(no subject)

[deza]

It's frightening when the doctor says "I won't lie to you, this test is one of the most painful medical tests ever invented. Take lots of painkillers before you come in for it."

The test he's talking about is an EMG, or electromyogram. Several needles will be put in both legs, and an electric current will run through them. This will hopefully give us some answers on why I'm losing feeling and functionality in my lower body. It's acupuncture from hell.

I'm also up for a barium enema, several fairly routine blood tests and a brain MRI. This is just for one doctor--it doesn't count fun things like the visit to the neurosurgeon next week.

All I want are some answers.

Comments

[theafaye.livejournal.com]

I've had that (the EMG). It's really, really weird. I can't think of any other way of describing it. I actually had a barrage of tests when I was 18 (the lumbar puncture was worse IMO) and it turned out that I had restless leg syndrome which doesn't have any test that can diagnose it.

[agirlnamedluna.livejournal.com]

Just the throught of it makes my skin crawl. I really do hope you will get some answers finally!!

[magickcat.livejournal.com]

Frik, I wish *I* had that warning for mine! I had one a few years ago and yeah... I don't want to scare you anymore than your doc already did, but in my case, it sure wasn't an exaggeration. :(
Good luck hon. *hugs*

[tsjafo.livejournal.com]

Prayers and good thoughts on the way.

[bzarcher.livejournal.com]

I haven't been through it, but I do remember Alex getting one, and pretty much having to be on nurse duty all day afterward.

Good luck!

[squeezles.livejournal.com]

That sounds truly awful. I'm thinking of you.

[flewellyn.livejournal.com]

YIKES.

[millysdaughter.livejournal.com]

He thinks it is more painful than a bone marrow test?
Yikes!
Usually doctors downplay the pain involved -- they are fond of using "this might cause some discomfort" to describe painful tests.

[martinhesselius.livejournal.com]

*Wishing you good luck*

[grail76.livejournal.com]

I'll say a prayer.

[luscious-purple.livejournal.com]

Yikes, when are you having this done? *hugs*

I too hope you get some answers.

[tattermuffin.livejournal.com]

Thinking good thoughts for answers coming from these tests hun. *hug*

[heathrow.livejournal.com]

I've had an EMG for my wrists. It's so not fun. I can't imagine having it over my lower half of my body.

Good luck, sweetie.

[oneonthefence.livejournal.com]

Oh, love. EMG are the work of the devil. I've had a few, and yeah - it's really painful :( Take painkillers, practice deep breathing, and remember that it will be over with very, very soon.

It sucks we get MORE pain to find answers. After my LP, I kept thinking, "all this to tell me I DON'T have a disease? And now I have nerve damage? Fuck you, docs." No wonder they call medicine an art, not a science...

*hugs* YOU, of all people, will get through this. I know it. And then be kind to your body when it is over. Can anyone come back with you? I know I was allowed to have my mom with me when mine was done, so that could help, too.

[vvalkyri.livejournal.com]

Oy. I've had friends who've had this done. No fun at all, but given how you've described your daily pain quite possibly less than that.

[jerel.livejournal.com]

Um, well, at least you won't have to taste the barium compound? :-}

[sanachan1.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I am really hoping you get your answers, and some relief from the pain. That sound so unpleasant, I hope it will at least be over quickly-ish.

[crewgrrl.livejournal.com]

The flip side of all of this is that the more it hurts, the better you actually are. Cold comfort, I know, but it's all I have.

[paradoxymoron.livejournal.com]

You should probably seek another physician if he starts cackling "IT'S ALIVE!" or stimulates the muscles in the leg, while this is going on, to make you can-can.

Just saying.

[denelian.livejournal.com]

if they advance to the part where they *insert* needles and RUN CURRENT THAT WAY -


OMFG just scream. it's THAT bad.

the none-needle one isn't bad at all