Guinea Pig?

Hi All,

Just came from the rheumy and he has ordered, you guessed it MORE TESTS. I think he thinks I am crazy. The man looked at my hands, one that is clearly swollen and said they both looked the same. Now any half blind jackass could see that my right hand is puffy and bigger than my left. However, I digress... I am now being referred to the center for joint diseases for a NCV/EMG? He said something about ruling out any nerve conditions because of the chronic pain that I have from my neck down my shoulders and under my arms that run to my hand. My left hand is so weak and it so much pain, typing is even a task because my fingers hurt and forget about lifting anything and holding it for a period of time. Anyone know what this test is?  he is sending me again to test for ANA and anit-RNP, c3, c4 CBC with Diff, Sed rate ( which was normal last time) ( C-reactive protein ( which was high last time) and TSh, 3rd generation. He has yet to explain to me what these tests are and what they mean even though I ask repeatedly....

Twinkiet,
My brother had these test done when he had nerve damage to his hands. There is some discomfort involved. I don't mean to scare you, just prepare you. He said it was excruciating, but uncomfortable. I hope you get to the bottom of your symptoms soon. Judy

Twinkiet, I agree with Lynnwood. This really is appropriate testing. If you have trapped nerves, you may even get some great relief from a good chiropractor or physical therapy. I have done several rounds of PT and I continue those exercise even now, many years later, because they gradually improved the issues I had with my neck, back, hips, wrists, etc. I had the EMG done on a couple occasions. My hands and my spine/legs. There was a bit of a prick . . .but not painful . . . just startled me a bit because I was somewhat nervous about the first one. The thing that was weird is that the impulse that goes from the prick to the appropriate nerve can cause your leg/arm/hand to twitch or jump . . . that is what was the most annoying part . . . not pain . . . just having my body move w/o my input. When they did my hands, there were no needles . . . they used some tape-on conductors. I hope you will update us after your tests. Blessings!

Hi Twinkiet:

I've had this test done several times. It's not the most pleasant of test but it's certainly not the worst test they can do. Like the others have said this is an appropriate test to rule out/in nerve issues.

I hope the test goes well and you get some answers really soon.

Take care,
Barbara