mistyone
10-28-2003, 10:33 PM
who has had this and does it hurt? i have heard that it does. do not candy coat this info here for me i want to know the truth.................somone tell me the truth how bad does it hurt and how long does it last
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NYFUSED
10-28-2003, 11:37 PM
Hello Mysti,
I myself posted the same question prior to my 3/03 ct/myelogram. I cannot tell you how your test will go but give you my experience. First off I took 5mg. of valium prior to the test. FIrst they took x-rays. The made me lay down flat on my stomach and injected me with a numbing agent. I only felt a small pinch. Then the inject the dye. I did not feel anything, pain free. After the injection they tilt you on the table so the dye goes into the cervical spine area. I felt throbbing near the injection site and as they tilted me I started to get a headache. The dr. that did my procedure was excellent. He kept asking me how bad the pain was and would guide me step by step during the test. As soon as the dye was where they wanted it x-rays were immediately taken and then I was wisked away for the cat scan. That took approx 10 min. By that time the headache was extremely bad. I was unable to,lift my head up due to the pain. They sent me to recovery and I was told to lay still with head elevated slightly. Within 1 hour the headache was GONE. I had minor lumbar pain. I was sent home 5 hours after the initial test was started. My experience was very good. I have no problem if I had to have another one done. I wish you luck and try not to be nervous. This test shows it all!!!! If I did not have a myelogram I would have never found out what my true problems were. My first NS thought it was all in my head, until I went for a 2nd opinion and he ordered the myelogram.
Good luck and let us know how you do.
LORI
LAMINECTOMY L4-5 20001
ACDF C5-6-7 10/2002
POST. LAMINECTOMY-FORAMINOTOMY C6-7 6/2003
STAPH INFECTION 7/4- 7/9/2003
NEUROGENIC BLADDER
FUTURE SURGERIES:
CTS BOTH HANDS
ACDF C4-5 HERNIATED WITH STENOSIS
L3- S1 FUSION OR ADR ( BLACK DISCS)
I myself posted the same question prior to my 3/03 ct/myelogram. I cannot tell you how your test will go but give you my experience. First off I took 5mg. of valium prior to the test. FIrst they took x-rays. The made me lay down flat on my stomach and injected me with a numbing agent. I only felt a small pinch. Then the inject the dye. I did not feel anything, pain free. After the injection they tilt you on the table so the dye goes into the cervical spine area. I felt throbbing near the injection site and as they tilted me I started to get a headache. The dr. that did my procedure was excellent. He kept asking me how bad the pain was and would guide me step by step during the test. As soon as the dye was where they wanted it x-rays were immediately taken and then I was wisked away for the cat scan. That took approx 10 min. By that time the headache was extremely bad. I was unable to,lift my head up due to the pain. They sent me to recovery and I was told to lay still with head elevated slightly. Within 1 hour the headache was GONE. I had minor lumbar pain. I was sent home 5 hours after the initial test was started. My experience was very good. I have no problem if I had to have another one done. I wish you luck and try not to be nervous. This test shows it all!!!! If I did not have a myelogram I would have never found out what my true problems were. My first NS thought it was all in my head, until I went for a 2nd opinion and he ordered the myelogram.
Good luck and let us know how you do.
LORI
LAMINECTOMY L4-5 20001
ACDF C5-6-7 10/2002
POST. LAMINECTOMY-FORAMINOTOMY C6-7 6/2003
STAPH INFECTION 7/4- 7/9/2003
NEUROGENIC BLADDER
FUTURE SURGERIES:
CTS BOTH HANDS
ACDF C4-5 HERNIATED WITH STENOSIS
L3- S1 FUSION OR ADR ( BLACK DISCS)
Nanner
10-28-2003, 11:40 PM
Misty, my personal experience is that it isn't a day at the beach. It hurts when they insert the needle. Also, they have you move your neck in odd ways to get good views of the problem, but since that's where the problem is, it sure is not comfortable. And then they have you hold the position for what seems like forever.
But you live. And if you take it easy for a couple of days, spend your time laying down, and drink lots of fluids, you should be able to avoid most, if not all, of the headache. I just had minor twinges, and that was 3 days after the test, once I thought I would be safe. Laid down again for a bit and was fine.
I will admit, part of the reason I am not anxious for that second surgery is that the doc wants to do another CT myelogram beforehand. I know I could deal with it, but I only want to go through it again if it is *absolutely* necessary.
Besides, I get twinges in my back at the injection site since the surgery, and numbness in my right foot began following the procedure. I understand that the myelogram supposedly gives the best possible picture of what is going on in the spine, but it IS invasive.
A question for others who have had a myelogram-I have two spots on either side of my spine where the injections were made back in March 2002 that are still readily noticeable. Anyone else have lasting reminders like that?
