Wellness

[depglass]

I have one of these coming up so I looked it up under Mayo Clinic.  Exactly how painful is this going to be? 

[Mz iMac]

Depends on your pain threshold.

[q-girl]

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@depglass wrote:

I have one of these coming up so I looked it up under Mayo Clinic.  Exactly how painful is this going to be? 

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@depglass. . . .     Hi. I have had this test done three or four times, once on my upper extremities, the rest on the lower extremities. Frankly, it depends upon the doctor performing the test. Once, on the lower extremities, about 35 - 40 yrs. ago (I don't remember the doctor) and again about eight yrs. ago for the upper extremities and again last month for the lower extremities, both by the same doctor the EMG was uncomfortable and unpleasant, but not painful. However, about seven years ago I had an EMG of the lower extremities by a different doctor that was more painful than childbirth. Seriously. I can take quite a bit of pain, but I was in tears, moaning, groaning and yelling. I've since learned that if the doctor is any good at this procedure it should not be painful. Uncomfortable? Yes. Painful? No.

I wish you the best, and that your doctor is very experienced in EMG testing. I also hope your results are good. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs. . .

[sfnative]

@depglass

Have had several right arm and one left leg.  All were accompanied by nerve conduction studies. 

I found the nerve conduction studies to be more painful than the EMGs.  The only EMG that was really, really painful, was the one performed by a Neuro who kept inserting the small needle right into the motor end plate (that's where the nerve enters the muscle it innervates).  That hurt like heck and for weeks afterward.  He must have been out to impress several physicians from Israel who were visiting at the time and with him that day to study his EMG techniques.

My advice would be to relax through the entire procedure.  Take nice, deep breaths and exhale normally, while you take your mind to a happy place.

[eddyandme]

Had one many years ago for back problems. I laughed - it hurt so much, didn't want to cry so laughed.

They were amazed and the nurse later told me that big, string men very often stop the procedure 'cause they can't take it.

[Irish1210]

@depglass

I had this done in the mid-90s.....................

uncomfortable and unpleasant ~ yes

painful ~ no

Wishing you the best : )

[GCR18]

I had one last year to check for carpel tunnel.  It didn't hurt.  I honestly said that's it? The nurse did the first part of the test, which was the longest part. I felt some pressure, but it didn't last long.  The Dr came in for the second part.  He was asking me questions to get my focus on him.  I didn't  feel anything.

[Sueliz]

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@depglass wrote:

I have one of these coming up so I looked it up under Mayo Clinic.  Exactly how painful is this going to be? 

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@depglass, I had it done about 5 years ago with no problems or pain at all.  I wish you well, take care.

[Moonchilde]

I think that, administrator error aside (i.e. how experienced the doctor is), it will depend on how much is "wrong" with you. I had one for carpal tunnel that was fine, little problem. But I know people who've had it done looking for serious issues and it hurt them a lot.

The same with a colonoscopy. If there's nothing wrong with your colon it won't hurt. If you have a severe narrowing, inflammation, blockage or large polyps, it can be agony.

Good luck. I hope you have someone who's very good doing the test.

[Tigriss]

I've had an EMG and nerve conductivity test on the nerves from my lower back to legs. I have a few pinched nerves that aren't causing pain right now, so we left it alone. The test I had required very thin needles to be inserted into the nerve area. They are like acupuncture needles, very, very fine. It was uncomfortable and not painful for me, but I have a high tolerance. I've had a cyst removed from an ovary, endometrial tissue burnt off and a DNC at that time. I didn't take any pain meds once I left the hospital last October and a Trans Vaganial Tape done in April and no pain meds after the hospital. I took advil, but nothing else. Everyone's pain limitations are varied. I saw a girl on YouTube taking off one of those nose strips. You would have thought that you were cutting her open. She had a very low threshold for pain.