After reading about so many neuromuscular & autoimmune disorders on how negative test doesn't always mean a 'positive' diagnosis, I'm wondering if this is a good news or not.
Cleveland Clinic is amazing, I took my emg test and received the results all in the same day!
So, my real question is...what kind of questions do I ask the neurologist when I see her? Or, do I settle with what's been offered to me?
Last week I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, by my rheumatologist and began medication immediately, as well as beginning aquatic therapy in a few days. I have seen a little difference at times, but nothing amazing yet.
Hi Working Dad - As I mentioned before and sorry to say, with a negative EMG you could still have small fiber neuropathy (SFN), and based on your symptoms, I would definitely discuss this possibility with your neurologist. As a person with SFN myself, I have thought that your symptoms sounded more like SFN than anything else (and didn't sound like fibromyalgia from the little that I know). Actually about the best article I've found about SFN is by Dr. Lan Zhou of the Cleveland Clinic. You can find it by googling "small fiber neuropathy cleveland clinic." The upside of SFN as opposed to other neuropathies is that often your muscle strength and muscle coordination aren't affected. If you do have SFN, it is not the end of the world. Three years into SFN, I am still the same active, happy person I've always been. It was the period of getting diagnosed and adjusting to the reality that was the difficult part, and it was people on this board that helped me the most with that. Best to you, Ruby
Last edited by Ruby8; 07-18-2011 at 11:16 PM.
Reason: addition
Hi Working Dad - As I mentioned before and sorry to say, with a negative EMG you could still have small fiber neuropathy (SFN), and based on your symptoms, I would definitely discuss this possibility with your neurologist. As a person with SFN myself, I have thought that your symptoms sounded more like SFN than anything else (and didn't sound like fibromyalgia from the little that I know). Actually about the best article I've found about SFN is by Dr. Lan Zhou of the Cleveland Clinic. You can find it by googling "small fiber neuropathy cleveland clinic." The upside of SFN as opposed to other neuropathies is that often your muscle strength and muscle coordination aren't affected. If you do have SFN, it is not the end of the world. Three years into SFN, I am still the same active, happy person I've always been. It was the period of getting diagnosed and adjusting to the reality that was the difficult part, and it was people on this board that helped me the most with that. Best to you, Ruby
Thanks again Ruby! I am reading the article you referenced above. And I am planning on speaking to my neurologist on SFN.