------------------
Nancy D-ACDF C6-7 on 6/7/02. Donor bone with no hardware
But you live. And if you take it easy for a couple of days, spend your time laying down, and drink lots of fluids, you should be able to avoid most, if not all, of the headache. I just had minor twinges, and that was 3 days after the test, once I thought I would be safe. Laid down again for a bit and was fine.
I will admit, part of the reason I am not anxious for that second surgery is that the doc wants to do another CT myelogram beforehand. I know I could deal with it, but I only want to go through it again if it is *absolutely* necessary.
Besides, I get twinges in my back at the injection site since the surgery, and numbness in my right foot began following the procedure. I understand that the myelogram supposedly gives the best possible picture of what is going on in the spine, but it IS invasive.
A question for others who have had a myelogram-I have two spots on either side of my spine where the injections were made back in March 2002 that are still readily noticeable. Anyone else have lasting reminders like that?
------------------
Nancy D-ACDF C6-7 on 6/7/02. Donor bone with no hardware
mistyone
10-29-2003, 12:12 AM
thank you for your experineces with a ct mylogram. i have to have this done and it is partially because the stupid n/s that i had in the first place put the wrong size metal plate in the back of my neck by about 1/2 " too long for the size of my neck. now, when i have this mylogram does it hurt the metal also that is in there? thank you for your candid explainations. anyone else have this care to commment. i want the full picture as that is what i can deal with.... knowing the truth before hand that i can deal with...nanner thank you and lorriat thank you foryou telling me. all i want at this point is what is truth for anyone who has had this done and what it has been like for you. please be honest and tell me exactly howw much pain i am in for and for how long. that is the only way i can deal with it, the truth is out there.........mistyone
[This message has been edited by mistyone (edited 10-29-2003).]
[This message has been edited by mistyone (edited 10-29-2003).]
DonnaKay
10-29-2003, 01:44 AM
Misty -
I had a CT myelogram in 1997 previous to a fusion at C5-6. I had no discomfort at all with it. Never even felt the needle. But ... I think the reason was b/c I was already in so much pain from my herniation. I wasn't able to take my pain meds that morning due to the water/food intake prohibition before the test, then the test was delayed b/c the "machine was down". They offered to reschedule, but I chose to wait. I am on this board b/c I may be going through this all again just having found out that I have two herniations just above and below the fusion. Please let us know how your procedure goes. Every experience is different, so I am learning from reading the responses to your question. Maybe it will keep me from being blindsided. :)
Good luck with your procedure.
I had a CT myelogram in 1997 previous to a fusion at C5-6. I had no discomfort at all with it. Never even felt the needle. But ... I think the reason was b/c I was already in so much pain from my herniation. I wasn't able to take my pain meds that morning due to the water/food intake prohibition before the test, then the test was delayed b/c the "machine was down". They offered to reschedule, but I chose to wait. I am on this board b/c I may be going through this all again just having found out that I have two herniations just above and below the fusion. Please let us know how your procedure goes. Every experience is different, so I am learning from reading the responses to your question. Maybe it will keep me from being blindsided. :)
Good luck with your procedure.
BABS42
10-29-2003, 11:29 AM
Hi Misty I had one in August. The needle didn't hurt, but when they tilted the table (to move dye to cervical area) it seemed to aggravate "all" my symtoms immediately, plus this pain just traveled from lower back all the way up. Personally I think it is just compressing my spine while tilting, so therefore it aggravated my symptoms. It all subsided when they straitened out the table again. They sent me home right after the test was completed. I got "the headache for 7 days afterwards, but it was much like the cervical headaches I get anyway. I did get a bit of nausea with it. Anyway, all in all, it wasnt as bad as I anticipated. Just keep your head elevated for 24 hours, and then if you get the headache you may be more comfortable laying flat. For me is was pot luck for positioning. They offered me no pain meds, but then again I didnt ask or even tell NS about the headache until I went back for results. If you made it through the surgery, youll be fine with myelogram. It is a shame that they messed up your plate size. I can't believe that!I would be rather upset myself. Keep us posted on how you make out. Take Care Babs
more
10-29-2003, 04:05 PM
I had one prior to my surgery. The only thing I felt was the needle going into the spine. They put in the needle and moved it around because they did not get the correct spot. But it was bearable - no pain after they got it in. The worst part of the mylogram for me was the tipping of the table. I don't know if it was because of the herniations or what - but the dye would not move up my spine to the cervical area so they had to keep tipping the table. At one point the technician in the room assisting the doctor put his hands across my legs to keep me from falling down. I was doing a complete headstand.
After the mylegram they had me stay kneeling on the table with my head down for the CT Scan because they were afraid the dye would go back down and there would be none in the neck. The CT Scan went pretty quickly because they did not want me staying in that position.
