Are EMG's still awful?

[MSDO106964]

Has anybody had an EMG lately? I had one seven years ago and it was the worst experience of my life in terms of pain. I am hoping they have improved the whole process as I have to have another one next week and am dreading it. I'm going to ask the doc if I can take a Valium maybe? Not sure if you can medicate prior but if I can I will. BTW I am NOT a big baby but my experience with an EMG still gives me the heebie jeebies.

[mjan]

Sorry you need to have one done. I hope that you get the answers you need.

Whenever I need an invasive or painful procedure, like a biopsy..or anything PAINFUL.. I do my focused, centered breathing (labor breathing) and I can honestly say I do NOT FEEL the Pain.

I even do it before an MRI so I don't panic.

Try it.. Good luck and let us know ok?

Jan

[skeezix]

I am not a woosie either, I gave birth naturally(no drugs), had a cath angiogram with no meds, and I am in a lot of pain daily with my MS and Fibro....but...

I went for EMG testing a couple of months ago. Half way through the testing, I told them to stop and I left. It was my first and last EMG.

Remember, you have the right to not have the testing done, or stop the testing if it causes you too much pain.

[rdmc]

I only had one EMG and that was years ago. I took the brochure home and read it...it said you might have some uncomfortable feelings during the test.

So I go to the appointment, and it was the worst pain I've ever had during a procedure. I'm pretty tough about pain, but it was unbelievably painful...to the point of tears.

I told the neuro, "You lied, this hurts, and your brochure said only minor uncomfortableness." His reply, "If we told people it hurt like "h e double hockey sticks" do you think people would keep their appointment."

[ShakespeareMama]

I only had one EMG and that was years ago. I took the brochure home and read it...it said you might have some uncomfortable feelings during the test.

So I go to the appointment, and it was the worst pain I've ever had during a procedure. I'm pretty tough about pain, but it was unbelievably painful...to the point of tears.

I told the neuro, "You lied, this hurts, and your brochure said only minor uncomfortableness." His reply, "If we told people it hurt like "h e double hockey sticks" do you think people would keep their appointment."

Wow...that's a way to keep your patients' trust...

Upon looking up what this procedure entails, I would not wish it for anybody. Good luck for those who have to get it and a giant *high five* to those who have already toughed it out.

[TNchickadee]

I will admit it is the worst test I have done, but I am actually grateful I had it three weeks ago. The test was positive for myelopathy, which is actually great news for me since some of the docs are trying to blame my symptoms on conversion disorder.

Last I read, conversion disorder can't produce positive findings on an EMG.

If there is a good neuro there, he/she can tell you what the test shows right then.

Yes it is painful, but the pain is not lasting. When it is over, it is over.

Good luck and I'm praying for you.

Danni

[hunterd]

I HAD ONE DONE YEARS AGO, AND IT WAS NOT A PLEASANT EXPIERIENCE.A FRIEND HAD ONE DONE A MONTH AGO, AND SAID THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED(SHE HAD ONE 6 YEARS AGO TOO). SORRY FOR THAT INFO. GOOD LUCK.

DAVE

[MSDO106964]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I guess I had hoped things might have improved but it sounds like EMG's are sort of like something Dr. Mengele invented in the Third Reich for torture. Yikes I'm dreading it but feel I need to agree to go through it to make a proper dx. I wish they could put you out but know they don't. Anyone have a stick for me to bite on

[mortisha]

I've been diagnosed with MS for about 20 years and went through the EMG torture test way back when. This past year I developed terrible pain on the outside of my left thigh and the doc suspected meralgia parathestica but to be sure he had to do (of course!) an EMG test. It was still torture but the diagnosis was confirmed.

Over the course of the year I've had 3 steriod/lidocaine injections in my groin and the first 2 helped, the last didn't, in fact it was worse. So now I suck on a fentenal sucker at night when the pain is so bad I can't sleep on that side or even on my back. During the day I wear Lidocaine patches that sometimes help.

The doc says this can develop in people without MS so I guess I'm just lucky that way!

[lcalex2]

I had an EMG done last week, and also one done in December. I didn't think it was that bad at all. There were a few moments when it wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but I've definitely experienced worse tests than it! Once they actually had the needle in the muscle I didn't feel it at all, and every once in a while when they had me move the muscle I'd feel a little twinge of pain, but other than that it wasn't bad. Mine only lasted about 30 minutes and then it was over. And i agree with the previous poster, when it's over it's over! Oh yeah, I'm a complete baby who thinks getting shots is the worst experience in life! Just try and stay calm and it'll be over really quickly! I hope everything goes really well for you!

[MSDO106964]

Gee I'd love to have an experience like you just had. A little pain would be fine with me. My last experience was actually excrutiating. I'm hoping it will be more like what you felt on this recent EMG. Thanks for giving me hope.

[BarkingDogs]

I had one done about two weeks ago. (My second in the 12 months). There were a couple of times when I was uncomfortable (both times), but overall, I didn't think that the test was all that bad either time.

I agree with the focus and breathing. That helps a lot.

Positive thoughts; deep breaths; relax; and remember it will be over soon.

[MSDO106964]

Thanks. That's encouraging. I'm talking to my husband now about the detachment, breathing etc as you and others have suggested because he is very much into that approach to pain and life in general. I am going to try to stay positive during the test and focus on the fact it will be over soon and that I will get results that will help.

[sgrammied]

EMGs

I just had the EMg tests on my legs one day and my arms the next. This was just last week. It is uncomfortable. But it does not last

Many many ears ago these tests were done with needles all up and down the legs, arms, and they use to do them on the back also. Now it electric shocks. The Dr at the end will come in and do about 3 needle pricks and have you move your arm or leg. That does not really hurt.

As my grand daughter says "Go to your happy place." I just kept talking to the tech doing it. And when it got to where I thought it would hurt hurt I wiggles my toes on the opposite foot and fingers on the opposite hand.

[cocopuff]

well my friend. I agree with everyone..breath, relax, and put yourself somewhere peaceful..I had one done in feb..I wanted to kick someone..I never knew my body could twitch like that.I mean it already twitches but wow my legs flew off the table..lol..the breathing finally helped me after remember to do so..good luck and keep us informed..
cocopuff