Day by Day with Parkinson's and Peripheral Neuropathy: Tests Are Over for Now, Thank Goodness!

Day by Day with Parkinson's and Peripheral Neuropathy

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy in 2006, but my symptoms seemed to take a turn in a different direction in late 2007. The current diagnosis is Essential Myoclonus. You will find record here of a my journey - coping with the testing, the medicines, nutrition, digestion problems, exercise, the emotions, and no telling what else!

Monday, March 03, 2008

Tests Are Over for Now, Thank Goodness!

I'm glad to have those tests behind me, as they are anything but comfortable! I had forgotten that the Velocity Test hurt when the electric current went through the sticky pads, but it does. I was right, though, that the discomfort from both tests is basically gone as soon as the test is over. I had some residual crampy feeling, not really pain, in my back, but it's OK now. Since I have back problems anyway, that probably wouldn't happen to most people.

I would like to have had a video of the testing session, so I could show it to the MDS specialist I will be seeing in April. Talk about shaking and jerking, plus a face full of tics and twisted expressions! Between the pain, and the stress, it's no wonder I put on quite a show.

They will add the results to the information they will send to Dr. Watts. I will call his office tomorrow to take care of the change to Medicare as my primary insurance, and I thought I'd talk to his nurse, PA, or assistant - whoever - and see if there are any other tests he would want done in advance of my appointment.

I'm glad to have it over with, looking forward to finding out what it means, and waiting as patiently as I can for the appointment.

Labels: Electromyography, Nerve Conduction Velocity Test, tests, tics, tremors

9 Comments:

At 3/04/2008 1:24 PM , Life With Shaky said...

I agree - it would have been very useful to have a video of the testing to show the MDS specialist. Glad to know you didn't have any real residual pain! How is going still being off the PD meds?
At 3/04/2008 3:36 PM , Marion said...

I've just been catching up, DB...sorry you've had such a time of it.

Time seems to fly, these days...I am sure you will be grateful to have these days of waiting behind you. It is good that you are doing everything you can to gather tests and info.

I'm thinking of you.
At 3/04/2008 4:43 PM , Dirty Butter said...

Tried answering earlier, but blogger was acting up.

I wonder if any Neurologists do video their patients. Seems like a reasonable documentation to me, in this electronic age.

You're right, Marion, time is flying by far faster than I would have expected, thank goodness!
At 3/04/2008 4:46 PM , MyraElaine said...

You certainly have a lot going on. You also seem to have a lot of patience and such a healthy attitude. I admire the way you keep living your life. Can you tell me how long you were on the PD meds before you went off? Are you still off the PD meds? I have seen Dr. Watts before. He is excellent.
At 3/04/2008 5:52 PM , Dirty Butter said...

Ooops, forgot to answer that, Shaky! I'm doing about as well as I was on the meds - more inner tremors that leave me feeling nervous most of the time, but no real difference in what shows from the outside, unless I get really stressed. Then I think I'm worse. Balance is about the same.

I've been completely off the PD meds since Jan. 25, Myraelaine, but I am still taking Turmeric, Vitamin D and Calcium, Acidophilus, Metamucil, Omeprazole, Allegra, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Bentyl. Actually, Bentyl used to be used as a PD med until "better" meds came along, but I am taking it for digestion problems.

We're very consciously eating Super Foods, and most of it raw, with limited wheat and milk products.
At 3/06/2008 6:17 AM , PD Warrior said...

DB, I have never had a nerve velocity test myself, but I do understand they can be quite painful at times. I am glad you came through yours without too much difficulty.

You continue to be in my prayers
At 3/06/2008 9:36 AM , Dirty Butter said...

Thanks, Warrior, for your prayers. I pray you are doing OK, too.

I was already in so much back pain when I had it done 2 years ago that I really didn't remember much about how painful it was. But I can testify that it hurt this week!

Glad it's OVER!
At 3/10/2008 3:33 AM , Jackie said...

Glad to hear the tests are over and done with. I often find the ones doing them have no idea of the discomfit that people go through.

Hopefully the results will be good.
At 3/10/2008 7:44 AM , Dirty Butter said...

Jackie, she surprised me and said she had to take the test before she could give the Nerve Velocity test, because it is so uncomfortable - and that was just the easier test! One of the Neurologists in the practice did the Electromyography, since it is invasive I suppose. That's the one with the needles that really hurts!