paulkrobbins
Member
Hi There,3 Months ago I noticed some bizarre twitching in my calfs and arches of feet. To my knowledge, I'd never noticed this before (but maybe it had been going on for much longer?). Anyway, after consulting with Dr Google, it became clear the problem was serious. Dr Google has previously diagnosed me with Bowel Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Possible case of CJD and Hemochromatosis. Anyway, this warrants my trip to the GP.I explain to the GP about my concerns, and he checks out my legs. After putting me face down on the couch, my calfs and ankles are twitching like a crack addict with 240 volts up his ass. Now I'm hoping Dr will tell me everything is fine, and send me on my way with some pills. But No, he decides to refer me to a neuro. This is unexpected, and alarm bells start to trigger. He tells me twitching in 2 limbs is a deciding factor in refering to a Nuero. I then drop the bomb "Doc, could this be ***". He tells me its highly unlikely, and he doesnt suspect this. So I now have to wait 2 months until my Neuro appointment is available (this is the NHS, and things always take time). In the meantime I'm driving myself crazy with worry, constantly checking for twitches in my legs, and trawling through Google looking for new symptoms. Google really is the lifeblood of a hyperchondriac, specially with the Iphone (where you can self diagnose as you wonder around the planet). Enough to say, I had scared myself sh**less within a few days after the docs referal.I then decided I needed to keep testing the strength of my legs and arms, after reading Dr Google terror tales of Atrophy and Weakness. So I decided to join British Military Fitness. This was interesting . . .I have never experienced such hard physical training in all my life, Push-Ups, Squat Thrusts, Running, Situps. You name it, they will make you do it. The training is so hard, that you can barely walk afterwards. But I've managed to survive the training sessions so far, so this was a small light in my dark world. If I can do this, there can't be too much wrong with me?After waiting 2 months for a referral, I decided to go private. The whole process was taking way too long, and I'd convinced myself time was of the essence. Within a week I had an appointment with a Senior Neuro based in Coventry. I explained the problem, and he didn’t seem concerned (which was nice). He did a full physical exam (as I’m standing in my underpants), and tested all my reflexes and strength. He has a brief look at my twitching calfs, but doesn’t seem concerned at all. He tells me everything is fine, and my twitches are Benign. (I'm still not convinced about this, I mean what does a neuro with 20 years experience know?). So he offers me an EMG test to give me re-assurance, he explains it's not for his benefit as he knows its BFS. Anyway, I take this wonderful offer of an EMG (Later to find I’m £300 out of pocket!!).So after waiting 4 weeks, I get the EMG test. The guy starts off with Nerve tests, involving sticky pads. He proceeds to electrocute me slowly and painfully. We then move onto the needles, which he sticks into my legs and arms (at what seem to be set intervals). I then have to flex my muscles, and let them relax. This goes on for 30 minutes, and he says everything is OK. He will send the results to my Nuero for my next appointment.At the next appointment, Nuero gives me the news. The EMG is totally clear, No Fibs, Fasciculation’s etc. He tells me to stop worrying, and now get on with my life. The physical exam and EMG are clear, so no reason to worry anymore. I ask him how the test can possibly miss my Fasiculations? These are like a family of moles in my legs, a blind man could see these, so how can uba technology miss them? He explains that the EMG only picks up denervation, and not always the twitching?So my question for you guys are (If you’ve read this far).1. The EMG guy didn’t stick a needle into the back of my calf (where most twitching occurs). He stuck it into the sides. Is there any chance he’s missed anything? (I know this sounds like Hypochondriac stuff, but need some re-assurance please)2. My NHS appointment has now come through finally. Should I cancel this, as I’ve already had EMG and consultancy. I keep thinking of getting a 2nd opinion, but don’t want to become Mr 6 EMG, 5 Neuro visit craziness. Should I draw a line under it?Many Thanks!!!
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I'll cancel the second neuro appointment tomorrow, and get on with things. So cheers for all the advice, and words of wisdom.