EMG-NCT Results are In

[RedFlame]

My appointment with my general neurologist got off to a bad start this week.  When she saw that I wasn’t wearing the arm splints she had prescribed she loudly said “where are the splints I ordered and why aren’t you wearing them”.  I didn’t have much of an excuse as I hadn’t picked them up.  She had found carpal tunnel in my left hand and something else in my right.  “Umm….I forgot to pick them up”  “I can’t help you if you don’t do what I say”.  “I know” I confess.

A year ago I had Nerve Conduction Testing.  However, the doctor wrote the order for the wrong arm.  All the explaining, coaxing and requesting didn’t help as that neurologist proceeded to do the wrong arm saying “well, we will start with the arm ordered and if we see anything we will do the other”.   He didn’t think the ordering doctor could have possibly ordered it wrong.  It wasn’t a conversation I could win.


That was then, this is now:

So, my present neurologist continued to tell me she found things in the EMG.  She said “I was unable to get a nerve response or movement from both ankles and feet”.  I wasn’t surprised as I have no feeling in them and can’t feel the pedals in my car.   Then she reiterated that I do have carpal tunnel in my left and damage in my right hand.  I said “that’s probably why those muscles have wasted and I can’t open the mail, a can or a bubble pack”.  “Yes” she said.  

She continued, “You also have Neuropathy”.  This is when I developed an attitude---and not a good one.  I said:  “neuropathy is not a disease it’s a symptom”.  

“Yes, it is too a disease, we don’t know the source of yours because you don’t have diabetes”.  She yelled angrily!

I start in again, “who is going to help me get the right power chair?  I don’t know what is going to happen next”

She asks “How did you do this week”.  

I reply “well, except for the 3 days I couldn’t walk it was OK I guess”…..I haven’t been to a grocery store in 5 months; I can’t feel the pedals in my car, who is going to help me, what will happen next”.  Insert lots of sarcasm.

She asks about vitamin B12 levels.  I told her I had it was tested back in April at my old PCP in a neighboring town.  I explained that they had me self injecting B12 each week for 6 weeks.  

“Then what”? She says.

“Then they tested it and it was OK” I remarked.

“Then what”? She says.

“Then nothing” I said

“What do you mean nothing?”  She said

“Because the level was OK then”.  I replied.

She slammed the chart on the table and said “that’s it; they didn’t try to find out why it was so low in the first place”?  “Umm no” I said sheepishly.

“They can’t do that, give you high doses of that and not see it through”.   “There has to be a reason that your B12 hormones are being depleted, you could have Pernicious Anemia”.  (Give me a break I think to myself)

“What about vitamin D”? She said.

I confess, “I was told by a different doctor that it was extremely low too”.

She gets out of her chair, stomping out to get a lab sheet.  As she passes the door she gives me the order and leaves saying “get this done today”.  

That’s it, no goodbyes see you later, or it was nice seeing you today, or have a nice day.

I go back when they receive the lab results.  I have no idea why.  Most people with MS have low D and B12 levels.  I just didn’t think it was a big deal.  

Does this mean I don't have MS after all.  I thought this was par for the course for people with MS.  That's why I am trying to understand the neuropathy.  Is it really a big deal?

[drsdonthelp]

I can only imagine the look on your face when this doctor was talking to you that way. I am so emotional that I would have left in tears as I always do. Good luck to you my friend.
Pamela

[lovemy6monkeys]

Oh Red :-(

I wish I could give you a big old hug in person! I hate that you are being treated so badly by your doctors. I hope you get some answers from these current tests :-(

((hugs))
~Jess

[jean_619]

Wow.  I don't even know where to begin.  

The doc.  First, this doctor is a nut job.  No matter what she shouldn't be treating you that way.

CT.  Second, did she prescribe physical therapy for your arms?  This is a must.  You cannot heal if you have only been instructed to wear splints.  Splints will not help you heal, bottom line.  I'm not a doctor -- but I am ergonomist and I know a lot about this problem.  Also read this:  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm#115123049

Neuropathy.  As far is Neuropathy, when she said "we don’t know the source of yours because you don’t have diabetes” ... what has she done to find the source?  Aren't there many sources other than diabetes?  Have you been tested for them?

B12.  I had low B12 and had to take shots -- my doc never did anything to find out why either.  Does anyone here know what tests they might do to find out the cause?  Also, does your PCP have you taking a daily supplement?  Mine did.

Vit D.  Same issue there -- the doc put me on heavy Vit D pills until it was at the right level, and now she told me to take a supplement.

As for a MS diagnosis -- as a new patient who was "lucky" to get a "quick" diagnosis, I don't know much about all the testing involved.  The standard tests for me eliminated any other disease and my initial event was a very clear and common event for MS (vision issues).

You must be just drained from this appointment.  I'm so sorry this happened and that I don't have more knowledge to help.

Quix?

Take care,
Jean