GazzaB's blog: "Health Update"

Today I have been given an appointment to attend the Neurophysiology Department at Newcastle General Hospital for my nerve conduction studies. I will be attending on Tuesday 22nd January at 2:30pm. I have been told that the tests will last for around one hour. The EMG tests, study how well muscles and nerves are functioning. Small electric pulses are used to study the nerves, if muscles need to be examined, then a fine needle is used. Hopefully for me these tests will be conclusive and then I can have surgery if this is required. The sooner my life is back to normal and pain free the better.

I have been to my local hospital to see my consultant today for the first time regarding my carpal tunnel syndrome. I had various tests on my arms and hands, but I have been referred for nerve conductivity tests because my consultant could not say 100% that my problems are carpal tunnel related. There is a slight doubt that it could be caused by arthritis though even this he could not be sure about. I have been told that I will have to wait between 2 – 8 weeks for my latest tests, but would be able to have decompression surgery on my wrists if that what is needed fairly soon afterwards. My operations will not take place at my local hospital but in Hexham. This will mean that instead of travelling 2 miles, I will have to travel 25 miles for my ops. To be honest I am not bothered about the distance rather I would have them sooner than later.