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Feeling small as a bug today, wish I could fly away! I had my EMG tests today and let's just say, they were shocking! I took a couple of tylenol prior, hoping it would take the edge off. The pain from the needles wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, though the electrodes were the most painful/uncomfortable.

The doctor actually gives you a shock or jolt of electricity, then more and more until she/he gets the results they are looking for. Painful enough to get your attention. It made me jumpy, anticpating the next jolt which would leave you flinching from it. Most weren't bad until the doctor tested the area where I had the most pain. Then I really took notice.

The doctor was 30ish, and a pretty red head, German, with no bed side manner whatsoever, quite void of emotion. Completely analytical, focused and all business, yet she was wearing a long floral skirt and a blue jean jacket. What's that all about? Cold as a fish. :) She didn't smile however when I asked her a particular question about her profession for a milisecond I think I actually heard a smile in her voice rather than saw one on her face. I have to say she did a thorough job and my anticipation was worse than the procedures. NOTE TO SELF: never read about the procedure on the internet prior to the appointment.

She did give me a glowing report though and said I had no never damage- YAY! I will survive. Now on to the hand specialist for more tests.

This morning I go in for an EMG test. My understanding is that the test is unpleasant and painful-oh joy! I feel like a human guinea pig, not enjoying the thought of being stuck with several needles intramuscularly (electrodes) and then the electrical activity is picked up by the electrodes and monitored to see if there isn any nerve damage. Geez Louise! I KNOW.

The knowledge that in 20 minutes to an hour I will be out of there and back to work motivates me. Then once the test results are in, I will be sent to a hand specialist. I just want to get on with working again without pain.

I am off to take some Tylenol...I was hoping to take something much stronger...he he, but tis not the case.

Have a great Wednesday and say a prayer for me will you?

By Anatoly Liberman

First I would like to respond to the comments on my discussion of spelling reform. I was aware of the continuing efforts by some groups to simplify English spelling, but I think their chances of success are slim, because there is no public awareness of the damage done by our erratic spelling system. We need respelling bins, similar to the now ubiquitous recycling bins. (more…)

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