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My doctor is wanting me to have a nerve and muscle conduction tests as part of my Fibro diagnosis. I canceled the appointment as I didn't feel I could cope with the pain of the currents used in the test. It's just that our bodies experience so much pain that I just cringed at the thought of more.
I have had an impinged nerve, rotator cuff tear and tendonitis in the shoulder which I had surgery 2 weeks ago and happy so far with the outcome.
I also have problems in the other arm and I think I have another impinged nerve but in the elbow area, I have ongoing pain and at times have pins and needles in the fingers. I couldn't tolerate having a BP cuff on after the surgery as every time it was inflated the arm went red and I lost sensation in the hands and fingers.
My surgeon is now suggesting a nerve conduction test also. But I just don't know if I can agree to it.
My question relates to finding out if there are other ways to test to see if there is nerve damage or interruption other than a conduction test.
Thanking You
It was difficult, but well worth knowing I didn't have nerve damage. I would do it, just to know. Just grit your teeth through it! You will know it will be finished in a few minutes and you can make it.
Good luck, and I hope there is no nerve damage!
Margaret
But I too wanted the information. I just got me a gift after for being good. Like the kids get a toy or the lollipop from the dentist you get. So, if the information is going to be valuable because you need a fix and it is not from FM....the path is warranted. I would plan a present for yourself....you can concentrate on that.
I had the neck done and it had trigger points in it at the time (I didn't know that...) so when he hit them, the ischemic areas yelled out......I know it wouldn't be that bad if I did it now.
I also had both arms done 3 times as they tried to figure out the hands numbness and pains I had. They made me braces..first to the forearm and held my wrist straight....the ones that went from wrist to almost armpit....(look like frankenstein!!)....Starnge things I went through in the beginning.
I am sorry they want this, but maybe there is something to be fixed with you ?...Hugs, Nancy B
I think this is one of those things that only you will know how it feels to you.
Take care, Annette
I have now the courage to make an appointment, I'll keep you all posted, but it may be a few weeks wait.
Lots of love
maurny
As your FMily has indicated, electrodiagnostic testing is a common torture...I mean testing(!) ordered to look for nerve or muscle disorders that may be present IN ADDITION to fibromyalgia. Fibro itself does not damage or pinch nerves/muscles, but many with fibro may also have carpal tunnel syndrome or pinched nerve roots or peripheral neuropathy unrelated to the fibro. Plus, fibro causes a lot of numbness, tingling, weakness-like symptoms that may mimic a neuromuscular disorder, so it's important to know exactly all the problems present so proper treatments can be recommended.
I do this test on many people every week and nearly everyones says that the test was not as bad as they thought it was going to be. Maybe they just say that so they can get out of my office as fast as their legs can carry them! But I think you will tolerate the test just fine.
Let us know!
Dr. P
Long story short: I was rear ended nearly 5 years ago.. after all the hoopla of doctor, chiro, PT, I was referred to a spine specialist that ordered a nerve conduction study. When the results came back, he walked in accused me of being a drug seeker, and walked out. I was devastated! Fasf forward 1 year. I was referred to a physiatrist, that wanted another nerve conduction study done. So I went to the neurologist in her office, and the same test was done.. same results. Nothing "wrong" with me. It was at that point it hit me..I wass comparing the 2 NCD's & only the C5-8 is tested..WHY? I found out that a big part of my problem (but not all) was my C1(Atlas). I had that adjusted, but other problems remained. Can you tell me why the C1-4 isn't tested? and could that be the source of my pain in my neck. upper back, shoulder and humorous, not to mention the stabbing pain I get in my left ear?
You are right on Lady. I had asked during the second testing to be sure this wasn't from my neck..."the Dr. doing the test said he was "bouncing the energy off* my neck and it is OK...NOTHING wrong with me.
I saw a plastic surgeon after that for the hopes of OPEN my hands and see* why they hurt...he sent me to another neurologist, who actually DID all the C Spine areas.....
Painful as hell to have the neck itself done, but glad I did. Positive discrepencies, but said LOOSEWEIGHT to help the cervical curve....watch posture (forward head thing going).
Well, Chiro is more watchful of the atlas and upper vertebrae but if you push for it.......it can be done. Sad you have to ask.
I agree with you. For me, 3 studies was plenty for me!. NancyB
My health issues started with carpal tunnel....I worked for over 14 years at a loan servicing company....doing a lot of data processing...ruined both hands in the meantime...first it was the right hand and more than a year later, it went to the left hand...I have had 7 hand surgeries (which includes 2 surgeries from falling and breaking both wrists, at different times)...I have also had right elbow surgery....cervical (neck) surgery and parathyroid surgery...at one time I had all sorts of weird sensations in my hands/arms/shoulder areas....for the most part...this is now calm....at least 90% of the time...
When I first got sick...I had a lot of health issues and my doctor was comvinced that I was *depressed*...and this is what I was treated for....I tried all sorts of medicines in the beginning...and nothing helped me...in fact, I was getting worse...I then decided...enough was enough and took *control of my situation*....I did my own research and figured out that I had parathyroid problems....finally had to demand a scan done to find this problem...
Once I had this surgery....things changed for me...my doctor decided that I truly knew my body and what was going on with it...(but it took a longgggg time for him to understand this)...
I have been told several times by *medical professionals* that I should not pay attention to the internet and what it tells you...I have to laugh about this...as had I not decided to do this research...I might not have been here today...when I had my parathyroid problems....even the surgeon did not think I needed surgery...until he did an ultrasound on my neck and found the problem...(thank GOD he did this)..
I must tell you that I think we, FMers, must keep on keeping on....until we figure out what our *issues* are...only you know how you feel...no one else does...they do not feel our pains...
I will tell you that when I had problems with my neck....it affected my entire right arm...from the shoulder down to my fingers...I did not have any neck pain whatsoever....I got to where I could not even reach up to wash my hair or brush my teeth ...(I am right handed)...
The neurosurgeon who did my surgery told me that *if he did the surgery correctly that I would get instant relief*....and he was absolutely correct....my shoulder pain went away....and my other pain improved...I ended up still having to have elbow surgery though....and he had no idea what had happened to the elbow...(it took over 2 years for the elbow to heal)...
Hang in there...I do think that all health issues must be addressed before we, FMers, will finally improve...
One last thing....so very important...be sure and ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level...which is so very important for a lot of people these days...
Good luck.
MiMi
My personal exchanges are Vitamin D and Pain and Wrath of the Dragon....if you care to visit..
Bonnie
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