Re: welcome Theresa/ EMG experience

[Guest guest]

Theresa,

I am the biggest baby when it comes to doctors, tests, etc. I get nervous &

anxious just walking into the building. BUT... you will be fine - I was.

Take it as it comes, there are much worse things. It is not pleasant, but

you'll make it just fine. Everyone, including the doc. said there were no after

effects; however, a few days after the test for a couple days I was feeling

pin-pricks in my legs & arms. Doc. said this was unrelated, but I swear it was

some kind of " after shock " (Possible????)You will be fine - my thoughts &

prayers are with you.

Diane

[Guest guest]

Welcome Theresa,

I've had 2 EMG's done on my feet and legs and one done one each arm. The first

part of the test doesn't hurt really but I don't like the test at all anyway.

The first part is just like little jolts that are more uncomfortable than

painful. The second part with the needles is the more shall I say nasty. The

first EMG I had the doc had to put the needles in my lumbar area because he

couldn't believe the " abnormal " reading's he was getting. He hit the nerve just

right and it brought me off the table! The second test, done by a

specialist was much better. They didn't have to go to the lumbar area. My

advice is to try to not get anxious about it. It's an uncomfortable test that

lasts about 30-45 minutes I guess. And the funny thing about it for me was for

about two weeks after the test I still felt like my muscles were contracting. I

could still feel the little jolts. Take deep breaths while you're having it

done unless they tell you to hold your breath. (I had to do that a couple of

times).

I changed into comfortable shorts because I didn't want to be in an

uncomfortable hospital gown. If your feet and legs are cold they should warm

them with a heat lamp or some other way, heating pad etc. Ask them to turn the

lights down if they can so you don't have bright lights glarring in your eyes.

Remain calm, take someone with you so you have someone you care about to look at

and who will smile at you. I did all these things this last time around and it

seemed to make it less scary and it went alot faster because my boyfriend

talked to me through the whole thing. Best wishes to you!

Elaina/NY

[Guest guest]

Hi Theresa,

My 15 yr old had it done last November, and to my surprise his doctor did some

on me too, (I am the carrier of CMT). The first part was to put the patches at

different parts of his feet and legs and then measure the waves. I have to say,

it was a little painful, some areas worse than others.

When the doctor did me, he didn't do it nearly as strong as my son, but still it

was a different feeling. When he did the 2nd test, placing a needle into the

muscle, that was more painful, but, I have to say it is done very quickly and

the doctors and his assistant where very compassionate.

The whole thing took about 30 minutes total and at the end of it, we really

didn't learn anything new, it just confirmed his CMT and the amount of atrophy

going on in his feet/legs and hands. He was diagnosed at 10.

He is now at the point of looking into having the surgery on his feet. We have

had two very highly recommended doctors tell us it will need to be done, its

just a matter of figuring out when. Since his leg braces are no longer

comfortable to wear (so much pressure under the balls of his feet) he feels that

it is perhaps time.

Good luck with test. Feel free to email with any questions. And welcome to a

great group of caring people.

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

Theresa; Welcome,

In my experience the nerve conduction studies are more uncomfortable than the

EMG. (usually done together). The NCS is where they " shock " you and measure the

amplitude and time of your reaction. The EMG also

known as the needle test is where a small needle is inserted in the muscle,

connected to the needle is a machine which records the electical activity in the

muscle during rest and contraction.

Since I've had several it seems to be less of a deal. It seems on the

fist NCS the voltage was really " cranked up " . I found this to be an extreme

annoyance with the pain level about like a moderate charlie horse only in short

bursts. Those who have a " thing " for needles may find the EMG more objectional.

The attitude of both the examiner and patient probably plays a big part in it.

Actually, given a choice between cleaning the garage and getting an EMG-NCS,

I'll take the EMG any time.LOL

Jim Nash in Ohio