Posted by Kathi (152.163.194.194) on November 02, 2000 at 07:19:31:
I have a strange question. For about a year and a half, I've been having some minor back and leg pain...but a great deal of pins and needles. My right leg has slowly become so weak that I have to pull myself upstairs and the leg "gives out" quite a bit.
My GP suspects sciatica w/nerve damage. (I've been a "road warrior" for ten years, sitting on my butt in a vehicle)
He has scheduled an MRI, XRays and....an EMG. I've heard some horror stories about EMG's and a few people said they were only moderatley uncomfortable. My concerns are threefold....
1) Has anyone had this procedure and did it bring on a cluster attack?
2) He prescribed a low dose of Nortriptyline (Pamelor/antidepressant) for nerve pain. Any body ever taken this stuff? It screws with seratonin so you KNOW why I'm afraid to take it.
3) AND lastly, if anyone's had this procedure, is it as painful as some say? I want a CH'er to say it hurts or doesn't hurt because "normal" people aren't a good benchmark for pain. If you tell me it's like a Kip eight for two hours I think I'll put up with being crippled rather than go through it.EMG's have to be done w/out pain meds to get an accurate reading.(Okay, okay....Kathi's a BIG wussy!)
ANY AND ALL input would be appreciated.
PFDAN to all.
Kathi