After the test they told me to keep my head elevated (above my heart) for at least 24 hours. I had no problems with headaches or other pains after the test.
[This message has been edited by more (edited 10-29-2003).]
After the mylegram they had me stay kneeling on the table with my head down for the CT Scan because they were afraid the dye would go back down and there would be none in the neck. The CT Scan went pretty quickly because they did not want me staying in that position.
After the test they told me to keep my head elevated (above my heart) for at least 24 hours. I had no problems with headaches or other pains after the test.
[This message has been edited by more (edited 10-29-2003).]
mistyone
10-29-2003, 09:31 PM
more- what happens to the dye after they are done with the ct scan does it come out? what are the risks of having this done? do they give you something for the pain while it is being done or afterwards? why do they tell you to keep your head elevated above your heart for 24 hrs? thanks
Sick of Pain
11-03-2003, 01:45 AM
Hello,
I had this test done a few weeks ago and I was terrified. But I must tell you, it was a pleasant experience. I prayed and God carried me through it. The only pain from the needle was the numbing meds they use before they use the actual needle to inject the contrast. It felt like a bee sting for about 5 seconds. After that I felt nothing. They will have you flat on your stomach, with me they stacked sponges under my chin then the table is tipped forwards. This was the greatest of the pain because they made the nerve pinch. If you are afraid ask for a valume. Take care, its not that bad.
I had this test done a few weeks ago and I was terrified. But I must tell you, it was a pleasant experience. I prayed and God carried me through it. The only pain from the needle was the numbing meds they use before they use the actual needle to inject the contrast. It felt like a bee sting for about 5 seconds. After that I felt nothing. They will have you flat on your stomach, with me they stacked sponges under my chin then the table is tipped forwards. This was the greatest of the pain because they made the nerve pinch. If you are afraid ask for a valume. Take care, its not that bad.
more
11-04-2003, 10:50 AM
The dye is obsorbed into your system. The reason for keeping your head elevated is so the dye does not settle (I believe). They also explained by laying flat you have a good chance of getting a headache from the extra product put into your spine.
SORENECKMAN
11-04-2003, 11:38 AM
I just had a ct/myelogram performed yesterday... The most painful part of the test was the pinch from the needle... Nothing else a little pressure maybe. I have a mild headache today.. But so far so good. I had a 1 PM appointment and was back in the car by 3 PM... My lower back has a soreness but nothing severe.
I was anxious before the test, my only fear was "the headache" but so far I am doing fine. Do exactly as the dr tells you.... I stayed sitting down for about a half hour after the test .. Then when I arrived home I sat upright in my recliner for about 8 or 9 hours. I slept a little fitfully but I feel ok...The dr said the dye will be absorbed into my system in about 10 or 11 hours, because it was water based. The tilting of the table was a nerve racking thing but I only experienced a little discomfort between my shoulder blades that lasted for about 10 seconds..
Hope this helps... Dont be worried so much,, everything will be fine.
John
I was anxious before the test, my only fear was "the headache" but so far I am doing fine. Do exactly as the dr tells you.... I stayed sitting down for about a half hour after the test .. Then when I arrived home I sat upright in my recliner for about 8 or 9 hours. I slept a little fitfully but I feel ok...The dr said the dye will be absorbed into my system in about 10 or 11 hours, because it was water based. The tilting of the table was a nerve racking thing but I only experienced a little discomfort between my shoulder blades that lasted for about 10 seconds..
Hope this helps... Dont be worried so much,, everything will be fine.
John
mistyone
11-05-2003, 09:30 PM
I think i am such a scardey cat worse than anyone else on these threads that i am going to insist that the doctor do a bone density scan on me instead of a mylogram..... :bouncing:
I am just not up to these invasive needles right now. :nono:
so i am gonna ask for a bone density to see if the bone graft has took or not or if my bone has took or not to see ifthe hardware can come out.
i HATE needles and would rather go for more surgery and get these metal plates out than get poked in my spine and with my luck wind up with chemical menegitis or some other horror story as i am very allergic to perservatives and sulfites and dyes
:confused:
:jester: no joke about it
:D I only have one me and it has done been through the mill :D
:o sooooooo i am gonna try to escape via the easy way out.......if there is such a thing as an easy way given with what i been through
ta ta :eek:
I am just not up to these invasive needles right now. :nono:
so i am gonna ask for a bone density to see if the bone graft has took or not or if my bone has took or not to see ifthe hardware can come out.
i HATE needles and would rather go for more surgery and get these metal plates out than get poked in my spine and with my luck wind up with chemical menegitis or some other horror story as i am very allergic to perservatives and sulfites and dyes
:confused:
:jester: no joke about it
:D I only have one me and it has done been through the mill :D
:o sooooooo i am gonna try to escape via the easy way out.......if there is such a thing as an easy way given with what i been through
ta ta :eek: