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I am chicken.  My rd thinks I have a nerve problem.  I am going in for a electrical nerve test, he said it can be painful.  Anyone had that test?  Also, I am getting cortisone shots in both shoulders and both hips.  Please let me know what to expect.  Gratefully,  RoxanneIf it is the same thing they give to check carpal tunnel damage I had it in 93 yes it hurt.  I am a big wimp though so what was very painful for me probably won't be bad for the average person.  Do Not know about the cortizone my dad had them and said they weren't that bad he however was not a wimp... so it would probably knock me to my knees.Roxy, I've had two nerve conduction tests on my right arm, shoulder area... I didn't find it very uncomfortable.  Strange sensations, but not hurtful.  I do have a fairly high tolerance for pain, so that might have effected it as well.   Just relax, breathe and think of some peaceful places you would rather be... :)   As far as the cortisone... I had one in my shoulder many years ago for bursitis, OUCHY!!!! Roxy, I had both hips recently injected for bursitis. I was nervous but for me it went really well without any pain at all! I did take it easy for a few days as my doctor instructed. This is the first time in over a year that I haven't had hip pain. Good luck with all of your procedures.   I think I have a high tolerance to pain but I also take my painkillers.  Who knows.  My Enbrel injection does not bother me at all.  This just feels like one more thing I don't want to do.  Thanks all of you.  I would love to get more feedback.  I am doing a survey

    I worked in physical Therapy for 10 yrs and they did alot of nerve conduction tests and I don't remember anyonr saying it hurt, of course that was many years ago. Good Luck. you're tough you will do find. Pat

OMG  I am in so much pain.  At the rds office, the rd pressed at this place on my shoulder that I jumped with pain.  Now my whole arm is hurting and it really hurts.  I wonder what the hell he pressed.  Any ideas?I just had a nerve conductivity test about 2 weeks ago.  It hurt me.  The higher he turned the dial the higher I jumped out of my chair.  It felt like he was snapping my nerves with a rubberband---a very BIG rubberband.

I didn't find the nerve tests bad at all.

The cortisone shots really helped my knees. They didn't affect my shoulder, but I think that's because there's tendon damage, etc.

I'd go for both. One, you want to rule out any possible nerve damage. Doing it is going to get a much clearer diagnosis and a more focused treatment.

The cortisone is definitely worth trying. With as much pain that you have in your hips, I think you'll be wishing they tried it sooner. The shot does hurt. The needle looks awful. But the put on some freezing spray. My doc is a regular artist with doing these. Then, you might be inflamed for the next couple of days. But they probably let you do some water exercises. Then, after that water exercise and walking should both get easier.

I've had cortisone inj in knees, fingers,toes, elbows, wrists and a thumb. They all hurt some but it was a tiny price for great long lasting relief.

I've had a nerve conduction test for the ulnar nerve whch found my ulnar nerve to be normal but showed carpel-tunnel to be present. It was uncomfortable rather than painful. I had a very nice lady doctor who talked to me the entire time. Not scary at all.

Hi Roxy...I had the nerve test done for carpel tunnel two years ago.  At the time I couldn't feel my fingers...everything was numb and it drove me crazy.  so uncomfortable.  The test wasn't that pleasant and it did hurt, but nothing I couldn't deal with.  I was just so anxious for the diagnosis so I could get surgery, which is what happened to my right hand.  After surgery no problem!   Had surgery on one hand and then started mtx.  In 1 month didn't need it on the second hand!  Bottom line was the pain wasn't so bad as I wanted the results so bad to get it fixed!

Susan

   Roxy, I had the nerve tests done last year. It sort of reminded me of using the tens unit. They tested the nerves in my arms and shoulder. The only time that it hurt was when they placed the electrode needles into the back of my neck near the hairline. Plus I got a bruise from the grounding cup but then I do bruise easy. After the test, my arms were tingling. Felt funny but not painful.
   I've had several cortisone shots, 3 in my hand and one in the shoulder. Didn't hurt when they gave it to me as they used a topical numbing spray first. The one in the shoulder was sore after a couple of hours and the ones in the hand made it hurt like hell after a couple of hours.
   When I first complained about my shoulder to the doc he pressed on it to see what was going on. When he pressed on the area on the top part of my shoulder, OMG! Hurt like hell and went all the way down the arm to the elbow. Found out later that he was checking the rotator cuff. Later on they had to go in and clean up the rotator cuff. When they told me about all of the damage, I understood why it was hurting like it had been.
    Roxy, I hope that you have only minor damage or none to the shoulder and that the nerve test shows something simple. Girl, you need to catch a break.


