Emg - Electromyography

[Taramc]

Hey out there,

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place...but here goes. I've had diffuse neuralgia / neuropathy since about 5 weeks after I was exposed to the infection that caused my IC. Doctors believe it was a viral infection, perhaps a relative of herpes. The pain got pretty much everywhere through my body including my fingers and toes and is barely being controlled by 100mg/day Lyrica.

I FINALLY saw a neurologist yesterday and he wants to do an EMG test on me in mid-December. I don't know much about this test, except that it's supposed to rule some things out and determine how much damage has been done so far.

But I'm guessing a LOT of you guys have done it. So here are my 3 big questions:

1. Does it hurt a lot?
2. Can I do it at 1pm and be okay to work at 3pm?
3. Umm...what exactly is this test about?

Thanks!
xoxo
Tara

[Tip and IBS]

Do not EVER works after a serious test.

Just an advice from a old sufferer.

Tip:hi:

[verdicries]

tara,
i'm pretty sure i had this test done over the summer (i've had so damn many i don't rem. them all) but it did take awhile (1 1/2-2 hrs)...so i don't know if you'll be able to go to work @3! check out http://www.emedicinehealth.com/electromyography_emg/article_em.htm. it's a basic walk thru of the procedure. it didn't hurt, just felt weird to me. :rolleyes:let me know how it goes.

good luck,
tracy

[icbop]

If the test is what I think it is (I have had neuropathy too) it is mildly uncomfortable at the time, but not after. The best way to describe it would be a mild mild shock, or something like hitting a funny bone but not nearly as severe.

[verdicries]

icbop, you're right it is mild (VERY MILD) shocks...and yes uncomfortable but for me no means horrid (after you've had a barium enema to show organ prolapse...well...nothing is worse than that, oy). you'll be fine tara!

[SandyRN]

I just saw this post and I was going to gloss it over for you so you wouldn't be afraid but decided to be totally honest. It was the single most painful test I've EVER had done and I've been through A LOT of testing. This is not to say it will be this bad for you or for anyone else but I WILL NEVER ever have it done again as long as I live, no matter what.

The neuro I had was a mean, grumpy old bat who wouldn't let Tom come in and hold my hand, and THAT didn't help matters at all. There was even a chair for him at the head of the table!!!

I cried the whole time and when I could finally get out of that room I lost it with the neuro telling her she was rough, mean, hateful and I hoped EVERYONE in the waiting room heard me cry! They did hear me yell at her.

I had it to rule out MS.....There are lots of tests out there that can rule out MS, but to be totally sure you NEED this one, get a second opinion unless you are totally comfortable with the neuro. He darn well better be compassionate and kind and willing to let you have someone in the room with you.

Part of the reason I hurt so badly is anxiety from being treated so badly. So I think having a good doctor is half the battle.

Let us know what you decide and if you do have the test how it comes out.

Hugs, Sandy

[verdicries]

ugh sandy i'm so sorry it was so rough for you. i was very lucky i had such a nice guy do my test...so yea it was weird and uncomfortable but i didnt have the pain you did. i am sure the majority of the pain you felt was b/c your tester sucked so bad! ugh! i also had it to rule out ms (though they still want to do a lumbar puncture...owwwwwwww).

good luck tara, please don't cancel the test out of fear...it is important to know what's going on with your body. we can compare experiences when you're thru :).

[SandyRN]

I hated to put down my experience but I wanted to know back then myself what it was like and nobody told me then. I just wanted to post a reminder that everybody is different and has a different tolerance to pain and stimuli. I have very little tolerance for either, and had even less back then because I didn't have IC then. So, like I said, it might not be so bad for you Tara....I suck as a patient, plain and simple.

Hope things work out well for you.