HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Emg test????

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/7/2011 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi 1st off I am new to the site also newly diagnosed with Fibro, Chronic Fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome. sad I went to my rheumatologist yesterday and i am having numbness and pain in my foot and toes. She set me up with a EMG test for Friday. I have hard some crazy things about this test . Has anyone had it done before and what is the basic process? Thanks in advance......
Posted 9/7/2011 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think many people forget that test. Lol. I have heard that some people get a Valium before taking the test. I didn't, but it would of helped I am sure. They put these small little needles in certain areas of your body. They send a tiny electerical current through the needles into your nerves. Each of your nerves control something in your body. I was senstive around the neck area, because that is where I had surgery. The machine gives them readings and they send that info to your Dr. I was kind of frazzled when I got done but I survive it. I wouldn't plan a whole lot that day, just because it makes your anxiety a little higher. Lol. I just remember being in the middle of the test is when I got anxious because your body waiting for the next zap of electerical current. Have fun!!!
Posted 9/7/2011 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank goodness I haven't been ordered to have that! It does sound scary. Jaxxamillion, welcome to this site & please give us an update.
Posted 9/7/2011 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Do a search on YouTube for 'EMG Test.' There's one that explains the test process & what to expect pretty well
Posted 9/7/2011 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I just had it done a week ago Friday.

I didn't have the part where the needle was stuck into the muscle. 

I didn't think it was all that bad.  I have muscle spasums.  I thought it was kinda like them.

Of course I don't have as many as they had me jumping that day.

Just relax.  That's what I did.

Hope it answers some questions for you.  I'm still waiting for the results.

I do know I have some damage in my left arm.  I find that strange because I'm right handed. 

Oh well.  I'm sure I have more testing coming up.  Not happy about that but I can't stand the numb fingers and hand either.

Let us know how you make out.

Posted 9/8/2011 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jaxxamillion, Welcome to our fibro family! Make sure you check out fibro 101 on the top of the page...great info for the fibromite:)

I've had a EMG in the past and didn't think it was bad at all.., the needles that are used are very thin...like accupuncture needles.

You will do fine :)...stay relaxed and think positive. I didn't think the test was really invasive or painful. The technician took the time to make small talk with me and the time passed quickly.

I'm glad you have joined us...post often and let us know how the test went.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 9/8/2011 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
I have had the test done twice one year apart including the needle in the muscle. Didn't bother me one bit. My migraines hurt alot worst than that test. But nothing showed either time and my foot has been numb going on three years. Then I had four steroid shots in my back because the dr thinks the spinal stenosis is causing the numb foot. STILL numb. Even had a steroid shot in my foot, special orthotics made nothing helped. I believe it is the fibromyalgia causing it and I will have to live with it. Don't be afraid of the test. Hope you get the help you need.
Posted 9/8/2011 7:16 AM (GMT 0)
Had the test 2 months ago on my left arm and fingers-didn't mind it one bit. Diagnosis came back polymyalgia. This test is nothing to fret about. Good Luck!
Posted 9/8/2011 10:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have had EMG's many times.  Not all are done with needles though..I have had that 3 times.  You can handle it, it's not that bad.  Just relax and it's over with before you know it!
Posted 9/8/2011 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
I've only had one and afterward I told some friends about it. They said when they had theirs, it was very painful and I just scratched my head because for me, it wasn't painful at all! Not something I would do on a daily basis however! lol I had mine done by a MD who just happens to do accupuncture as well so perhaps he knew exactly how deep to put the needles? Either way, it wasn't that bad to be honest.
Posted 9/8/2011 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for responding :) sounds like to me it is just unpleasant and I should go to my happy place during the test lol.... I am glad I found this website. It is so hard to talk to friends and family about Fibromyalgia bcuz they alll think im nuts saying its all in my head. If they really only knew what it felt like . Sometimes feel like I am fading away . I can't make plans with people bcuz I don't know how I'll feel come the day we had plans so they just think I am lazy or just not a good friend. Anyways I just want to say thank you for being here and thanks for listening to me rant and rave lol...... soft hugs!!!!!! yeah yeah
Posted 9/10/2011 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I've had several done. Some hurt extremely bad and others not so much. There is the EMG and also a NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity, I believe it's called)test. the EMG are the needles I believe and the NCV are electrical currents they send through the nerve to see if it's obstructed. I had them done on my neck, legs and both arms. Don't let anyone tell you that they don't hurt. It all depends on where they put the needles. Some spots I had no problems and others I did. Just do your best to relax and tell yourself it's for a good reason. Your nerves will probably be jumpy afterwards, at least mine were, but it'll go away. Not saying it will happen, I just know what I felt with mine. It all goes along with, depends how a person deals with pain. I unfortunately don't deal well, while others do. you'll be fine and just remember to relax. Good luck!
Posted 9/10/2011 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Jaxamillion I don't have many people tell me it's all in my head, but I do feel people are thinking it. My mother, for instance, who told me "not to think so much about it or get obsessive about it." Well, it's hard not to think about constant pain, & rather than obsessing, I see it as educating myself. The more knowledgeable I am, the more in control I feel.
Posted 2/7/2012 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have had two emg's done many years ago, and they both had to be stopped. For me, I experienced pain that I could only imagine was equal to an electric chair. They were trying to access damage from a car accident. It has subsequently over the years been explained to me that the nerve endings for people with fibromyalgia are like pulsating electrical charges....and that the Nerve conduction test intensified that for me. As a result, I am unable to have those tests, and wish that there was a way to do this under anesthesia so that it was a valid test. Since it seems that many people with fibromyalgia do not have my results, I would go in with an open mind.
Posted 2/7/2012 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
I had an EMG done some twenty five years ago in a hospital. It was awful and I swore to never have one again.

Today I have a pain doctor and she said that I might need one and I told her of my experience. Now I have been seeing this doctor for almost ten years and I trust her very much. She said to me, "Linda, it all depends on who is doing the test. I guarantee if I do it, you will say it wasn't that bad." You know what? I believe her.

The test I had was 25 years ago, it was done in a hospital setting with a tech who didnt give a care. (by the way, he had no personality at all. You kinda remember those things) and I'm sure they have refined the test somewhat since then. So, yeah, I would consider it again.

As for you, I say go for it. It sounds your doctor cares, like my doctor and that you will do just fine.

God's blessings,

Lindaloo
Posted 2/8/2012 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
I've had my arms done 3 times, hurt like anything!! Had my legs done, barely felt it. Doc confirmed PN in my feet. My arms, who knows. It hurt so much I won't do further testing.
Posted 2/8/2012 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Jaxamillion, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  I've never had an EMG and hope I don't ever have to, either.  I hope you have someone that administers these on a daily basis do your test.  That can make all the difference in the world.  Let us know how the test goes for you.

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  Good starting links are called Symptoms and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia.  You will learn a lot there.  Knowledge is power and this might help you try to explain this illness to the unbelieving.  You can print out some things too.  Good links for this are called Doctors Respond To New York Times Article and also The Spoon Theory.  But, don't hold your breath.  Some people will never understand what you are going through...but we do!  :-)

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply