UGH ! Scheduled for EMG/Nerve Conduction Study
 

Hi Debi.
As far as EMG/nerve study since they're not too bad comparing could be interesting. Of course it won't show SFN. Refresh my memory, did you ever have a punch biopsy?

As far as going to see a neurosurgeon, since their last name is "surgeon," that is what they are trained to do and usually what they recommend. I have to say not all, but most are very pro surgery. SO, with that in mind, I would bring someone with you who would keep you from signing up in the office that day for any surgery. Kinda like when you go to buy a car. The good thing would be you will have more data to consider and in my mind more data is not a bad thing.

I hope this helps. :hug:

Hi Debi,

Those were good points by Pinkynose. I agree on having a serial comparison of your nerve conduction, especially with worsening symptoms. By all means get that MRI and see what the verdict is. I have personally known 3 people who had spinal surgery due to issues in their arms.

I always say that it never hurts to get information. You can decide later what to do with it.

I hope all goes well, :hug:

When I was in the process of getting a diagnosis for my neuropathy, I decided to go to a neurosurgeon at Weil Cornell. I couldn't move my neck and had very little use of my arms for 6 months. My autonomic nervous system was severely ill, and I had neuropathy through out my body. Since it all started in my neck, I thought maybe someone could fix it. I have herniations at c5-6-7, mild compression, some stenosis, so I made appointments with some big shots to see what they could do.

The first one looked at my MRI, and said that there was nothing he could do, and that my discs couldn't be responsible for so many of my symptoms and that they were not severe enough to fix.

The second opinion guy said the same thing and also told me not to let any surgeon touch my neck. He said that some would and this is not the answer.

So, I just want to let you know that I think as long as you stay away from those "spine center" businesses, go to a big city academic center doc and then go for a second opinion, you'd be safer. I think the doctors who know what they are doing are sure when they should operate vs the ones who just like to cut.

Debi,

I read your post a couple of days ago and I was shocked. I have not spent any time on here in ages and here you were describing my life. My SFN started after back surgery. It was mild and may or may not have ever progressed. I will never know because a year or so later I found myself drowning pain and sorrow that is unrelated into a bottle of booze. I put it down three years ago, but after I did severe damage.

This is where we are alike: hands, wrists elbows and neck. I have been told that I have very mile cubital and carpel tunnel. I have three damaged discs in my neck. Nothing is so bad that it would explain the pain. My neck just started bothering me a little, for years it was all arms, all the time. I have had two epidurals, and a nerve block. So far nothing has helped. They want me to see a surgeon too. My last test would be a discogram to really show what is going on in my neck. I have had countless tests, PT, etc. The pain management is confused, the neurologist is confused... I dont know what to think anymore. I have worn the braces everynight, tried every darn tall tale thing to get relief. Please stay posted, I would like to compare our results

Hey pinkynose
 

Hey You !
 

Hello Littlepaw :)
 

Hey there HG :)
 

EGM/Nerve Conduction Results