EMG

August 11, 2004

Heidi,

You wrote, " I had an EMG done and Nerve Reduction Velocity tests ... they

shock you up and down your arm.... I only jumped off the table...but once the

doctor got out this 5 " long needle...I'm sure my intakes of breath to keep from

screaming could be heard as far as the reception room! It did too hurt! "

This was a while back but I had been meaning to respond to it, since I found

myself in the same situation..once. I was having signs of neuropathy and this

test can give a definitive confirmation. When I read your description of how

loud your breaths were to keep from screaming, I literally found myself right

back in that room starting to hyperventilate. The room felt like a enstein

laboratory, especially when the tech began explaining the procedure to me.

There were a host of residents observing. I was in enough pain already, and was

mortified at the suggestion of having electroshock treatments to my legs (in

my case). I asked if it was painful. The tech and other staff members looked at

each other. Then she mumbled, " Well, maybe a little uncomfortable " I

responded with, " Are you crazy? You are going to touch me with an open hot

electrical

wire and see if my muscles respond, and you say it may be uncomfortable.

Forget it. " She said, " But, your doctor ordered the test and wants you to have

it. "

I said, " Then, why don't you show me how it is done, first, and then I will

consider it. " She jumped back saying, " Are you crazy, no way, that hurts! "

With my mouth open and eyes wide, shaking my head, exasperated, I asked, " And,

you think I am going to do it? " I then turned my wheelchair around, exited the

door, saying, " See ya! "

That was enough of that. There just came a point and time when I had endured

all of the pain I could take, and I certainly wasn't willing to undergo a

painful invasive exam, for the sake of an ICD9 number. I know that is important

to

substantiate certain things, but whether or not I have real or perceived

neuropathy was not going to change the course of treatment or care plan.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Pancreatitis Association International

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