Rescheduling EMG: Anxiety and Hurdles

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J

JeffTheGreat

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I was supposed to have my EMG today, but due to some legitimate reasons (and some doctor anxiety) I rescheduled for early September (the 6 month mark). I had been doing real well until the thought of going back to the neuro started creeping into my head. Anyways, I believe the clinical was fine-the doctor didn't mention any issues. I know the strength is good as I lift weights and walk daily. He did see my calves twitching. I think my shoulders or triceps were going off that day too (anxiety was off the charts). No issues with any of the blood work (unfortunately I couldn't be so lucky that I was dehydrated or had some nutritional deficiency...it's never that friggin easy).I really had concerns about his plan of action-which included an EMG following a 6 week "cleansing" period for my body (by cleansing he wanted me to stop drinking alcohol and drinking anything with caffeine or artificial sweeteners or sugar in it). I couldn't make it-not that I think it would impact an EMG anyways, like he led me to believe. He also wanted me to have the genetic test that detects familial-inherited "you know what". I declined, as I have no family history of you know what. I just couldn't see the point, because it wouldn't even rule out the other 80% or so of cases that come on sporadically (I think).Had a bad experience with scheduling, a worse experience with the lab that drew my blood (3 dry pokes before they drew blood on the 4th...PLUS...they failed to draw 2 of the 15 vials the doctor requested). They wanted me to drive the 50 miles back to the lab the following day, but I told them "hell no, send the request to my local hospital and we'll take care of it there". So here I am trying to decide whether to go back to them for teh EMG, kick them to the curve and reschedule with another (more researched and experienced) neuro, or just say hell with it and move on. I am leaning towards just forgetting the EMG and moving on, but my wife wants me to have it. If I do the EMG, I'm probably going back to a different neuro...I just didn't like the guy I went to and I don't have confidence in him. Oh yeah, his bedside manner sucks. I won't even repeat the story he alluded to, but rest assured it is not what a *beep* patient wants to hear. The neuro recommended the EMG and has not really said one way or the other what he thinks about my twitching. Based on pretty much everything I have read, I am very confident it is BFS; but you just never know. Any thoughts? Have any of you all been where I'm at?
 
Hey Jeff :D) It is time to say f-it and move on with your life hun. An EMG is NOT needed to rule out ALS...they use an EMG to confirm it only...which means, your Doctor was recommending it only to "reassure" you. You dont need it. The only thing needed to rule out ALS is a clean clinical. You had that...PERIOD. I wouldnt go to another Neuro, and I wouldnt go back to that one even for an EMG...its not necessary.**hugs**~*~Amy~*~
 
I would not go back to that doctor. Part of BFS is anxiety and seeing someone who doesn't understand the fear factor won't do you any good. You not only need a clean EMG, but some kind words of reassurance on just how crazy you are. Schedule an appointment with someone else unless you think you can successfully move on without the EMG. Then keep us posted!
 
I agree with you Amy that the EMG is not necessary. But only Jeffrey can decide if he can "let it go" without one. No matter what, though, I would not return to that doctor.
 
Great input and believe me, I'm seriously considering both of these options at this point. If the first guy had been just a TINY bit more reassuring, I would definitely say F it. He kind of left me with more anxiety than I went in with. I will say it with you though...clean clinical and no weakness = no bad stuff!
 
Ive had 2 clean clinicals in a 2.5 year period but only recently did the same neuro decide on an mri and emg studies because of on going problems whith what i think is neuropathy. Ive had a poor result on the lumbar mri and a poor right leg emg which i'm due to see him a week today on the 5th August. I think early detection of any problem is crucial as in my case perhaps the sensory symptoms spasms and Neuropathy may have been prevented somewhat if i'd have had an emg to start with ...who knows.This condition i have has never been anxiety related and its never been just in my mind but for 3 years i have felt its been treated that way, even though i have soldiered on without any help from medicationMy advice would be to get it done if it available
 
I suppose early detection of some things are good and some are bad. I have read and re-read the article on this website that was written by the oncologist. I have pretty much gotten to the point he described. So Raindog, do you suspect some kind of degenerative condition with your back? I really don't believe I have anything like a neck or back issue going on, but who knows?
 

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