Urgent Question!

[momoftwo]

My doctor's office just called and they can work me in today for a EMG/NCV in both arms. I am freaking out with fear... 1. that it will hurt and 2. they will confirm my worst fear! Please tell me what to expect....

 

[tabney]

what to expect

My doctor's office just called and they can work me in today for a EMG/NCV in both arms. I am freaking out with fear... 1. that it will hurt and 2. they will confirm my worst fear! Please tell me what to expect....

1. The experience of an EMG varies from person to person. I found mine to be a bit painful but not unbearable. A necessary evil in getting a diagnosed. The NVC is a bit of a shock but not painful.

2. Don't think the worst until you have no choice. Let yourself relax and take it one step at a time. It is a long process to diagnosed. Try to relax today.

I will send positive thoughts and prayers your way. Toni

 

[Jamiet]

It will hurt, but you must do it to ease your mind.

do more than just two arms. It must be 3 limbs, plus your tongue.

 

[ltr]

I was so nervous when I laid on the bed for my EMG/NCV that I could see my heart beating! The doctor was wonderful and had casual conversation with me and once he started, my body settled down. It is really just little pin pricks, but my calf muscle cramped terribly when he inserted the pin in it. And, like tabney said, the NCV shocks, but after the first couple you become "used" to it. Try to relax, take deep breaths and remember you have to have this test if you want answers. Good luck and let us know the results!

Jamie - I didn't know that and I only had NCV in left arm and EMG with one needle stick (that I can remember because of the bad cramp) in right calf. Is that appropriate for any diagnosis that you know of? Uh,oh, now I'm going to have something negative to think about....... Leslie

 

[Jamiet]

An effective EMG, according to the critera, is for 3 limbs and 12 muscle groups...i think.

but, a good neuro will also test the tongue and possibly the paraspinals. One needle stick is definitely not adequate!

Sorry ltr....i hate to be the bearer of bad news.

I had an EMG in Oct by local neuro, he did my left arm and hand only, about 6 sticks, and two "moves" in each stick, which the "moves" are the ones that hurt, but, the ALS clinic said that was inadequate....

Also, if your EMG is by an ALS clinic, they are experts at this and probably have a small needle, which is much less painful, as a matter of fact, it didn't hurt as bad as the shocks, which the shocks were not bad.

Good luck yall.

 

[zac111]

mine was painfull the first time it was only 2 limbs and with a big needle the last one was done by a muscle specialist and it was of the oppisite side and of the hand and leg but was not painfull because of the small needle he used.i guess its just what they are looking for that they determine how many limbs they do.

 

[CindyM]

Hello Momfotwo. You probably had your test by now. Hopefully it won't be the first of many...I am sure you coped fine, though, even if it was a bit uncomfortable. And you may not have results yet, but remember what I said earlier, the longer it takes them to give the bad news, the better off we are! regards, Cindy

 

[Frizzel]

I had an EMG of my legs, right arm, neck, tongue and jaw a couple of months ago and it was bearable. I figured it had to be done so I may as well buck up and do it. This disease has so many variants that we each handle things in our own way and that's ok. It's about supporting each other when we get bucked off.

 

[liz]

Momoftwo -

So how did your tests go? Any definitive results or just more questions?

Liz

 

[Frizzel]

momoftwo

Have you gone in for your EMG yet? Just was thinkin about you.