I called my EMG my Mind over Matter test. I had been dealing with symptoms which I didn't know at the time were related to MG for quite some time. Most people thought I was just complaining and attributed my symptoms to the recent death of my mother and saying that it would get better. We know our bodies and I knew something was wrong. I felt the EMG was my answer to finally receiving a diagnosis. Small electrodes are placed on various muscles, including face and neck. Small currents are initiated which stimulate a muscle contraction. The machine will then read measurements based on the contraction to relaxation time. I think it's called a decrement. These readings may diagnose your MG. I will be honest and let you know that this is a most uncomfortable test but if you focus totally on your desire for a diagnosis so that you can begin treatment, you'll be more willing to get past the matter of discomfort. This is why I called my EMG my Mind over Matter test. For me, the discomfort of the test was nothing compared to the blessing I received through finally getting a definitive diagnosis. I am not sure where you live, but you should certainly seek out a local support group as I have received so much support and knowledge to be an advocate for my own treatment. I'll say a prayer that you receive a definite diagnosis so that you can move to the next step!

Thank you so much Tracey. That was a really helpful and kind post. I've just been delivering Christmas mail and have come home with my head literally down on my chest. I was reassured to note that they are going to put electrodes on my neck as though I have partial ptosis, the extreme neck weakness and swallowing issues are a biggie for me. So, will be very interested to hear what the readings will amount to. Thank you for your prayers. So appreciated.

Sorry things are not progressing.
Most of us with MG respond very quickly to a single mestinon pill -- take the pill and 1/2 hour later we notice much improvement. So you might ask your doctor to try mestinon.
If you do respond, it makes it very likely you have MG. If not, less likely but still possible.
Good Luck

Hi madoak, I was dx on Sept. 2016 after a year of being misdiagnosed. The first EMG I took which I found to painful was on my face, neck, shoulder and the entire right side of my body. I was shocked with electrodes to see if my muscle and nerves would respond. The first EMG I received in May 2016 was said to be a false positive because all of the symptoms did not meet the benchmark for MG, leaving me to suffer with symptoms until I was given another EMG by a 2nd neurologist after being hospitalized and asking for a 2nd opinion. The 2nd neuro heated the areas that were being tested with a warm towel and warm water. She stated this would make the test more accurate. This was something the 1st neuro had not done on the previous test (fyi). Sept 2016 was the day I finally got an answer and started my long over due treatment plan of mestinon and prednisone . I was so sick my body had just given out and I collapsed at work. I will kept you in my prayers and really hope your EMG gives you the answers you are looking for. Finally getting a dx is worth the discomfort. Good luck !!!

Madoak, I had a long journey to a diagnosis. Well, it was a 360. The first red flag was a closed eye, which was misdiagnosed as Bell's Palsy. I got the droopy eye two more times. A few years later, I woke up with my right side heavy. The first thought was that I had a stroke. About a month later, the neuro diagnosed me with Myasthenia Gravis. However, his accent was so thick, and I didn't understand him.

He gave me some meds and my right side was 85% better, which was a blessing.
However, I still had lingering effects in that I wasn't 100% better. Then, I noticed I couldn't lie on my back w/o gasping for air, after 15 minutes.

Ten years ago, I went to an another neuro. He was older, and he instantly said I had MG. There was no BS. However, that was the first time I "clearly" heard that. He gave me some meds, and he said if I respond to the drugs then that's the proof. Well, I went to another doctor, who said I didn't have it. Yet, I remained on Mestinone. I saw many doctors, and half of them said MG and the others said no.

I even went to a neuro-muscular specialist, which I learned is a glorified title. This lady wanted to put me on steroids. I refused that, so she put me on a time release of MG.

Well, my symptoms got worse, and I requested to see that older neuro. He said I was correct in refusing to take the steroids, at least for now, when there are other options. He increased the frequency of my Mestinone, so I'm taking it at every meal. It made things better for me, but I still feel drained. I have an underlying condition of a Sickle Cell trait that makes it easy for me to be severely anemic.

