EMG Procedure

[DonnaOntario]

Hi, I am new on this site. I've tried looking everywhere for an actual description and what to expect during an EMG test. I am having one done in Toronto next week and want to be prepared. Can anyone tell me how exactly it will work and what to expect? Pain? Duration of procedure? As a side note, I have used this site for so much information since being diagnosed, finally, with PNE. I am awaiting the date for actual procedure for nerve block. I have suffered for over 9 years, and finally have found some answers!

[pianogal]

Donna,
I've suffered almost 9 years as well. I am glad you finally found some companions in your pain... it's so much better to know you're not alone.

as to the emg, it is not too reliable... I had it done way back when... hope it proves to show some info for you. If not, the 3tesla MRI with Hollis Potter in NY is quite beneficial and proving to show more than most other tests do. Other 3Tesla Mri's don't match her results from her expertise... so if you get it done, go w/her.

[Pelvis Stressly]

Hey Donna, welcome to the site.

I am having one done in Toronto next week

You're having an EMG done of the pudendal nerve specifically? Curious where in Toronto you're having this done, if so. I searched high & low (literally every hospital in TO) a few years ago trying to find someone who could do exactly that, but had no luck finding anyone!

You're having the block done w. Dr. Peng?

Take care, PS.

[Lernica]

Hey Donna,

Welcome to HOPE! I've never had the procedure done so I can't answer your questions. But I just wanted to let you know that this forum is always here for you. I'm glad you finally obtained a diagnosis.

[DonnaOntario]

Hi PS
I am having this done at Mt. Sinai Hospital. I originally was able to meet with Dr. Gordon and have since been referred to Dr. Peng. I am having the first nerve block done,by Dr. Peng, but waiting for appt date. Because it is my first time with him he is doing procedure at Toronto Western Hospital. If you want to contact hospital it is the Wasser Pain Management Clinic. You have to go to a seminar before they will give you an appointment, but so far I have been very impressed with the clinic and doctors.

[Pelvis Stressly]

Thanks for the reply Donna.

I'm actually a long-time patient of both Drs. Gordon & Peng (have had 3 blocks now w. Peng & have been seeing Gordon for years). They're both great (although things tend to move fairly slowly w. both of them).

Just to clarify, you're having the EMG done w. Peng also? Because that's a new development if so (they never had that technology available before).

[TracyB7777]

I just had my second EMG yesterday. The first one a couple of months ago he did on my legs (no idea why). They put electrodes on you and then had small shocks through them, uncomfortable but not painful. THEN they inserted needles and put through the electric shocks, that was very uncomfortable. Took a couple of hours for my leg muscles to relax after that.

Yesterday he (FINALLY) focused on the Pudendal Nerve. I will only be graphic for this site, I can not imagine sharing this with anyone else . He put electrodes in four areas (2 left and 2 right) above and below my anus. Then gave me the electrode to hold first on one side of my clitoris then on the other (not touching the clitoris) and sent electrical shocks through it. Again uncomfortable but bearable. THEN he put an electrode on his finger and went internally (vaginally) to shock the Pudendal Nerve. This I must say almost brought me to tears. It hurt, I felt like a slab of meat on the table (while looking for the right cords they left the door open to the room since no one else was around) and it was quite frankly miserable. Even the nurse watching was cringing for me. After that he inserted a needle under my anus into the buttocks with random shocks on both sides. This about sent me off the table. Finally we were done.

I don't mean to scare you but this is how it went for me yesterday. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain and wasn't overly worried after the last one but this was not fun by a long shot. Results...abnormal reaction by the pudendal nerve (really little to no response which I find odd since I'm in so much pain). He said there is definitely something wrong with the pudendal nerve. He's calling it nueropothy not nueralgia right now.

If you have any other questions about the EMG let me know. I'll try to answer them.

Tracy

[helenlegs 11]

Brave girl Tracy, I'm SO thankful I already have the diagnosis. Well done ! Thanks for letting us know what's involved.

[Violet M]

Tracy, I'm so sorry -- you are brave to have given that description. I also had the EMG and have to agree with Tracy it was not fun but since she did such a good job of explaining it I will decline.

In some cases it can give valuable info -- at least in my case it did. You just have to keep reminding yourself that it will only be a few minutes and after all -- you are already in serious pain and it really isn't that much worse than what you experience every day anyway. You will be fine -- you will get through it.

[Lernica]

OMG, sounds like torture. I'm sorry too that you had to go through this, Tracy. Remind me please what the purpose of this procedure is???