[teelae]

I am suppose to have my EMG test tomorrow. Is the EMG and the single fiber EMG (SFEMG) the same test?? He wants to do it in the eye muscles and the shoulders. I have read that this test is VERY painful, esp of the eyes. Have any of you had this test in the eye muscles, is this test really that painful? Is it a good and highly sensitive enough test for MG that it is worth it for me?? Thanks you guys. Teelae

[Shari_W]

Hi Teelea,
I've had both the EMG and SFEMG. I had the SFEMG back in 1995 which was one of the tests that confirmed my MG diagnosis. To be honest with you, it did hurt but I was so weak that I had to be pushed in a wheelchair to get the test done and I really didn't care because I just wanted to know what in the world was wrong with me. I do know that the SFEMG is more painful because of the repetitiveness of the testing. The EMG was nothing compared to the SFEMG, but it also depends on your pain tolerance as everyone is different.

All in all it wasn't something that I would want to do on a regular basis but it also wasn't something that killed me. I didn't have the test done on my face though so I can't tell you how that feels. I had it done on my arm, shoulder and leg from what I can remember.

I'm seronegative so my MG diagnosis was confirmed by the tensilon test, the SFEMG and my symptoms.

Try not to worry about it too much. Just look at it as another step to hopefully obtain your diagnosis so proper treatment can be given which will result in you starting to feel and get better.

Loving Hugs

Shari

[Stellatum]

Hi, I hope you get answers! The SFEMG doesn't use electric shocks like the EMG does. They will put thin needles into your skin and ask you to very slightly clench the muscle and hold it. The needles shouldn't hurt once they're in. The whole test is long, though--it will take about 45 minutes.

Here's something that's good to know: if the needle hits a sore spot, and it is still painful after it's inserted, you don't have to just bear the pain; you can tell the doctor, "That's not a good spot!" and he'll move it.

The SFEMG is such a sensitive test that many of us here are diagnosed with MG just on the basis of its results, even though we test negative for the antibodies.

Abby

[tysondouglass]

Originally Posted by Stellatum

Hi, I hope you get answers! The SFEMG doesn't use electric shocks like the EMG does. They will put thin needles into your skin and ask you to very slightly clench the muscle and hold it. The needles shouldn't hurt once they're in. The whole test is long, though--it will take about 45 minutes.

Here's something that's good to know: if the needle hits a sore spot, and it is still painful after it's inserted, you don't have to just bear the pain; you can tell the doctor, "That's not a good spot!" and he'll move it.

The SFEMG is such a sensitive test that many of us here are diagnosed with MG just on the basis of its results, even though we test negative for the antibodies.

Abby

I think when I had my sfemg done i had both done- without knowing at first. First they did the electric shock part- then the needl aspect of the test. I believe this makes it more accurate.

It truly is not too painful..promise.

[busybusy]

I had the single fiber EMG at Chapel Hill. I was terrified for over a month because I heard of the pain and how some cried (men) and the many war stories I heard. I fought with my doctor for months tryinig to get out of it because of fear. I had the electric shock on my arms and neck. It is tolerable. It is not something I would jump at every month. I also had the thin needles in my throat, under my eye and around the top. The doctor told me it was going to hurt, but it stops after the needle is inserted. They are very thin needles not like what they draw blood with. I have had blood drawn that really hurt more than that. Its just that part of the face is so sensitive. With fear of needles, I kept saying, it won't be long. I CAN do this. I CAN do this. It is rather a long test. I feel that my fear was the greatest fear. This was my last chance to finally get an answer and I knew I had to do it. The hardest part is keeping your muscles contracted for several minutes. If I had to do it again, my fear would not be as great because I know first hand what I would be going through. busy

[teelae]

Thankyou everyone, I will write tonight how it went.

[Stellatum]

Originally Posted by tysondouglass

I think when I had my sfemg done i had both done- without knowing at first. First they did the electric shock part- then the needl aspect of the test. I believe this makes it more accurate.

It truly is not too painful..promise.

Right, I think they often do an EMG (with shocks) first, and then an SFEMG on the same visit. The first time I had this done, the EMG was normal, but the SFEMG was borderline. So the second time, they just did the SFEMG (no shocks).

Abby

[ginnie]

I am a coward. I said no to the emg. and lost a dr. over it. I walked out as he told me I must have it, or he could not help me. I am stubborn too, I had enough pain without more being added. I cry easily, I don't like it when cattle prods are used on a cow. I was terrified like a dumb animal and I didn't like the feeling. I found another dr. and I had surgery and they figured out what was wrong, without that particular test. I was with a friend who had the test done, outside the room. Her screams decided for me, that I would not do it. I admit my failings, my fear, all of it. There are some things in this life anyway I will not submit to. I didn't like shots as a child, and hid under furnature, where they had to drag me out yelling. At almost 60, I am not much different. I wish you all the best, in what ever decision you make.