At this point, I know I have MG. I have a thymus and benefit from Mestinone. Plus, I had the droopy eyelid. The older neuro is soon to retire, so he referred me to my current doc, who told me that I'm just the small minority that will test negative.

In short, it took years to hear that and more to sort through the conflicting opinions of other docs. I swear the younger doctors just want to rely on tests and ignore the signs we have. I just say later for that and search for a doctor that will dig deeper.

I finally feel as if I have that.

In the meantime,

OP, can you list some of your symptoms? The EMG test can be painful -- to some -- if the old instruments are used, but the last one I had used a new technique. I felt nothing. However, the new device couldn't detect any nerve activity, because my nerves are too deep.

I know if you have weaken or dead nerves, you will not feel anything. If it takes a minute to find it, while the doctor taps into live nerves, then you will have some discomfort.

Thank you for your responses. The plan is that I go to London for the tests on Friday (will certainly make sure that I'm warmed up for that one - thanks Quen). Following that I go back on the 9th January to meet up with the neurologist. So, whatever results I will ask about the mestinon. I mainly suffer from problems on my right side - a reason no doctor considered Myasthenia as they sometimes say its symmetrical. However, I have now learned that that is not always true. Looking back, there were many indicators including my face on the left side looking as if it's drifting west on the left. I think because I find it difficult to haul up the right side of my face so it makes an uneven line of my mouth when I close it. I kept looking odd in photos and wondered why!! Difficult to maintain a smile (physically and mood) but I do look normal doing that. I've had some horrible experiences really like not being able to breathe after two operations until the anaesthetic wore off. Yet, the thing is you don't know why it's happening, and no-one pays attention to it unless they stick you on a drip if your blood pressure gets badly low. Even then...no explanation, so you dismiss it. When this really started five years ago, I remember saying that I felt so ill, I thought I would die. I actually left letters in easy to find places to my sister saying what I wanted to happen with the kids (just in case). However, then I'd pick up (after rest - funny that) and wondered if I was a loony case. What a roller coaster. I have tried to find a local support group but interestingly you have to have a diagnosis before joining. I find this site very valuable. I have got progressively worse over the last three months and things have plateaued into pretty much constant neck weakness and eating difficulties. Don't even mention the muscle wastage in my right hand. Actually, I weighed myself this morning and I've lost nearly a stone - I think it takes so much effort to eat that I'm eating less. I guess all of this together makes getting the diagnosis so much more imperative. ..But again, thanks for your stories and very valuable input - it's such a lifesaver.

Hi madoak.... I am sorry that you're neurologist was not as supportive of you. I have experienced some similar kind of reactions and am convinced that some doctors are not comfortable about our unique health issue and do not react as well informed or confident. So they act so dismissive or distant. Well, we are blessed that we can see that right off the bat and then decide to opt for another doctor. Let's choose the BEST for ourselves, shall we? I think its important to remain positive with our journey. It's not always easy but I found that the more I stress, panic and worry.... my symptoms got worst! The EMG nerve testings are not as bad as it seems. It's doable. It really doesn't hurt as much as we think it should. For me.... I looked at it as a blessing that we can actually get tested for it. It helps if perhaps a good positive friend or family member can come with you for this. It makes the journey less burdening. I know that you will be ok. I know that you can get through this. I'm such a sap... and I got through it! Amazing! And I know that even if the doctors are slow in the process.... you will find your own comfort zone, devise some new ways to adapt and have faith. Most of all... know that you are not alone..... Wishing you all good things.
Take care, Abby.

"Madoak: a reason no doctor considered Myasthenia as they sometimes say its symmetrical. However, I have now learned that that is not always true. "

You know the reason for this? It's because people who experience eye drooping are the ones who sometimes have weakness on one side. That was me, and I've heard from doctors who say it has to be symmetrical. I just dismiss those docs. Now, after some years, I'm starting to feel weakness on my left side, but it doesn't negate the fact that MG can be asymmetrical. It's pretty much still asymmetrical for me, with my left side being stronger than the right.

Re: EMG

Don't worry about it. I know I walked w/o any expectations and got through it. If you ask me, it's more numbing and prickly than painful. As Abegail said think of it as a blessing to find answers.