Here is Google's definition of an EMG test: Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve's stimulation of the muscle. The test is used to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities. During the test, one or more small needles (also called electrodes) are inserted through the skin into the muscle.

I have had an EMG and yes they can be painful. But the test will tell the doctor if anything is wrong with your nerves/muscles.

I fully understand what it's like to be on a limited income and/or have crappy insurance. I'm not sure what your income is or are you working? If you have numerous health conditions you may want to file for Social Security disability. They normally deny you automatically the first time around. I got ahold of an attorney firm called Binder & Binder. They specialize in disability cases. They don't charge a fee unless they win your case. They are one of the few places that will help you file from day one all the way to the end. They know what files to get from doctors and how to present your case.

I kept getting denied and they fought for me. I had to go in front of a judge. He took one look at my medical information and said you qualify for disability.

Long term disability requires you to have a condition/conditions that prevent you from working and/or result in death.

Doctors documentation is crucial. Start keeping a notebook (daily) of your pain level and what you can or cannot do. Such as pain was a 10 for me today. I could not walk more than 10 feet etc.

If you are on disability for 2 years you qualify for Medicare. You can also get a Medicare supplement to help. It at least gives you insurance.

I would also contact your local Human Services dept. where you live. You may qualify for different programs based on income.

Hope this helps!

That's great that you have an understanding PCP ,that's a big problem for many of us. My PCP who's really caring and understanding is leaving the practice in a month and I'll have to find another one. This doctor was so cool because he hated insurance companies to and all the hoops they make patients jumped through. If he saw me at the hospital he'd stop and ask what wad going on and go over my test results ASAP, it's not going to be easy to replace him. Donna, I take the tramadol 3xs daily, Cymbalta 1x a day and for a flare up, I combine the flexiril (the only time I take the muscle relaxer). When the pain senses the flexiril, if I take it in time will back the pain down some. I don't sleep at night or in the daytime, I'm lucky to get 4-5 hours a night. Your not alone in despising the insurance companies, so many of them are screwing us on a daily basis. Talk to you soon,
Brenda

@A MyFibroTeam Member. My pcp is pretty good and very knowledgeable about fibro. Just when I have a fare up tramadol doesn't help. I just sleep all day like I did today to avoid the pain and now I'm worried I won't sleep tonight. It might be better now that I know I can take 2 pills. I hate insurance. They own the medical field

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@A MyFibroTeam Member 6 hours is not working. I took 2 last night. That is 100 mg. That was a little better. He oked it. I'm not sure he will continue to prescribe it. So your saying take 200 mg am and pm?

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@A MyFibroTeam Member I see pyschatrist to get my ambient and he helps me deal with the depression

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