My doctor didn't give me an option. He said report for the test and left the room.
Thanks ginnie

My first test, done by my neurologist didn't use heat. The second one was at Johns Hopkins, the room there was set up with a heat lamp installed, so it couldn't have been unusual. My body temperature is usually in the 96 degree range, and I am always cold from the CMT, the neurologist kept checking and telling the technician I was still too cold. The tests take a long time because they do my arms and legs at the same time since all are affected, also I have extremely long limbs.
The doctor at Hopkins was very pleased with himself because his results were slightly less dire than the ones from my doctor's office. I got the impression he attributed the difference to the heat and his skill, although my doctor is the head of the EMG/NCS department at a major hospital.
I wish someone else would corroborate the heat thing. My husband was with me, I swear I didn't make it up!
As Kitt said, they don't retest for CMT patients because they expect progression, so I won't be having any more.

There have been discussions about the "warm" vs "cool" posters here in the past. This factor seems to be highly variable among doctors.

Hi Susanne,

They "can" but they do not have to retest for CMT patients. If you go see a neurologist regularly they will pretty much always want to do retesting. Again, for their own benefit. Nothing says that you cannot refuse the test.

The warm and cold thing before testing has been discussed before. The room, etc. was never warmed up when I had it done. But I do know other people where they did warm it up. Go figure. Not certain that it makes a difference. However, I have read that if it is extremely cold outside you should wait in a warm room for awhile. Also, it does make a difference as well for pain as to the person who is doing the test. I think the one who did mine did not know much. JMO

This pertains to CMT.

I don't think your doctor can force you to have the test! I've turned down many a test and medication that doctors have wanted for me. Your decision should be based on whether the test will provide valuable information though, not fear of having it. For what it's worth, I have had the NCV/EMG, and for me it was mildly uncomfortable; much less painful than I expected.

You always have a choice. Even when doctors order something, we do not have to do as instructed if our own instincts say no. You may lose a physician over a disagreement, however I refuse to give up my right to say no to treatment. The doctor and you are suppose to work together. If he wants the the emg, he needs to tell you exactly what can be learned from it. I have said no to cortizone injections, and medications that don't agree with me. I am not telling you to say no, just realize you have that right. Take care. ginnie

You always have the right to refuse treatment. It may not be in your best interest, and the doctor also has the right to refuse you as a patient (except in emergency situations), but you do have that right. Any treatments are/should be open to discussion/questions about necessity, reason, alternatives, etc.

Some doctors used to take offense at questioning as challenging their competence/authority. This is changing, and now most welcome (or at least do not get huffy) at questions, as they recognize patients' desire to become more proactive/involved in decisions about their medical care.

Doc

LOL! Are you suggesting it took longer (enough) for the electricity to traverse the length of your limbs/nerves to affect the duration of the test?

Doc

I found it worse if on the neck or hand. Legs I think are a bit more sturdy if you know what I mean. Take deep breaths....

Testing can take 20 to 90 minutes or so depending on how much testing has to be done. I know my testing took much longer than say 20 minutes. I think it probably makes a difference when you have CMT vs. what other people might have.

It doesn't matter for a CMTer as far as legs being a bit more sturdy.