I know how you feel, I have had some strange new episodes after my cervical fusion in 2007. I hope everything works out for you and your Dr appointment
goes well. Try not to worry and put extra stress on yourself.
Ranger

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having these pains and muscle spasms. It can be so scary to start feeling this way after surgery. Although my problem is my lumbar I know what it's like to start having pain and spasms and new pain after surgery. I started having the pain return and now is worse about 3 months after my lumbar fusion. It's so frustrating when you take the risk to have the surgery and then start having issues. I truly hope it's nothing serious and that the doc gives you some good news on Monday. Keep us posted.

So I go to the surgeon he took some xrays doesn't see much but maybe a little narrowing at one of the levels (never said which) so now he has ordered a mylogram. I have just two comments (now I am going to vent) why is it that these Drs make it seem like we are drug addicts when all we are looking for is some relief. I said I need something to sleep well you should see your ortho Dr I said I did he sent me to you so now I am in the middle of this vicious circle and I am the one in pain, I said I am not leaving here with out something for pain and the muscle spasms. He saw that I wasn't kidding and wrote me a perscription for Valium and Vicodin. I don't understand why we have to go through this. I have not had a prescription from this man in over 7 months its not like I am there every week looking for pills....OK so no I feel better. My second comment is what is a mylogram like he said its a cat scan and they put some dye in your back?? Does it hurt.....Thanks for listening...

Hey Libby,

I just had a myelogram last week was the third one I have had. Actually the test itself isn't to bad depending on what is wrong. They will insert a needle more than likely into your lumbar region with some dye that goes in the subachrondrial space. Once, that is complete you will be laying a table that moves. The radiologist will then tilt the table to have the dye move towards your cervical region. Once the dye reaches this area they will begin taking pictures should last about 15-20 minutes depending on what segments have been ordered. They will also position your head in such a fashion as to get a clear view. I myself since I am a three level fusion find that position a bit difficult. I won't say the test is pain less, but to find out what is wrong is worth it in my eyes. Sometimes they will also do a CT following the test while the dye is still there, as well. Once the test is over you will be asked to lay flay with your head at I believe a 45 degree angle(not sure exactly). Once they are sure your vitals are all good you will leave and spend the remainder of the day laying flat. I do caution you that you stay laying flat. There is a headache that can develop, and it is not like any headache it is brutally painful and sometimes spinal patches have to be done(had one after a lumbar block). The following day you can be up and around but shouldn't do anything to heavy and the third day you are good to go.

The myelogram will have the best look at your cord and the surrounding nerve roots. Also since you have a fusion they can get a better look at the fusion itself. I am glad they surgeon gave you a script for valium as it is the only muscle relaxer that works with myelogram. How long will you have to wait to get the results following the procedure? Anyway hope this helps and keep us posted.

I am afraid of the headache because a long time ago I had to have a spinal tap and I did develop the headache and it was the worst pain I have ever had. So I will be careful. They were supposed to call me and schedule the myelogram and the follow up with the Dr but as usual no one called. I'll call them tomorrow! Thanks

Have you had the mylogram yet? I hope it went well and you had no headache from it. Are you still in pain? What did the mylogram show? Hope it was good news.
ilene

They are still waiting for the insureance to approve it before they schedule it. And yes the pain is there but its bearable at this point....Just waiting.

I have my myelogram and CT Scan scheduled for 11/24...I have a question the womand at the Dr office said it takes about 4 hours....Does anyone know does it really take that long???

Hi Libby,

That sounds about right on the time. The test it self takes maybe a half hour or so. But that time includes the time they will have you rest to be sure you have no effects of the dye. Also following the test they like for you to lay flat so that maybe the time they are adding into it. I actually had someone drop me off then just called them when I was ready to be picked up. Be sure that the remainder of the day you are laying down. So make sure you don't have any plans the rest of the day.