I'm scheduled for a myelogram on April 21, and even though I had one about two years ago, I think it must be a little like labor - - I've forgotten a lot about it. I'm wondering if there will be any aftereffects the next day or so.

I had one 3 months ago and the only after effect was some soreness where the needles went it. A little ice off and on and I was okay.

Good luck with yours...I hope you get the results you are looking for.

Carol

Hi Carken & Carol,

I'm sorry Carken that I can't answer your question, but, I have one for you, if you don't mind?

What is a myelogram?

Thanks Bernie

Bernie,
Below is a definition of a myelogram and what it shows. I had an MRI recently and the findings were inconclusive because the problem is just above the area where I had a fusion and there's hardware there.

Carole

What it is:

A myelogram is an older test that is used to examine the spinal canal and spinal cord. Before the CAT scan and then the MRI scan, the myelogram was the best test to determine whether there was pressure on the spinal nerves from various causes. During this test, a special X-ray dye is placed into the spinal sac. Today, the myelogram is still used for very special purposes, but it is not normally the first test that is used if your doctor suspects you may have a herniated disc.

What the test shows:

The special myelogram dye shows up on X-rays. Multiple X-rays are taken during the myelogram. The dye outlines the spinal cord and nerve roots. Anything that is pushing into the nerves shows up as an indentation pushing into the spinal sac. This indentation could be from a herniated or bulging disc, lesions, tumors, or injury to the spinal nerve roots. The myelogram is often combined with a CAT scan to get a better view of the spine in cross section.

Thanks, Carol - I was thinking there wasn't much, but I couldn't remember. Probably the worst part right now is being off the anti-inflammatory meds until it's done.

Carole

Carol,

Thanks for the great explanation!! I too have had a Lumbar fusion and, with the Ct's, the radiologist says that he can't see because of the glare from the hardware. So, I wondered how they would be able to without doing surgery first. My Neuro is pretty sure that I have a failed fusion and we already know that the disc above it is bulging and causing some compression.

Please let me know how it turns out for you.

My prayers are with you,
Bernie