by Xina535 on May 27th, 2014, 8:52 am
Quick background:
Been twitching since July 2012, only had reflexes checked and a nerve conduction test on my arms since twitching (all normal). Been deathly afraid of getting an EMG because I was not sure how I would handle any piece of a single bit of bad news.
Been having left leg/hip pain, extremely bad at one point, x-ray in April by orthopedic doc showed nothing. Waited until yesterday for an MRI and will get the results this Friday. 2 images on the CD are marked up by the radiologist, what looks like slipped discs or something. ANYWAY, this orthopedic doc referred me to a different neuro for a 2nd opinion on my twitching.
I went there today.
He was super nice, totally understood my fears, he said he's been twitching himself since "way longer than I have" and suggested he do an EMG right then and there to give me some peace of mind! I told him, "Nooooo!!!! I am too scared. I need my family with me and some pills for back-up..." and he reassured me that he seriously believed it would come back clean. I started sweating like crazy as he pricked my left arm and leg (just two spots) and he told me as he was watching and hearing that everything is totally fine. My reflexes are also still all ok. He said not only do I not have ALS, but I don't have any sign of anything else even. Totally healthy. He believes my twitching to be related to perhaps some sort of electrolyte or magnesium or problem with absorbtion of these things, and is triggered/made worse with stress and panic, but this is not anything bad.
I can't believe I did an EMG like totally spontaneous like that! I am so relieved....to no end!!!! I recommend everyone who has not had one out of fear to get one done if you have the possibility. The doc said, "Even if there was something on there, wouldn't you want to know and be treated as soon as possible?" - so that is a really good point to keep in mind!
He said he sees the opposite - people who think they have ALS or dementia come in and then don't have it at all, and those who have never thought they could have ALS or dementia are those who are diagnosed with it, sadly. He said that what is more unfortunate is that many patients with these serious disorders seem to put off going to the doctor and finally when they go, they have already missed some opportuinities to have better quality of life, and in Germany, missed chances to get insurance to pay for the treatments, therapy, etc that they need.
The EMG can't lie, so I see ths as my muscles have spoken and they said, "Hey Xina's Brain, chill out up there, we're doing alright!"
I just have to go to the othopedic on Friday to get the full report from this neuro and from the MRI of my lower back, probably all kinds of pinched nerves, which I can totally deal with and will happily take that news!