Hi everyone i am new to this site....my mom has had tons of tests done for cancer, circulation prob, MRI on her spine, blood work, all the tests in the world...her next test is an EMG this wednesday...This may be a dumb question but how does an EMG test for FM when i thought "no tests can test for FM"? i thought it was more based on the 18 tender spots? i just started researching FM and restless leg syndrome. My mom has had pain in her legs for about 6mths and it has gotten worse and has cause her to emotions to go downhill. My mom has had an active life style and can not get used to the fact that she just lays down most of the day...my mom never stopped till it was time to go to bed. The dr. have found that all the tests that they did on her came back normal...they said they rule out FM and are leaning towards RLS BUT.....i have read that sometimes these go hand in hand.....what would cause the Dr. to rule out FM and go to RLS? My moms symptoms are aching legs.....they ache more when she walks and stretches...she explains them as a funny feeling....her legs let her sleep and they wake up tight in the morning...one more thing BEFORE this all started to happen my mom was put on Paxil or PAXHELL she took herself off of the med because she didn't like how it was making her body feel. Could this also cause FM or RLS? anyone with info please reply!!!!!!!
thanks

An EMG can rule out neurological problems, such as pinched nerves, hurniated discs and some others. I've been through just about any test there is to be done. I was dx with FM a little over a year ago. I felt we had it under control. Then all of a sudden my arms and leggs fell like I have lead weights on them. Combing my hair is a major production. The dr. has done every blood test imaginable, x-rays, and I am sceduled for a cat scan. Let your mom know that antidepressants are common in treating FM. If Paxil didnt work for her perhaps something else will. Best of luck to you both.

Hi Anitraangel,
I am a lot like your mom. I too would stay very, very busy till time for bed. I also moved about quickly. Now it is like I aged 25 years in a matter of months. This pain has really slowed me down. I think the doctor is leaning more toward RLS instead of FMS because your mom does not have pain in all four quadrants of her body. I am new to this, but I do believe that you must have widespread pain in all four quadrants for a minimum of three months. I do have pain all over my body, from head to toe. I do hope your mom gets some relief for her legs. Take care.
HKC http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
One other thing, tell your mom to ask the doctor to give her something to relax during the EMG. I wish I had known that I could have taken something to relax. I had a very difficult time during the EMG test. I have not been myself since this test and still wondering if I am an isolated case. Tell your mom not to worry because I have made many post about my experience with the EMG on two seperate boards and have not yet met anyone who experienced what I have.
I do not want to scare her, but she should talk to her doctor is she has any anxiety.

[This message has been edited by HKC (edited 01-20-2003).]

If you suspect RLS, take the initiative to get into have a sleep study done. They watch you as you sleep and can measure movement - they put electrodes all over the body and you go to sleep. None of this hurts, BTW.