Nerve Conduction Testing for peripheral neuropathy and other nerve conditions

bluerose
bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
edited March 2014 in Emotional Support #1
Can I get some input on those of you who have had nerve conduction tests done? I had to have a pacemaker implanted a few years back for severe arythmia due to, they think, heart damage from adriamycin (a chemo drug) years back. Because of the pacemaker settings I am nervous about going in for a nerve conduction test as it can screw up the pacemaker temporarily, they just reset it but it bothers me to think of having to go through all of that.

How did you find the nerve conduction test and I think there is another test that they do with that nerve test, can't remember it's name now, I think they call it by short form letters. Chemo brain strikes again, can't remember the letters. Sheeesh.

Any input on this test would be appreciated? What's the pain level like on this test and how did you find it all playing out for you?

Thanks. Blessings, Bluerose

Comments

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #2
    I've had
    nerve conduction studies, Bluerose. For me, it was no big deal. I could feel the tingle of the electricity (?) but it was not painful. I have rheumatoid arthritis and they were trying to determine if a pain in my wrist was the RA or carpal tunnel. Mine turned out to be my RA, not carpal tunnel.

    My sister, however, has had the test done for carpal tunnel and had some pain issues. Turned out she had carpal tunnel, so if there is true nerve damage, I guess the chance for pain may be greater (?) based on our experiences.

    I also know I have a high tolerance for pain so that may be a factor, too.

    For me, at no point was the sensation even unpleasant.

    Don't know if this helps or not :)
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    #3
    Noellesmom said:

    I've had
    nerve conduction studies, Bluerose. For me, it was no big deal. I could feel the tingle of the electricity (?) but it was not painful. I have rheumatoid arthritis and they were trying to determine if a pain in my wrist was the RA or carpal tunnel. Mine turned out to be my RA, not carpal tunnel.

    My sister, however, has had the test done for carpal tunnel and had some pain issues. Turned out she had carpal tunnel, so if there is true nerve damage, I guess the chance for pain may be greater (?) based on our experiences.

    I also know I have a high tolerance for pain so that may be a factor, too.

    For me, at no point was the sensation even unpleasant.

    Don't know if this helps or not :)

    Thanks Noellesmom
    Thanks for the response, every bit of info helps when it comes to people's individual experiences because then you know it's not just hearsay.

    I know that I have a fair bit of nerve damage from my treatments, my left foot is always numb and tingling and it has gotten worse to where that extends up that leg too, half way to the knee. Soooooooo not sure if that would mean more pain from the test or not so much - it's like everything else I guess - depends on so many factors in each person individually.

    Anywho I appreciate the time you took to answer and this gives me some idea of how people experience this test. My electrophysiologist (cardio expert in arythmias and all thinkg electric in the heart) said that if I can put it off, the test that is, then that's the best idea. This test is just to confirm neuropathy and so because of late my arythmia has gotten much better I don't want to do the nerve conduction test and have it screw up my pacemaker that might set off the arythmia again. My rheumatologist who wanted the nerve conduction test done said that's fine with her, put the test off for awhile. No hurry.

    Thanks again and take care. Blessings, Bluerose
  • HeartofSoul
    HeartofSoul Member Posts: 729 Member
    #4
    bluerose said:

    Thanks Noellesmom
    Thanks for the response, every bit of info helps when it comes to people's individual experiences because then you know it's not just hearsay.

    I know that I have a fair bit of nerve damage from my treatments, my left foot is always numb and tingling and it has gotten worse to where that extends up that leg too, half way to the knee. Soooooooo not sure if that would mean more pain from the test or not so much - it's like everything else I guess - depends on so many factors in each person individually.

    Anywho I appreciate the time you took to answer and this gives me some idea of how people experience this test. My electrophysiologist (cardio expert in arythmias and all thinkg electric in the heart) said that if I can put it off, the test that is, then that's the best idea. This test is just to confirm neuropathy and so because of late my arythmia has gotten much better I don't want to do the nerve conduction test and have it screw up my pacemaker that might set off the arythmia again. My rheumatologist who wanted the nerve conduction test done said that's fine with her, put the test off for awhile. No hurry.

    Thanks again and take care. Blessings, Bluerose

    I had nerve conducvity tests
    I had nerve conducvity tests 10 yrs ago , to me it was informational only, i wouldnt do one again, if i have it, i live with it, not much difference either eay
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    #6
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Hey Kathy
    Ya I was coming to that conclusion too, we already know I have nerve damage, duh so why put me through this and especially when my pacemaker might screw up and I could get that arythmia back that has mysteriously disappeared a few months back. I think there is too much to lose for just an obvious diagnosis that can probably be made just with my symptoms.

    Thanks Kathy hope you are doing alright. Blessings, Bluerose

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