Rsd and emg/ncv
 

Hi I've not been on here for a while as my fingers/hands are just too sore to type most days my dr and consultant think I now have Rsd or similar.I am currently taking gabapentin Amitriptoline and carbamazepine. My Gp stopped the gabapentin and tried Lycra but I couldn't take them realy bad side affects so back on the gabapentin.
Anyway I'm soon to go for Emg/Ncv tests and I am scared this will exaggerate the pain in my already sore hands has anyone felt the needles or small shocks have made their rsd worse either temporarily or more prolonged. Ok I need to go for now as my hands feel like there in a furnace.

Thanks G

If you have RSD, this is considered an invasive procedure and not a great idea. It can cause a temp flare, or potentially exacerbate your condition. I've gone through them against the advice of my doc due to WC. I'd suggest bringing Lidoderm patches and have someone drive you home. The last time the tech cut mine short, because she felt it was cruel to continue... It was horrific. It has gotten more painful to endure the longer I've had RSD.

Some don't react as badly. If you truly need to rule out a different issue it might be worthwhile. Are you seeing a doc experienced with RSD? They generally advise against.

I've done one before to rule out other issues that could be causing pain when my RSD spread. It was not pleasant...but it didn't cause any prolonged issues afterwards. However...that was during a period when my pain was already at a 9-10 all day every day (a horrific period that I try not to think about too often)...so my perception of the pain caused by it could be skewed.

I have CRPS type 2 in my left ankle/foot and has spread into my leg up to my lower back and I have to get this done also. I have the same worries. I am wondering if you have had it done yet? My pain level is normally 9-10 every day.
Angelina

Is there something that we should take to calm ourselves before having this done? I have diazapam that I can take. Do you think that would help?
Angelina

I had this done a few weeks ago and then again three weeks later and it was not as bad as I was expecting.This was on both my hands I actually felt more pain from the straps around my hands to hold the thing on than I did from the shocks.The shocks are just that but not too painful just cause arm to jump a little.Hope this helps.

Take care G

My daughter also had this done, and it was not fun, but she was able to cope. It also did not cause any lasting symptoms. If I recall correctly, they were not able to give her anything to help her relax because it would have affected the results of the test.

Lori

I've had several of them done. I didn't find them to be that painful and had no lasting effect.