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!
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!