EMG test

[Noodley]

I had a MRI scan a few weeks ago which came back as 'normal', then got a letter this week to say I had an appointment for an EMG in a few weeks.

I was just wondering if anyone can tell me a bit about it - I have read some stuff on t'internet but any info re personal experience if you are comfortable about sharing it would be helpful.

I had thought that if the MRI was okay then it was just a case of me being a jessie and to get on with things...

 

[Fab Foodie]

just a case of me being a jessie and to get on with things...

I think it's the test to confirm you're just a big Jessie

I think Magnatom and Cunobelin might have expertise in this area.
Hope all is well

 

[Noodley]

I think it's the test to confirm you're just a big Jessie

Everything is pointing towards it so far

It's a bit of a bugger - going from riding 300-400km a week and thinking a 200km audax was 'easy' and a 300km was an even better way to pass a weekend to being tired after a short ride, and having to take time off work as I could not walk to the kitchen without having to sit down...this was a few months ago but it's a recurring problem.

If I am just a jessie then I think the medical professionals owe it to me to tell me so

 

[MacB]

I think it's the test to confirm you're just a big Jessie

I think Magnatom and Cunobelin might have expertise in this area.
Hope all is well

That's a bit harsh, Mags may have a squeaky voice but it doesn't automatically make him an expert Jessie

 

[Fab Foodie]

Everything is pointing towards it so far

It's a bit of a bugger - going from riding 300-400km a week and thinking a 200km audax was 'easy' and a 300km was an even better way to pass a weekend to being tired after a short ride, and having to take time off work as I could not walk to the kitchen without having to sit down...this was a few months ago but it's a recurring problem.

If I am just a jessie then I think the medical professionals owe it to me to tell me so

That's tough Noodley. I have some understanding as between the diagnosis for my heart condition and the wait for treatment, I got to the point where I couldn't walk to the end of the street, it's pretty scary when you're used to zooming around like a mad thing.
I hope they find the source of your problems soon. If you need to get a second opinion. I'd been going to my Docs for best part of nearly 3 years talking of extreme fatigue and during that time blocked heart arteries was never even considered a possibility.

 

[fossyant]

EMG's are fine, a bit more pleasant than being shoved in the 'tunnel' for 30 minutes....

EMG (electromyogram) can detect abnormal muscle electrical activity in conditions such as neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves etc.

I had EMG's on both arms last year to test for nerve damage (following accident). They basically put electrodes on end of fingers, then one higher up your arm (or where ever) and send some pulses through - bit like pin pricks. TBH it's like a TENS machine.

Oh and you you'll see the results on screen and they usually tell you what's good, what's not.. mine were fine, left arm (i.e. the one that got hit) was marginally better than the right....

Nowt to worry about.

 

[magnatom]

Hi,

I'm no expert on EMG, but we do have a department along the corridor.

It requires electrodes to be placed on your skin and as far as I am aware looks at the electrical conduction in your peripheral nerves (i.e. arms, legs, neck etc).

Should be a doddle if you've been ok in an MRI scanner. Fingers crossed everything is ok.

 

[Noodley]

Thanks guys. I hope they do just exclaim "We've got another Jessie in the department!!"

 

[fossyant]

Now't to worry about Noodley - the guy I had was great and 'hinted' about the results.....it's bloody obvious on screen..just ask what the normal range is....mine came in at the 'best' - so no 'nerve' damage in my case.

I'm non too keen on hospitals myself, but have a second 'tunnel' (MRI) session on the way soon (ish..)..... but I'm not in the position of not knowing what's wrong....... just finding out 'what bit's broke'...FFS.....bikes are easier to fix...........

 

[The Jogger]

Good luck Noodley, after having the MRI I wouldn't worry too much. I always thought the MRI showed up most things. Maybe the emg is just belt and braces.

 

[Noodley]

It would just be good to know what is 'wrong' as 'something' most definitely is.

A few years ago I would go out for a ride of 200-300km and come back home, have a few beers, wake up, have a shower, and go to work/spend time with the kids...then I got tired for longer and longer and longer to the point I almost stopped, and now I think a ride of 2 hours is good going It probably didn't help to listen to my G.P. who said I was 'over doing it' (qualifiying question for being a G.P.? Do you exercise? - Answer No, 'then you should' Answer Yes, 'then stop'...or have a paracetamol)

The neurologist did mention post-viral fatigue, and that he could give me medication to 'sort it out'....but my G.P. has never mentioned it.

I've tried to be 'sensible' and listen to the medical chaps, but I'm just about at the point of thinking 'bollocks to this' and just cracking on and suffer the consequences...

 

[fossyant]

The NHS can't treat fit folk that have 'problems'...... they are not geared up for it....

 

[yoyo]

Noodley,

Might you be hypothyroid. GPs are useless at diagnosing and treating this. Fatigue is one of the symptoms. I do hope you get it all sorted and that your energy levels return.

 

[Noodley]

Noodley,

Might you be hypothyroid.

I have been tested for that...'no' was the answer.

 

[lazyfatgit]

one of my friends has a blood condition to do with enzymes and stuff which was hard to diagnose and sounds similar symptoms. Just cant remember the name of it.

hope the tests go OK.