EMG Tomorrow

[hollybar]

I have been having slurred speech for about a year now. It seems to have stalled a bit, as I can still make myself understood and can still hold a job. I do have saliva and sometimes mucus issues, but sometimes my mouth is so dry I can't stand it---I drink over a gallon of water every day. I can still eat anything I want and swallow just fine. I had a clear MRI and blood/urine work, but I'm having an EMG done tomorrow. From what I read on the sites, it's all over but the shouting---I know I have Bulbar Palsy. i'm not afraid of death, but dying of this frightens me. I'm terrified of the day when I lose my speech altogether and have to rely on lots of equipment to keep going. I'm alone of all my relatives in the city where I live. I need help from people who have been there. Thanks so much! :-(

 

[ottawa girl]

Good luck tomorrow. Wait for the results. Could be something else.

We will be here for you and do let us know what the test shows.

 

[mich5]

Hang in there. Yes, please wait for the results before 'shouting'. There are other things it could be - 'stalling a bit' is a good thing! Good luck tomorrow and let us know what happens.

 

[hollybar]

My EMG was negative--showed nothing out of the ordinary. My neuro tested my tongue, face, foot, legs, arms, hands, shoulder, neck and back. I had so many band-aids afterward I looked like I'd been in a bar fight. Anyway, he was pretty frustrated afterward, and told me he would like to run the test again in about 3-4 months. So I'm seeing him for a follow-up appointment on April 17. So until then---i wait!

 

[vickim]

It is never easy waiting. Have patience these tests are a process of elimination. Don't worry though you are not alone, we will wait with you and send hugs and encouragment through your wait. Keep us posted. Peace.

 

[ottawa girl]

My EMG was negative--showed nothing out of the ordinary. My neuro tested my tongue, face, foot, legs, arms, hands, shoulder, neck and back. I had so many band-aids afterward I looked like I'd been in a bar fight. Anyway, he was pretty frustrated afterward, and told me he would like to run the test again in about 3-4 months. So I'm seeing him for a follow-up appointment on April 17. So until then---i wait!

Woohoo, I say.

A negative EMG is the best news. I do hope they get an answer for you soon, but happy it's not ALS. :lol:

 

[hollybar]

My neuro wants to do another EMG in late March/early April. His office will let me know exactly when. I'm trying to enjoy life meantime and not constantly monitoring my smptoms!

 

[hollybar]

Could very dry mouth be a part of ALS? I seem to have saliva in the front of my mouth but the back of my mouth and my tongue are very dry. Drinking water does not help, and i drink over a gallon a day.

 

[sadiemae]

The fact you can drink water is a sign away from ALS. Thin liquids are very difficult for PALS to swallow.