I'm sure you'll do fine with the myelogram. I didn't want to answer your post because I don't want to cause you any more anxiety. I had a myelogram done on my cervical spine in Jan. 09. The procedure was going fine, had some drugs to relax me. As soon as the doctor injected the dye it caused severe pain in my sacrum area and he said it irritated some nerves. They immediately gave me more fentayl(sp?) and finished the test. It didn't even hurt in my neck where I have the disc problems. I've continued to have lower back/sacrum/leg pain and weakness since the test and the only answer I've had is it irritated some nerves. They say anything like this is rare and that normally the test causes no problems. I made sure I didn't lay flat for 24 hours like they said and also drank plenty of water and caffenated beverages. They say that helps flush out the dye. As for the pain of the procedure it really wasn't that bad. I hope I haven't scared you even more. Like I said they say any serious problems are rare. I hope it goes well for you because this test does show more than just an mri.
Good luck.
Debbie

thanks debbie
for replyin and no ya didn't scare me..love to hear others stories..
sorry for your ordeal with it.
hope you have pain free days
ty again for replyin
mary

Hopefully your myelogram is over by now and all went well. Please let me know how you're doing. Remember to just take it easy today and drink lots. I'm sure you'll have no problems with it at all. Usually things aren't nearly as bad as we think they will be. Take care,

Debbie

is that similar to a discography? because i have scared myself to death reading post about that .so much so i don't even think that i am going to have it ,let us know how you went on
STRAKER

Tony,

A myelogram is not like a discogram at all. The myleogram is just injecting some dye into the spinal space and them tilting the table to take pictures. As the dye travels if there is a nerve issue it can place additional pressure on the nerve's. The good thing is, doesn't take to long. I had one done for for the lumbar and cervical regions last October and have had several on my cervical spine before. So there is pain but instantly with the dye if you have nerve issues but it is short lived or I should say the pressure that causes it doesn't last long. The biggest problem is that some don't lay flat following the procedure with the head elevated and developed spinal headaches from the the needle whole not closing where the dye was injected. A very small few just have bad luck and get the headache. I say headache but it is no headache, feels like a freight train is going through your head. In that event they need to go back for a spinal patch and blood will be pumped from your arm back into the spinal space. I have never gotten one from a myelo but did from a block for a knee surgery, either I missed the directions about laying down or someone assumed I would be sleeping due to surgery and didn't tell me. Either way it was resolved with a trip to the ER. The myelo is designed to give them a good look at the cord and the exiting nerve roots.

Mary back to you how did the myelo go any results yet or how long do you have to wait to get them. Hope everything turned out okay for you. Keep us posted.

I think it is all a matter of who does it and how good they are at it. Sometimes just dumb luck...

My myelogram went all wrong. I thought my head was coming off while they were doing it. Unlike tamtam mine hurt horribly from the moment they started. Then turned into a puncture and resulting hole in my spine and freight train headache.

I've had 2 discograms. They're not so bad. 1 with sedation and 1 without. Does it hurt? Sure it does. It's short lived and is the acid test after all imaging has been done.

Refusing to do either of these if your surgeon insists you do it is just foolish. Why bother seeing the surgeon. Given how much pain people deal with on a daily basis. These tests and associated pain are short lived. Barring the unlucky few who get severe headaches from spinal leak or allergic to the dye. Even after a bad experience I would do what this surgeon wants because I trust him and his judgement.

Have them give you something to calm your nerves down before the test. But not dope you up so you can't feel pain. The whole point is to see what triggers the pain.

Graham