Status
Not open for further replies.

ktmj

Distinguished member
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
421
Country
US
State
Dixie
City
Redneck
This might get long-winded - apologies up front...

Went to Emory yesterday to follow up with the specialist and an EMG. The NCV/EMG was first, and I had two neurologists working on me. One was in training, but the other was tremendous and appeared very competent and made sure everything was done perfectly (it is a teaching university hospital). Two very pleasant people I might add. I even had a clinical exam from the neurologist performing the study. The whole process took about 2 hours, and when it came time for the EMG even the sharp guy's supervisor came in the room. (Side note, the trainee was a lady, the trainer was a guy, and the supervisor was a lady - she was very competent too.) It all gave me a feeling I was in good hands.

On the EMG they tested numerous muscles in the right leg and arm/hand, my back, and shoulder.

On to "THE MAN" - he asked me how things had been since the last visit 3 months ago. I'll spare those details, but he did the clinical exam which he said was normal. Reflexes were all normal except the left arm. This is the only part that left me wondering. The EMG neurologist had a difficult time with that reflex. He tapped it a number of times with no response and then finally got a small response (IMO). He also tapped me a little further down the arm and got some response - something he did not do on the right arm. I did not say anything to the specialist when it came his turn, and noticed him having difficulty too. I mentioned to him that my GP said it was diminished and he dismissed it by saying it was positional and that he got a response. Might or might not be relevant but I let it go...

He told me the EMG was clean everywhere. I probed him harder about ANY abnormalities and he said NO. He said his business was to inform people of abnormalities and he would shoot me straight if there were some. I then told him about my shoulders and pecs twitching and contracting quite often - very bothersome sometimes. He took a look and said let's go back to the EMG room. Scared my wife to death. He EMG'ed the pecs and actually got a response he called a "voluntary" contraction. He said that it did not mean I was doing it intentionally, simply that an abnormal nerve/muscle issue would have an "involuntary" response. I might call and get a copy, but not sure if I want to.

So, bottom line I am clear at this point in time! I am going to take that as a blessing and continue to move forward. I can still do many of the things I enjoy even though something is going on, and I won't be assuming ALS. But I'm not leaving here either - there are too many great people. I've made some good friends and for sure will hang around.

Let's keep fighting the good fight folks!
 
That's awesome ktmj, you must be so relieved! God bless.:p
 
Whew! I have to say that after following your posts, I was very nervous for you and expected you would post a bad report . . . .so THAT'S AWESOME! I'm somewhat happy in limboland myself and there's room for everyone! LOL :)

Hooray!
 
Good to hear.

I am sure that there are no abnormalities with the emg or emg on your pecs. If there was, then they would say it and start looking into why or what is going on, you know what I mean? they would say we found this and we need to run this test or do a muscle biosy, etc to see what is going on. That is great. It is funny because my als neuro told me I had brisk reflexes but when I got the copy of her emg and clinical, mine was 2 throughout? hmmmmm.

I had the same thing with the exam, I go to a teaching university hosp and she was training a guy and was in the room the whole time. At one point during the ncv, he called her in and then a few more doctors came in with the nurse and were all perplexed and trying different things, ok, I was having a heart attack for sure! It was no big deal just some issue with my nerve that 25% people have, but it scared me when my doctor is calling a bunch of other docs in the room to 'see this'. She wanted them to see the martin gruber thing I got.

anyway, I hope that I follow suit at my emg next week.

peace to you

april
 
I could tell the neurologist being trained had not done many of the tests, and I am sure doing them right can take quite a while to master. But the dude actually coordinating everything was a perfectionist, even a little obsessive, but that was fine with me. He made sure every electrode and the "zapper" was in the right place for every reading. I felt very comfortable the test was accurate.

Since I have been through a couple of these before, it did not really surprise or alarm me that more people kept appearing. I kept thinking - WOW - the more eyes the better.

Keep us posted on your visit April.

BTW, I did not ask them to test a certain reflex.:razz:Sorry, that was just priceless and can't let that one go.:smile::smile::smile:
 
I don't know Ktmj, from your setting up of the clear menage-a-trois I thought for sure you would ask them to test a certain reflex....(do I hear bad techno music...?)

Very happy for you! :razz:
 
ktmj

Great news! Really nice to hear, it sounds like they definitely took their time with you. I'm also happy to read that you plan to hang around. We need level headed people (even if they ride dirt bikes) with a sense of humor!
 
OMG Lydia, I knew it was just a matter of time before this thread started to deteriorate..... I'm easily amused it seems :wink:
 
Ktmj,

Hey, sounds like good news thus far. Keep us posted while you are in wait and see mode.

Best of luck,

Robert
 
Ktmj,

You just have to love clean EMG's and pleasant neuros. I'm glad you had a nice visit and that things are looking up!
 
ktmg,
Congrats on the clean EMG! That's wonderful news!
-b
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top