EMG results

[js58]

Hi. I posted a while back about being referred to neuro following a visit to National Jewish. Aspiration has worsened and respiratory muscles getting weaker with O2 dropping more during exercise. So went to neuro-he thought it might be MG and ordered an EMG. EMG results show chronic partial denervation in triceps and biceps on right arm. Very mild chronic partial denervation in one upper right leg muscle. Right paraspinal shows mild chronic partial denervation. Also says abnormal motor units in tongue and paraspinals. The report ends by saying cannot exclude early motor neuron disease based on these results and recommends a repeat EMG in 3 to 6 months.
I have no leg weakness and just some upper arm weakness that has not progressed. Main issues have been swallowing and breathing. I have had some speech problems lately - just difficulty saying some words and some slurring, but not bad. Anyway, just wanted to share this.
Neuro says any changes, call and they will get me right in. Don't actually have an appt. to go back and am fine with that.
Thanks for listening.

 

[trfogey]

Sorry to hear that you haven't been completely cleared from concerns about MND. Hope that your neuro will be reasonably aggressive in his follow-up plan for you.

I don't recall -- have you been referred to a pulmonologist yet? Seems to me that that would be the next logical step in the process.

 

[js58]

Neuro is sending EMG results to National Jewish (pulmonologists) and at some point, I will have follow up with them. The neuro who did the EMG mentioned she thought an EMG of the diaphragm would be a good idea, but nothing more has been said. Thank you for answering.

 

[notme]

Definitely stay on them regarding the pulmonologist. It's imperative to get proper oxygen to the brain--and if your sats are dropping, you're not. Doesn't even need to be an ALS specialist at this point--just a doctor that treats lung issues. They can do testing to see what, if any, oxygen issues you have. 3-6 months of not getting enough air is a BAD thing.

Personally, I'd go to the drug store and buy an o2 sat machine that goes on your finger. If it's chronically dropping below 90, that's simply something that can't wait 3-6 months to be seen.

Hopefully, your other issues will move slowly or reverse themselves.

 

[js58]

I do have a personal O2 monitor and it is helpful. National Jewish is basically the best in lung disorders around our area. PFTs are okay. My asthma is well controlled and there is no fibrosis in my lungs which is why my doc sent me there in the first place. My first 6 min rehab walk the lowest my O2 dropped was 90. A year later it dropped to 83 during the walk. Will probably have to keep supplemental oxygen in my office.
thanks for answering. Have a good week.

 

[notme]

HI

I'm rather surprised that with breathing issues and dropping O2 sats, they are having you wait 3-6 months. Part of my problem is with my breathing and my ALS neuro thinks it's from weakened muscles--so she had me referred very quickly with a specialist. Actually, I go for the sleep study tonight then to the pulmonologist to get the results from there.

I have asthma, too--but my problem doesn't seem to be the lungs either--despite severe shortness of breath with any exertion at all. My doc seemed to think that was a bad thing.