Carpal tunnel syndrome queston?

i have had the examination and surgery . my wife is a very timid woman and easily scared she is to undergo this test monday. should i warn her the test is very painful or keep my mouth shut?please answer only if you have had this expierence yourself.

Explain that it's called an EMG - and that they run a small voltage charge down her arm to determine the speed of the nerve response, and therefore, nerve damage.

Mention that its a little uncomfortable, but you're sure she'll do a lot better with it than you did.

Leave it at that.

Keep your mouth shut. Dont scare her more. Shell be fine when she goes there

I would tell her to expect some pain, because it does hurt. But don't tell her that it's going to hurt THAT much.

Is the test she's having an EMG? If so, I highly recommend she go in prepared. I had this done many years ago w/o knowing beforehand. Besides the discomfort it was very freaky.

Web MD gives a good explanation of the test and what to expect. http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_ato...

I agree with the other ladies, it's best to not say too much about the pain factor. However, if she asks you to be honest or you really do think she need to be prepared then tell her. Either way, just love her, support her and be there for her. That's what loving someone is all about. You can't always protect them from the bad stuff but I understand why you want to. My girlfriend is everything to me and if it were her I'd be praying for a way for me to get handed the pain so she wouldn't have to deal with it. But...doesn't work like that. Good luck to you both.

Well, if you're referring to the nerve conduction test, I didn't find it painful. A tad uncomfortable, but nothing compared to coming off the back end of a Harley at 70 mph.

Why get her wound up ahead of time? Stress makes pain much worse. Perhaps the person doing the test can help her with some breathing exercises.

I also had the carpal tunnel surgery done in both wrists. One was done years ago the old way, where they filet the wrist and palm wide open. Yeah, that hurt for awhile. But the other one was done more recently, with the scope, and it was a piece of cake.

Everyone dreads procedures---why make it worse for her? She might have more pain tolerance than you do, and it might not faze her.

Don't tell her, she probably will not do it. If she realizes what is facing her soon. Just be there to support her.

It may not bother her at all, unless you scare her to death ahead of time.

I had it done and didn't find it painful at all. My drama queen niece had it done, however, and still talks about the excruciating pain to anyone who'll listen (yawn.) Personally, I can't wait until she has a baby.

We all have diferent levels of tolerance and the Fear Factor can also make it worse. I wouldn't say anything to her if she's already timid.