EMG is done

[Moonmark]

Hi everyone- Meant to post this as a separate thread, so here it is: thanks to all of you for taking the time to wish me well with the EMG this morning, especially you, Lorie. With all that you are going through in caring for your brother and your own neuro stuff happening now, the fact that you reached out to wish me well speaks volumes about you as a person. I don't know you, but from what I have read here you seem like an amazing woman. I hope your test results all point to something other than ALS.

I had the NCV and EMG early this morning; the EMG part was done by the neurologist. Unfortunately, the inscrutable Dr. Hsu did not want to divulge any results until he reviewed the tests further with a colleague and went over the other recent tests I had done (evoked potentials and MRI of cervical spine). He said either he or his physician's assistant would go over everything with me at my next appointment on July 13, so I guess there really was no rush for me to go in this morning, but at least I got the test over with. I also went in by myself, so maybe that was a factor. I did not press him for results, probably because I was afraid of what he would say. Gotta face the fear eventually, right?

He tested my right arm and both legs, including the hip area. He did not test the weaker of the two arms and when I asked about that, he said he "had enough information" from the other limbs. I thought I would be moving my arms and legs around a lot during the test, but he only had me push my feet down slightly and press out on the elbow.

So more waiting. Part of me feels that if the test were normal, he would have just said so to ease my mind, since I am obviously an anxious sort. Do you think I should request the EMG report prior to going in on July 13?

anyway, thanks again.

Sandra

 

[laurajh]

Part of me feels that if the test were normal, he would have just said so to ease my mind

Nope, they make you wait anyway, even if it's good news. My father in law wasn't given his results until his following appointment, and they said it wasn't als. Als is a big fear in my husband's family because there is a known genetic connection, many relatives have had it. I can't even imagine the extent to which he must be freaking out - imagine knowing you already have a 50/50 chance. Huge relief to be told he didn't have it but with those odds you can't help but live an anxious life.

 

[miss91]

HI Sandra,

I know exactly how you are feeling. I am sitting here now with many ALS symptoms and incredible neck pan - I also have an EMG on Friday. I will have to wait until next Wednesday to find out my EMG results. The last thing the neuro told me was "We'll do the EMG, then we'll know if you have ALS". I know the horrid feeling waiting for an EMG and I'm sure it must be scary waiting for the results! I pray you have good results. My Dr. has ordered an EMG "of three limbs AND DIAGNOSIS".
You make it sound like the EMG isn't too tricky. They told me to plan on about 90 minutes for it. I live over an hour from my Dr. so it'll be a long day - thankfully my mother-in-law is taking me. You are brave to go on your own!
Again - sending a prayer your way for good results. Sorry you have to wait until July 13. I will know more on my condition next week, or as the Dr. says "the EMG will tell if you have ALS".

Take care,
Missy

 

[hopingforcure]

Miss,
I would think that the doc will give you some info after the emg. And as for getting an emg and getting the results from a PA. I would say that would be very encouraging away from als. Answered 2 posts with this one.

 

[laurel]

Hi Sandra,
That's a bummer that you have to wait so long. My husband got the results right at the time of the EMG and nerve conduction tests as the neurologist was present during all the testing (and me too). They likely have different protocols in the different offices. Good luck and try to distract yourself somehow if you can.
Laurell

 

[Zaphoon]

I had 2 EMG's last year and in both instances, I was told immediately that I did not have ALS.

Different clinics have different guidelines. I think in your case, it may just be that the doctor wants to make absolutely certain berfore giving you an "all clear" or a diagnosis of ALS.

Wouldn't you just hate it if he gave you an "all clear" prematurely?

I hope you get the best possible news on the 13th!

Zaphoon

 

[Moonmark]

Missy- the nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) and the EMG test took only an hour altogether. It really was not that bad. The little shocks from the NCV are only uncomfortable, not painful. I did not find the EMG (when they put the needles-- very fine ones, like acupuncture needles--- into the muscle) to be painful at all, except for one point when my calf muscle started to cramp a bit. Just try to relax and you will be fine.

Hoping, Laurel, and Zaphoon, the neurologist conducted the EMG and I do really fear that his failure to give the "all-clear" does not bode well for me. I already had a follow-up appointment scheduled with the PA because the neuro did not have anything available until August. I think I can obtain the EMG report as early as tomorrow, however. do you think that would a good idea?

one thing I was wondering- if it did look like ALS on the EMG of the three limbs, why would he not then test other parts on the body, the back, butt, bulbar area. . . I am grasping here!

Sandra

 

[awieleba]

Sandra~

When I went to my first nuero (the local one, not an als spec.) I had both arms done one week and both legs the next. They did not tell me my result right away. I was very nervous as I told the emg guy that I was sure something was wrong and scared, after he did it all, he told me "well, do you have a faith?" I said "of course I do, and more than you know" and then he said "isn't your soul more important than your body?" OK, well that freaked me out and I was sure that things were bad, why else would someone say that to you? Well, my emg was all clear on all 4 limbs when I met with neuro. DONT read to much into things and what they say. BTW, when I went to the als/nueromuscular specialist and my emg/ncv was performed I got the results right then and there. And, they were the same.

Good Luck,

April