Pain with EMG Tests?
 

Hi everyone,
I am scheduled to go in Thur. for EMG tests. They are doing my eyes and face. I am wondering if this is a painful test? I know the Dr. said they will hook up electrodes and stimulate the muscles repeatedly to see how quickly they tire out. Does it feel like an electrical shock? I have a pretty high pain tolerance but feel like I'm not sure what to expect exactly.

I got the results of my antibody test back last week and it came back positive. As much as I hate to have MG part of me feels lucky that I have an actual diagnosis since I know so many of you have struggled to get the diagnosis even when you respond to meds.

I hope you all are doing well!
Kendra

Hi Kendra,

I haven't had an EMG done on my face, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck on Thursday. On one hand I'm sorry you are positive, but on the other at least you have a confirmed diagnoses and can get all the proper treatment now. Take care and let us know how it goes. I'll be keeping good thoughts.;)

Hugs,
Pat

Hello Kendra
I had the EMG but not on my face. She started at my ankles, then to my thigh, then to my hand then to my neck.

The only way I can describe it is that it felt like a shock and then the muscle felt like it jumped out of my body. I actually told my neuro that it brought back bad memories as a child....I grew up on a farm and we had the electric fences for our animals and well.....:eek: I grabbed one!

Be prepared though for the next day to be pretty down for you possibly. After this nerve stimulation regime, I could not get out of bed the next day...but she had not started me on Mestinon yet so it was pretty bad the next day. Maybe that won't be the case for you.

The positive blood results though will hopefully speed up your process of getting treatment for the disease.

Hope you do well for your test, let us know how you do and Good Luck.

JJ:wink:

Hi Kendra!
 

I the EMG test - but not on my face! Yes it is painful but you are one tough cookie and it will be over soon!:D

Just remember that this is one step closer to getting all of the help you NEED!:hug:

Hang in there sweetheart!

Love,
erin:hug:

I have to admit that my test on my hand was very painful (I had this test on my hand and face, but only the hand test hurt badly). I was told the test might cause discomfort, but I was completely surprised with the pain. I am embarrassed to remember my reaction. I have a high tolerance for pain...but this was extreme. I was in tears and arching my back struggling to hold still. Sorry to say this, but it did hurt. It appears that not everyone feels the pain so strongly. The next day I was exhausted and slept all day...it was tiring.

Of course, this test is helpful for diagnosis...

Hi
 

I have had three SFEMG's and EMG's done on my face and it hurt. My advice take some pain killers before you go! Its a pain thats hard to describe, but its over quickly. It just made my eyes water profusely. The only thing I can compare it with is like being flicked with a rubber band- repeatedly!

I would still have a thousand SFEMG's / EMG'S done before I would go through a lumbar puncture! LOL

Also my eye / forehead swelled after the last one. It looked like I had banged my head. So ended up having an ice pack strapped to my head for a few hours- very attractive.

Im really pleased that you have a psoitive blood test, as it means you will get treatment. Unfortunately I am negative on all tests and had my diagnosis removed.

Love
Rach

EMG and me, not a good mix. I admit I cried when the Dr did the back of my neck and I actually pulled the leads off and said no more. When he did my arms and legs, it felt more like a tingle, not bad at all. So I guess it depends on how sensitive your nerves are.

I hope it doesn't hurt much and all works out well, you will be in my thoughts. Please let us know how it went.

Pain with EMG Tests?
 

Well at least now I feel like I am more prepared for Thur. but have to admit I am pretty nervous!!! Thanks to all of you for your input.

Pat, Erin & Joan Marie- I appreciate your words of encouragement. I have always felt like a pretty tough girl but am questioning that now more than ever!

JJ- I noticed you said you weren't on Mestinon when they did your tests. I'm not either. How soon after the EMG did they start you on that? I feel like I have waiting forever to start the meds!!! I had to laugh at you comparing it to your childhood memory of an electric fence, OUCH!!!

Desert Flower- Please don't be sorry for telling me it is painful. I wanted the truth so I really appreciate your honesty. I am hoping they don't do my hand since you said that was the worst!!!

Rach- Ok, I will count my blessings that I'm not having a lumbar puncture!!! The name just sounds horrible!!! I am so sorry to hear they have retracted your DX since you didn't test positive. I am so stunned by how some people test pos. and others neg with the antibody test. It is such a crazy disease. I think I have a pretty mild case and tested pos then others have it so much worse and test neg.

I got out the sheet my Dr. gave me to take Thur. and noticed it said single fiber EMG and repetative stimulation. I was thinking I read somewhere that the single fiber test involves sticking a needle in the muscle. I will be soooo glad when this is over! Thanks again to all of you for your answers and support. I will make sure and let you all know how it goes.
Kendra

Hi Kendra!
 

Hi Kendra! So you are having the single fiber test as well? It does involve a needle - that test was harder for me ONLY b/c I am still scared of needles! It sounds like you've got a GREAT Dr.! What a blessing!:D

You SHOULD be started on the meds right after the results - I know I was!:D
It was AMAZING!:D I know I would not have made it without them!

Just keep breathing deeply during the test and remember that it is in your favor that they are doing this!

Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Love,
Erin:hug:

Kendra, Well, like most everyone, I have to echo that the test is painful. Sorry.

I've had an "evil" RNS on my face. It's the kind where you get a series of "jolts" over and over and over again. And I mean a LOT of times in the same place. It's a different than the one you'll have. The neuro said he was surprised I lasted as long as I did.

It's all doable. Yes, it hurts but as long as you are expecting the pain, it makes it tolerable. I think it's often the pain that is unexpected that is worse. Ask the doctor to talk to you, tell you when s/he is going to do each firing. Take a break when you need to. Keep a kleenex handy because your eyes will likely tear up. Grab onto something if you have the arm/hand strength to do so. I suppose you could always do some deep breathing, like women do when they are in labor! ;)

The SFEMG can be painful too. And it can cause red marks and bruises. You can apply a cold pack or washcloth afterwards.

I'm glad you have proof positive with the antibodies. Which ones were positive? Just binding or modulating and blocking too?

Well, you'll do fine. It temporary pain and you probably will never have to do it again. I hope it goes well for you. :hug:

Annie