nerve conductivity tests
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January 29, 2008 at 2:16 pm
🙁 I’ve had 1 and 1/4 of nerve conductivity tests. The 1/4 was about 3 weeks into tests and dx, the getting worse everyday and my neuro sent in a doc friend of his to do a bedside nvc. After a few zaps in my right arm. I halted the test, it was too much on top of what I had been through. Felt like a big baby making him stop. But don’t you think that test is barbaric? It made me think of how testing was done back in the day before “modern medicine”. When I was transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital, for confirmation of my neuro’s dx, JHH had to re-do all the tests. And when it came time for the nvc, I said no way. Now at JHH you have a team of docs visiting you on rounds, not just one. They each had their say in trying to change my mind and gave me a day to think on it. My husband finally got thru to me and convinced me to have it done. So I did, but asked for lots of pain med. Had to wait over an hour for the test, lying on a table having to listen to another patient taking the test. A young girl, maybe 13, talking and laughing before going in, then all I hear are screams. So like the goof that I am, I start singing as loud as I can, pillow wrapped around my ears. Singing every song I could think of, Amazing grace, Oh my darling clemintine, you are my sunshine, we ain’t got a barrell of money. Songs I used to sing to my kids. I bet they thought I was a nut case. :p But that’s how I got through that awful test, singing and then trying to do breathing exercises during, forcing myself to relax, thinking this will be over soon. The next day “the team” made rounds and said the doc that conducted the nvc test was very impressed with me. I laughed and said yea I bet. One of the team said no really, you did great, we all know how much you didn’t want to do the test and you did it anyway. The results…confirmed GBS. Is it me or does everyone feel this test is awful? I’ve read posts where some of you are retested several times. I gotta say I am in awe of you and sending great big hugs to those that have had nvc or will have nvc! Best wishes to all and continued recovery! Denise 🙂
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January 29, 2008 at 2:28 pm
i had to have another emg and nvc one and fortunatelyI cannot feel my legs so that part did not hurt but boy whe they got to my left arm I thought i was going to hit the doc. I already had pain and zapping pain in my arm that just made it worse. they stated i “freaked out” not exactly but what do they think is goimg to happen when they make you feel worse? Like my son used to say going through all his testings and surgeries “by the time they are done they willl eventually figure it out and my lu it will be an ingrown toenail!”he has always been a character. hope you start feeling better soon.
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January 29, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Hi!
Glad you made it through the test, it is important to have a baseline for future reference if need be. My son was 10 when he had his first one, he is now 11 and has had three more. Honestly, he does not even care or flinch any more, he just knows it is a part of what he has to do. His courage and all on this site, utterly amazes me!!! We are however having anxiety about a week before our monthly ivig’s. He cannot seem to get a handle on this, because it is so unpredictable every infusion. We are trying to work on it. Good luck and well wishes with your recovery!!!
Dawn Kevies mom -
January 30, 2008 at 2:41 am
Smiley, I’ve had 11 tests, of all 11 tests I’ve only had 1 that was Really painful. I have gotten to the point were I can pretty much tell if there were improvements or declines. I find them interesting-except when one dr tells the other to crank it up farther!:eek: Glad you went through with the test! It will prove to be worth it in the long run. Big Hugs! Take care.
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January 30, 2008 at 10:40 am
Smiley, I had an NCT and EMC about 7 years ago following the birth of my son (I had lost the feeling in my left leg). Prior to, my MIL had informed me the test was not that bad. Well, she LIED. I could not believe how much it hurt. When I started having the CIDP symptoms and found out I was going to have to have another NCT, I fretted and fretted over it, made myself ill thinking about having it done again. Then I got sick, was admitted to the hospital, and had it done there. Now either I was too sick to care or I had lost so much feeling in my legs, but the pain aspect of the second NCT test was not nearly as bad as I had remembered. Except when they zapped me about 10 times in a row, pulse-zapped me. Now that stung and I cried. I had a few zaps on a subsequent test, right before I started treatment, and again, I didn’t think it was that bad. I think for me, I’ve just been jabbed with so many darn needles for blood work and IVs in the hospital and for the the IVIG infusions, that at this point, the pain from the NCT test is just something I’ve got to deal with. Then again maybe not. I’m kind of anxious to have another one to see what my #s are and if the pain is incredible again due to getting more feeling back in my legs or if I’ve just gotten used to being stuck/zapped.
By the way, Did you go to the downtown Hopkins campus or Bayview? I am at Bayview.
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January 30, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hi Smiley, I have had all the tests done 4 times, gets easier with each, plus I am on medication Lyrica and Cymbalta. I have been diagonosed with CIDP, but cant find a local Neurologist in this area.
I am heading To Mayo Clinic next week, and I am sure they will do them all AGAIN. Dont think I will do your singing, but maybe again I might!!:) I hope you get on a proper regimen and feel better. That is what I hope my trip will bring. I havent had an IVIG since 9/11 and am starting to hurt alot.
Feel better soon and keep hoping for a cure. Take care Regina -
January 30, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Hi Smiley,
I’m due to have another nerve conduction test this year, I usually have one a year to check on the progress of my CIDP. My CIDP affects my sensory nerves more than my motor – so as a result – the nerve conduction tests are not that uncomfortable for me – (Is that lucky or not so lucky??) In fact some zaps, I don’t feel at all!
I do feel the zaps in my arms more than in my legs, as so far my arms aren’t as badly affected.
The NCT was what confirmed my diagnosis, along with absent reflexes etc – so I’m glad I had it – I had been waiting for a diagnosis for a couple of years with no treatment for my illness.
But remember it’s the lack of sensation in my legs that makes me not feel the pain from the NCT – not me being tough! I’m usually a big baby when it comes to any kind of test!
Best wishes,
Kazza 🙂
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