primary Care and technician travels to Primary Care doctor's office. Only neurologist is at UF or USF and there is months long waiting list. Mayo is on the east coast in north Florida - real long drive for me.

Jump to this post

A teaching hospital might be an alternative for seeking help or a second opinion on the EMG. This list of teaching hospitals in Florida shows one in Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa.
--- https://safetynetsflorida.org/teaching

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 17, 2023

Not related but I am traumatized by a dentist this week refusing me as a patient because my neck issues made the mouthpiece positioning impossible for me when he tried to do a panoramic x-ray. He said he "didn't want to argue with me but he could not accept me as a patient." I have a note from neurology about bending my neck back that surgeons at MGH took very seriously. Sorry for the tangent and sympathies to you. More accommodations are needed in medicine and dentistry.

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1 reply
speechless623 | @speechless623 | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "A teaching hospital might be an alternative for seeking help or a second opinion on the..." + (show)
@johnbishop

A teaching hospital might be an alternative for seeking help or a second opinion on the EMG. This list of teaching hospitals in Florida shows one in Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa.
--- https://safetynetsflorida.org/teaching

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Thanks - I made an appointment (a month from today aI hve travel 2 hours to office).

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speechless623 | @speechless623 | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "Not related but I am traumatized by a dentist this week refusing me as a patient..." + (show)
@windyshores

Not related but I am traumatized by a dentist this week refusing me as a patient because my neck issues made the mouthpiece positioning impossible for me when he tried to do a panoramic x-ray. He said he "didn't want to argue with me but he could not accept me as a patient." I have a note from neurology about bending my neck back that surgeons at MGH took very seriously. Sorry for the tangent and sympathies to you. More accommodations are needed in medicine and dentistry.

Jump to this post

Unfortunately I can identify with your experience. I don't understand - people are built differently - why can't doctor's understand and accommodate people?

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gently | @gently | Nov 18, 2023

Speechless, I sure don't know why the tech didn't explain anything. I know that the abdominal musculature responds differently if you are upright or supine and they want you prone to get accurate readings.
What are they testing you for?
Call a few radiology offices and find out if there is a way to accomodate you. With maybe a gap-table that would avoid pressure on the surgically sensitized area.
Try Florida Medical Clinic. Ask to speak with an EMG tech. They usually like to talk. You must have gotten a grouch.

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1 reply
speechless623 | @speechless623 | Nov 19, 2023
In reply to @gently "Speechless, I sure don't know why the tech didn't explain anything. I know that the abdominal..." + (show)
@gently

Speechless, I sure don't know why the tech didn't explain anything. I know that the abdominal musculature responds differently if you are upright or supine and they want you prone to get accurate readings.
What are they testing you for?
Call a few radiology offices and find out if there is a way to accomodate you. With maybe a gap-table that would avoid pressure on the surgically sensitized area.
Try Florida Medical Clinic. Ask to speak with an EMG tech. They usually like to talk. You must have gotten a grouch.

Jump to this post

I am trying - I have an appointment at a teaching hospital - hopefully they can accommodate my inability to lay prone. The reason for the EMG is to test the nerves from my lumbar to my feet.

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