[phylly]

cis,
My Dr. was very concerned about my continued leg, buttock, and back pain and rushed me in for an MRI of pelvis and hips. We already had the lumbar and the surgery was an all clear. He spoke with another Dr. in the Practice and today I had an EMG which showed my piriformis muscle to be crackling quite loudly as soon as the needle went in, while the other areas were very quiet. He gave my an injection of cortisone and long and short acting lidocaine. I think that the buttock pain calmed down until the lidocaine wore off and then it returned. I would be happy to know if I do have a piriformis issue because there are so many things I can do for it including Botox shots. I have always suspected it could be that along with my back issues. I will have to wait and see if the cortisone kicks in and helps in a few days.

Don't be afraid of the EMG, it is very helpful diagnostically and I would do again if needed. At least for me it was helpful to find the irritated muscles. Let us know what happens, it sounds like you are having a rough patch and need to figure out what is happening. BTW I also take quite a bit of nuerontin and muscle relaxer's which help a great deal.
Phylly