Hello all! It has been far too long since I last posted. First, welcome to all of the newcomers! I look forward to getting to know all of you as I read back up on the posts I've missed.

I did go to Dr. Lubenow in Chicago a few weeks ago. He ordered an EMG and an MRI (lumbar spine). The MRI was a piece of cake......even WITH the IV of contrast dye without numbing meds. The EMG sucked. That's all......it just sucked. I found that after the first couple of jolts (once I could figure out what it felt like), I was able to just lie there and cry silently as opposed to cursing AND crying. I'm not sure what the purpose of it all was, but it did confirm that I have nerve damage in my left foot (I already knew that......I TOLD them that since 4 days after my surgery) and subsequent weakness in the foot/ankle. I feel like it is going to break any day now.

I will have to make a follow up appointment with him for a few weeks from now. I just wanted to update everyone and tell you all how sorry I am that I have been absent......I've missed you all, I've just had some things I've needed to take care of and have been having a really hard time lately.

Has anyone else besides Carrie seen Dr. Lubenow??? If so, what was your impression of him??

Take care all!!

I know what you went through! I remember my EMGs, the both of them. The needles were hell!

When I had the first EMG done, the doctor didn't get a normal response from my legs, so what did he do? He upped the current to a painful level (and boy did that HURT) to get a normal response. He acted as if the machine was faulty. Can you imagine?

The second one was done normally and showed abnormalities (axonal damage).
Then I had a SSEP done, which is a step up from an EMG and nerve damage showed in my right leg.

Maybe that's something to consider? A SSEP (click for more info)?

Hi well at least that is done. I have had 2 of these emg/nc not so fun.I had the ssep too which for me was done when my other tests showed limited and they were still concerned. My ankle often feels like it is broken too. I have the major rsd pain but also PN in my inner ankle/foot/calf. I think the emg is to rule out other things and to see severity of damage but also to be able to follow up to see if repairing or more damage is happening but I could be wrong. I felt the same way as you though when I had a few of these done and then the treatment was the same before the test and after and I went through that but I guess it is better to rule out other things. Make sure you keep copies of these too for your records and to show other doctors you see. Hope you feel better and you are recovering

mom
im sorry that you had to go thro this.. im glad that you got it out of the way tho.. i hope that your pain will go down tonight.. hang in there hun.. glad that you did go thro with the test tho..

love ya tons
carrie

Hi Sandie,

Going thru those tests aren't fun. I had them too, when I was hospitalized for 4 days whenI passed out. I can't even remember all the tests and results. I should get a copy from the hospital. Always glad to read your posts. I've got a new Dr. and getting full work up next week and full body bone density. Hope my kidneys and liver are ok from all the meds for 13 years. Take care, with love, loretta

Man those EMG's are painful! I just went through one a few weeks ago, and get to find out the results tomorrow. I know he found something because he started poking the right leg with a needle, then stuck it in the shin and started working the ankle while he watched that scope.

I know there is nerve damage also, but will be interested to see how much it has progressed from the last EMG a few years ago.

Sorry to get on this post so late. But I am glad to see you are back. Also, that you now have put this painful test behind you now!
I hope things start looking up for you with your treatment and that this new Doctor works out great. Take care of your sweet self, and I'll talk to you soon. Di

Thanks to all of my dear friends for empathizing with me!! I know you all know how I feel. I'm actually ok today, amazingly!! I'm trying to wean off of as much meds as I can (or at least lower the doses) while I'm able. my pain levels have been a constant 2-3 lately.......a HUGE blessing!!!

Just to let you all know, they put me on Abilify (it works on the frontal lobe.....different from where most SSRI's work) and my pain has come down exponentially since. It has been long enough (3 weeks) for me to see consistency. I am elated!!! If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me.

Love to all!!!

Oh, and I forgot to mention that my doctor has another patient with RSD whom he has put on Abilify and he has been doing well for months and months now. I am very encouraged!! It is an older drug, so less expensive......it is for "severe" depression (which I was working on) and I could feel a difference in a day or so of going on it. I am also on Soma for my muscle relaxant......it doesn't make me sleepy so I like it. I have a lot of spasms still, but with my pain levels down, I can manage it.

I sure hope that med works for you.

I had 3 of those EMG's for TOS. TOS very seldom shows up on them. Even after I was diagnosed by 3 Drs. They still felt they needed to stick me and shock me. Never again.

Glad to see you posting again.

Ada