Glad to hear that you got an appointment...I really hope that he is able to help you. As for the EMG...that's up to you. I had one done and while it was painful I didn't have any lasting effects from it or anything (though I know everyone is different). If you don't feel comfortable with it...cancel it. If Dr. Lubenow thinks it's necessary then you can schedule another one and you can talk through your concerns with him if he orders the test.

I don't recommend doing the EMG. From my experience it is very painful if you have RSD. The test proves nothing in reference to RSD and the pins they stick you with are very painful to the RSD hand. I have it in neck, shoulder, arm and hand and the test was to determine if I had carpel tunnel in the opposite hand, but they have to stick both hands to decide if the nerves are shot in the carpel tunnel hand. It proved I had slight carpel tunnel but left it to me to decide if I'd do anything about it. It felt like a very waste of time and pain suffering. What reason are they giving you for doing an EMG, to determine if you have RSD??? If so I wouldn't do it. You already know, you have the pain, burning, stabbing and all the suffering. You want pain relief not add'l pain. Keep this in mind if you are still trying to decide if you should go. Good luck.

I agree with Hampster. The EMG was real bad news for me, only seconded by the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator. There are many posts on NT of similar experiences with EMG's. Please use caution and do you own independent research.

Hope things go well with your appointment and you are put on the right path.

Hello. I also have RSD and have seen 2 pain mgmt docs with RSD exp that I would recommend. Dr Elborno, who is the Director of pain mgmt out of Hinsdale hospital. He has other offices on his website. And the second is Dr Tubic in Joliet.

If u have questions about either, feel free to PM me.

I didnt have the emg. I was scared it would cause me more problems. I had my appointment with Dr.Lubenow and was glad I got some answers even though they was not what I wanted to hear. He said emg would have been a bad idea because of nerve damage due to my surgery. He changed my meds and told me the nerve blocks I had wasnt enough when I had them. The bad news was he said the swelling and the pain was mine forever( due to the nerve damage). He now wants me to have a tunnel epiderall infusion then therapy to regain some movement in my hand. crps sucks!