Misery and Mirth

Pinched Nerve & Lymphadema

I saw my neurologist today for my NCV & EMG testing.

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test of the speed of conduction of impulses through a nerve.
The nerve is stimulated, usually with surface electrodes, which are patch-like electrodes placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations. One electrode stimulates the nerve with (usually) a very mild electrical impulse.
The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to calculate the nerve conduction velocity.

I was being shocked many many multiple times all over my feet and legs, front and back of them for over TWO HOURS. The edema was causing difficulty in the electrodes getting readings and one or 2 nerves in my right leg was showing no response on the machine though it was sure jumping from the shocks. Dr.begum and her assistant cranked up the machine almost to the max it goes to 1000, they were taking it up to 800. This definaltey was not “mild discomfort” and when it was done Dr.Begum said she was really surprised I hadn’t been yelling and allowed them to keep trying.

Dr.Begum said the fact that they could not get a nerve to respond in my right leg , accomapnied with my back pain likley mean I have a pinched nerve in my spine, blocking the electrical flow of this nerve in my leg. So I am going for ANOTHER MRI this time of my lower spine on August 5th.

Electromyography(EMG) is a test that assesses the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles.
For an EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope, and may be heard through a speaker. After placement of the electrodes, you may be asked to contract the muscle (for example, by bending your foot). The presence, size, and shape of the wave form—the action potential—produced on the oscilloscope provide information about the ability of the muscle to respond when the nerves are stimulated.

The EMG only took a few minutes. Dr.Begum placed needle in my back to try and locate the pinched nerve, in my legs and feet.The needle pokes were actually less painful than the shocking, the only poke that really hurt was in the top of my foot. Most spots they poked or zapped are still sore and I was told may be sore for a few days.

Dr.Begum discussed my swelling which she says is caused by Lymphedema and /or interstitial edema.

Lymphedema is a notoriously debilitating progressive condition with no known cure. The unfortunate patient faces a lifelong struggle of medical, and sometimes surgical, treatment fraught with potentially lethal complications.

The underlying problem is lymphatic dysfunction, resulting in an abnormal accumulation of fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg. This condition underscores the tremendous importance of a normally functioning lymphatic system, which returns proteins, lipids, and accompanying water from the cells/tissues to the venous circulation (blood vessels).

The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run through your body. Lymph vessels collect a fluid that is made up of protein, water, fats, and wastes from the cells of the body. Lymph vessels carry this fluid to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter waste materials and foreign products, and then return the fluid to your blood. If your vessels or nodes become damaged or are missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the system.

Interstitial Edema an abnormal accumulation of fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your body. Every cell in your body is bathed in watery liquid—fluid that constantly cycles back and forth between your bloodstream and the gaps between your tissue cells called the interstitial space. Any disruption in the flow of fluid between this space and your blood can cause water retention, which can result in swollen ankles and legs

The condition ranges from swollen ankles and facial puffiness to full leg pitting edema and shortness of breath. While the leg edema is cosmetically distressing, the dyspnea (difficult or labored respiration) caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues surrounding the lungs can limit normal activity.

Maybe I should stop going for testing? Seem most everytime I get a test done the doctor(s) find some new anomaly or problem.