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.

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 only know I was in there both times forever. I assume they just kept finding more places to stick the little needles....

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

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

The doctor didn't say much except after using the tuning fork test on my feet he said their is a problem. He wanted my blood to check for 1 particular protein but didn't say which 1 or why said nerve study was needed and left the room even after I asked why and what for

Doctors only hear about 25% of what patients tell them (usually because they're going through possibilities in their minds).

Patients only hear about 50% of what doctors tell them (usually because they're sick/upset/have no clue what the doctor's saying).

If we know that, then one way of looking at it is that if they're not listening, or we're not getting their attention, 75% of the burden is on us to be heard/paid attention to.

Doc

Sorry you didn't get answers from your doctor. That annoys me to no end. I have a kind of plan for those situations. Especially if it is a doctor that has not always "heard Me" I bring someone with me to all appointments. I ask right then and there for notes from the visit. I write down all questions. A doctor is suppose to answer your questions.(they are teachers about your health) I have grown bold, and sometimes a bit edgy if I don't get proper and complete answers. I refuse to do tests, unless I know what it is, and why I need it. No answer, no test, simple. Right now I have the best team hands down. It took 6 years to find those physicians that were going to really try and help me. The best part, is there there is communication between them, exchanging the notes etc. I wish every person on NT, finds that kind of help. I wish all the best for you Eagle. ginnie