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EMG test in July, so scared

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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 5/18/2010 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I feel like it will hurt soo bad, do they poke the nerves or muscles, that's been on my mind.  My left arm has been weaker this week, thank goodness I have an appt. with my Rhuemy next week.  When the Neuro poked me with a needle I hardly felt it, as he went up my calf thats when I definitly felt the needle.

My hubby will be with me when I take the test, I know that should calm me down.  Neuro did say some is going on with my Nervous System.

Within last 2 Years, I've had episodes of my left arm becoming very weak and could barley lift up, first time, this lasted a week. Last time was in January 2010, I felt it getting weak for a couple days then it stopped.  This week, I'm feeling the same way like in January, also feels like I have a squeezing feeling again.   

Also, this year my left leg is getting the same feeling too. 

In November of last year, I fractured my right toe, since then, my pain levels are stronger than ever.  Is it possible this injury could have made my illness comeout more? I'm getting more MS symptoms now then before.  My ANA has been neg. last three test, since last year.  I was dx with Lupus in 2003. 

Sorry if I sound like I'm rambling, hope you all can understand what I'm trying to say here.

I kind of suspected MS too, but my MRI came out clear.  I just recently found out my aunt has MS, my mom had Lupus too.

Can one have MS and Lupus?

Thanks

 

Posted 5/19/2010 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
EMGs are painful but not too bad.  It would be similar to having a flu shot or other shot into the muscle.  The needle is there during the testing.  It is a needle into the muscle.....not nerve.  It measures peripheral nerve function.  It also measures true muscle weakness (as a dysfunction, not from lack of exercise or aging).  This test is used to look for things like ALS, myasthenia gravis, and muscular dystrophy.  It is not a test used to look for MS.  MS is a central nervous system disease.  If you are afraid of the pain, you may want to ask for evoked potentials.  I have had this test and it is painless.  It was one of the definitive tests for my diagnosis.  I had evoked potentials for vision, hearing and lower extremeties.  The results were vsion was abnormal, hearing was normal, and lower extremeties were delayed.  I had this test at the very earliest symptoms of my MS. 

It is possible to have both MS and lupus.  It is not at all unheard of to have more than one autoimmune disorder. 

The fact that you have a clear MRI is a good sign.  Only 5 percent of MSers get a diagnosis without lesions.  It is considered a hallmark of the disease. 

It seems your doctor is looking elsewhere for an answer to your nerve issues.  The clean MRI may be the reason for his switch from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system. 

Posted 5/20/2010 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Dont get yourself all worked up  ok hon? Its a very very thin needle like acupuncture kind..and if you think of something you like.. or..like I do.. take nice easy breaths..letting out your breath and RELEASE to the poke..you will NOT feel anything much at all.

I ALWAYS do my labor breathing..centered..mind on letting go.. mind on RELEASING to the poke.. and know what? It never hurts. Nope

I am about to have another EMG on my legs.. had the one on my arms and back of neck area 2 x and it did not hurt.

Good luck..let us know

Jan

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