    MarisaI had three nerve tests done last summer. The first two came back
inconclusive so I had the lovely third. By then I was sick and tired of the
whole darn thing! It didn't feel too bad---wouldn't want to do it unless it
was necessary though. Have you ever put your hands on one of those
metal spheres that makes your hair stand up on your head? That's what it
feels like(sorry, science teacher here....).

I have had shots in my knees and chest. My RD can do it almost without
causing any pain. He says he has "golden hands". My pain dr. is evil!

I hope you feel better soon. Better to let the dr.'s do what they think
needs to be done so you will have the energy to get your new house all
set up they way you want it!

Becky

Roxy~I thought you've had cortisone injections before.

I personally am a HUGE fan. Love them!! Everyone I've had worked really well.

The one for me that I thought was the most painful was in my shoulders. (I've had them in knees, hips, shoulders....and one in the butt they said would help all over. That was the only one like that I'd had) I've had them in both Shoulders on the same day too....and I'd do it again in a heart beat if I was in that kind of shape again. The times I've had them I could not raise my arms above my head to brush my hair. The difference for me is light night and day pretty much over night.

The small amount of pain is well worth it. I hate the Humira injections....but not enough to stop me from getting the benifits from it. I'll go for a couple minutes pain for days, weeks or moths of relief!

Definately schedule the nerve test. You need to get a clear understanding of what's going on Sweetie. Even if it's painful....you're one strong lady. You'll be fine. The peace of mind it's likely to provide one way or the other will be worth it.

Sounds like I better suck it up and do it all.  I am sick of hurting.  My rd is certain I have tendonitis and soft tissue damage.  I don't have polymiositis - tests came back negative. 

My shoulder is a bit better.  I took a percocet and a muscle relaxer and I am not out of it.  Amazing.  I must be building a tolerance to pain meds

I got no packing done today.  Nada done.  The whole family is grouchy.  Kelsey smoked up her alloted cigs and we won't give her more and Brett keeps worrying if we are doing the right thing.  Geeeeeesh, I can't wait to get there.  Beam us up Scottie.  I know everyone will be happy once we are in that wonderful house.  We will be especially happy once Brett's house sells.  Pray, pray, pray.

Well one thing about this pain.  It does not allow me to push my limits.  I feel stuck, like a statue,

Roxy, you may feel stuck, like a statue, but I bet that would be one strong statue. Hang in there gal. I would love to live on the water like you will be doing. The pictures were so beautiful.. You guys will love the house & the surroundings.

When will the house warming party be???? We will all be there!! Can we go out on a boat ride?  lol

Trisha

Hey Lovie;  I have had several cortisone injections in the butt.  No problem but not directly in the joint

Trish,  Anytime.  That is what I keep telling myself, once we get there....................  If we don't have a boat yet we got the hot tub, the lake for fishing and plenty of gardens.  Don't forget the waterfall.  How could I NOT fall in love with this house.  Living in CA all these years, the price was amazing to us but who knows.  Everything else I looked at in that price range in the area did not even come close.

I can't wait to sign the papers.  Hoping tomorrow.  We hired movers as I can't lift.  Seeing the funds drain is pretty scary.  Brett's house has to sell !!!!  I am keeping my doctors here but I am going to have to find some up there for regular appts.  That makes me so sad.  I have the best doctors here but it is time to move on. 

I dream about teaching college.  There are two colleges and I have learned so much over the years in my career I would love to share.   If not that, I can substitute teach as I have my credential.  I love kids and subs have it easy.   One day at a time................ this is probably why my neck is so stiff.  I am letting this stuff stress me out

Glad you are moving into your dream house and hope that Bretts house sells soon.

I gotchya.

I've only had one in the butt like you mentioned and it was the easiest. Right into the joint is a little more nerve racking....but honestly not too much worse.

You can do it......you'll thank yourself later!

I have had nerve condution studies before...not fun, but not the worst thing in the world. They just stick a little needle into a muscle and give you a little jolt, and then do that over and over again. Sounds worse than it is. I had a steroid injection into one of my ankles when I was about 17. I dont remember much more than the fact that I had it done so I guess it wasnt too terrible, but still, I would be nervous about it now. I am just a weenie about some things.

I think that sometimes the worst thing is the anticipation of something rather than the actual event. Try not to worry too much about it. You will do fine.
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