Trying not to freak out

Okay, next Wednesday I'm suppose to have a nerve conduction test on both arms for carpel tunnel syndrome. I have a needle phobia and they will be inserting needles in my arms and running electricity in my muscles. This is scary to me.

Please, if any of you have had this test done how painful is this? How many times did they stick you? Do they numb the injection site any?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to have surgery on my hands, but believe me this doesn't freak me out as much as the test, if that makes any sense.

Hi couchtater, I've had this test done a couple times. It doesn't hurt. My husband had it done too and it didn't hurt him either. My results were negative. Let us know how your test goes.

I had a lot of problems with carpel tunnel too. I also wore the wrist. Races at night, really watched so I wasn't curling my wrists, and I also bought a mouse pad with a wrist support on it that helped me keep my wrist straight when on the computer. Gradually the pain went away.

I can't say I cured it becaus it could come back anytime but so far, so good. Every once I a while I'll get a touch of discomfort that only lasts minutes.

I wish I could be of more help. I personally avoid surgery if at all possible. I hope your test goes fine, doesn't hurt, and you don't need surgery. That's a win-win!

Sherrine

Hi Joy, I had this done as well. It wasn't that bad. The needle is so tiny , it didnt hurt. I wasn't numbed either but some muscles are more sensitive than others . So when they poke the needle it doesn't hurt but then you have to flex your muscle and that can feel uncomfortable. Fibro pain is way worse, you got this!

I've had it done on my legs. It really wasn't too bad. The needles are more like allergy shot needles than, say, flu shot needles. Much smaller and less painful. They don't numb the area, but it really isn't necessary, and that would just double the needles. Besides, numbing medicine itself burns, so I think it would make the procedure worse. The electricity didn't "hurt" either, just a bit uncomfortable when it contracts your muscles. But not painful.

Is it pleasant? No. But neither is getting my teeth cleaned, and honestly, I would put them on a similar pain scale.

And no matter what, it is a relatively short procedure. If you do find it uncomfortable, it won't last very long.

Hi joy,

I do better with more information also.

Never had this test, but have had electric acupuncture, without any issues.. Sounds like it may be similar .

I miss acupuncture , have you ever tried it?

Joy, I will start out by telling you I am a big baby when it comes to needles and medical tests.
I suffered from carpal tunnel since I was in my twenties and I'll be seventy soon. I tried braces but it was getting so bad I finally saw a specialist again. He said I had some permanent nerve damage because I had it for so long.
Long story short-I had the tests and the surgery last year. I don't know why I waited so long! The tests were no big deal and neither were the surgeries. The good news is almost all of the feelings have returned to my fingers. A few are a little more numb than the others but no big deal.