Went for my app. today, with the rheumy, I was sent by my neuro after he found myopathy & neuropathy in my emg & ncv. I was told today I have muscle wasting in my hands & upper body as well, I guess that explains my problem with my wieght loss. He wants to see a nerve biopsy done the same time as my muscle biopsy. I have 17 blood tests I have to do tomorrow, he has ordered, a whole sheet full ! Jeeez ! I hope I can do them all, my viens collapse, blow, scared & are very tiny, good luck to me !

Hello sweetheart! 17 blood tests? Are you going to have any blood left? Geez!

Do they take the blood from your hand or arm? It is much easier (for me) to have them take it out of my hand, as long as it is WARMED up before they start! See if you can put a hot glove on the area that they are going to take the blood from - it really does help!

When do they plan on doing the nerve/muscle biopsy? Do you have someone to take you to/from your appt?

Do you suffer from anxiety before labs? I have noticed that xanax works wonders for me! I also wear a lidocaine patch on my hand - even though thy only use a butterfly needle. I am lucky though, I go to Cancer Care Centers for all of my labs and they are the best!

Big hugs and PRAYERS for you!
Erin

Erin, They get it anyway they can, usually multiple places, cause my viens collapse. LOL...
My neuro app. is July 1st, he is setting me up with a surgeon, to due the nerve & muscle biopsy, once that is done, I get my well needed boost, & hopefully a diagnoses for my overlap.
Mary

good luck mary! i was annoyed today long story but i called dr [primary] stated problem and sloution when med asst called back she laughed and said the dr who is still paying for his degrre wanted me to humor hima nd come to see aprn in office on tuesday. so i played the game and guess what she ordered? exactly what i said on monday!!!! i hate being the unpaind expert!

Mary
I can only imagine 17 blood tests....wow.......best wishes on the stick...notice I said stick and not sticks.....I am believing for only one for you tomorrow! Believe with me and let's see what happens!

And I'll chime in on that too! I have the collapsing vein problem as well - the IV's for surgeries are really fun - takes at least 2 tries to get me started, and I come out with at least 4 more bandaids and the IV in a different location every time!

Hopefully, your 17 tests will be like mine full sheet was - they only had to use 4 or 5 different tubes to collect the blood in.

Honey, I sure hope everything goes well for you. You must be very frightened with the muscle wasting. I know that absolutely scared the beans out of me! You will be very much in my thoughts. Thoughts of either a good outcome or another miracle!

Love to you!

Hey Mary,

Good luck with all of your tests tomorrow! That's a lot! Let's hope that your veins are little troopers this time around, so the docs. can get to the bottom of what's ailing you!

Nicky

Hi Mary,

Good luck today with the vampires! I have the same problem, so I understand what you go through. I only had 8 the last time, but they were able to get all the viles in one shot or stick. I am so happy to hear you are finally on your way to getting some answers, but I am sorry to hear about the muscle loss. I know you have a ways to go, but you have such a great attitude, sense of humor & spirit and that makes all the difference. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers my friend. Take care.

Big Hugs,
Pat

I am so sorry for everything you are having to endure. I have the same problem with my veins blowing, etc. For whatever it's worth, I have found that it helps me to load up with fluids the night before. I will drink one gallon of water the evening before and have found it really helps time and time again. This info is probably too late for this dr visit, but maybe next time. You are in my thoughts and prayers today for veins that work like new!

This thread is really interesting as I have terrible veins too!

When I was in hospital last they blamed it on the steroids until I pointed out that I had on 3 occasions before I became ill tried to donate blood. It was such a pallava that they asked me to stop going! These people milk pints of blood from people morning, noon and night and they wont do battle with my veins!

What really annoys me is if you try and tell the Dr or nurse that your veins are crap and they dont believe you. Once I start resembling a pin cushion they start to warm to the idea!

The most Ive had is 5 attemps at an Iv access. That was after three veins just wouldn't give up any blood despite them being in there! I have scars where the Ivs have been. So I shrink in horror at the thought of having 17 blood tests I would have to move in!

I wonder if this is a common thread with MG'ers or is it because at some point we have been on steroids?

Mary I hope it went ok,

Love
Rach x