I went to my dr's appt today, and he's ordered a mylogram and he said the electrogram thing... is that the same thing as the discogram? he didn't call it that. But said they would inject a numbing agent and then do the test.
Guys I can't help it,,,, I'm terrified of these tests. Somebody please explain to me in detail what to expect so I can calm down. I can't quit crying, because some of you have said it was horrible.
I'm not a happy camper ! Lisa
__________________
Accident at work March 24, 2003
Diagnosed with strained back and given 3 weeks PT
Continued pain -sent to neurosurgeon MRI showed bulge at L5- continued PT
May appt showed no improvement and increased weakness in right leg. Ordered Myelogram and EMG on May 28th
Myelogram and EMG moved to new date/ June 19
Myelogram showed no impingement. EMG showed nerve damage to the anterior tibialis.
Have drop foot and numbness in thoughout right leg/moving sometimes to left leg.
Numbness in perineium area.
Constant pain treated with Soma and Loratab 10.5.
Was hospitalized for a week after myelogram with ringing ears and pain.
Visited neurosurgeon July 10 and told that I'm having post myelogram syndrome and he believes all my symptoms will pass.
No improvement thus far with nerve damage.
I didn't have a chance to welcome you to the boards so............welcome!
I think what you're talking about is a EMG. I've never had one, but a good friend known here by the name of Cudanut (Cuda, are you lurking - can you help Lisa)? just had one done Tuesday I think.
He said it wasn't bad at all, just some pin pricks into the muscle checking the nerve damage. Hopefully he is lurking and will be answering soon.
Also, alot of folks here have had them and I'm sure if we keep this thread going, that they will answer.
Good luck!
------------------
gbr
JDD
2 Discograms
4 Level failed IDET
4 Confirmed torn lumbar discs, 2 full thickness
Issues now with c-spine & thoracic
Fusion of L5/S1 scheduled 3/5/03
Fusion successful - feeling better all the time
Hi Lisa-
If you are having an EMG, here is what to expect:
Part 1 - An assistant 'zaps' you with what looks like a stun gun. She rattles off a bunch of numbers to someone who writes it down. This was done pretty much up and down the entire legs. One of the nurses told me this was the worst part, but I didn't think it was so bad. It took about 10-15 minutes or so.
Part 2 - This was done by a doctor. He actually sticks needles into your muscles (calf, thigh, and even butt), and there must be some electrical current or something running through them, because a machine shows a pattern. When it got all staticky (?) and the line was just a bunch of quick up and downs, I asked him what that meant. He said it meant I had a pinched nerve. I'm not going to lie and say there was no pain in this part, but it wasn't nearly as unbearable as the epidural injections I received a week later.
As far as a myelogram, I haven't had one of those, so can't help you there. Also, I have not yet had a discogram, but that's next after I complete the three epidural series.
Oh, I'm a big baby, too. So don't worry about the EMG. After it was over, I felt like my calf was cramping out of control, and limped out of the hospital. But, really, it's not all THAT bad. I would have no qualms about doing it again if I had to!
I'm so glad you guys are responding. I cried all the way home from the dr's office thinking everybody said this was going to hurt lol........ I mean I have a very low tolerance to anything right now after dealing with pain and numbness for over a month.
I'm anxious to see what these tests will show. My neurologist said that even though my MRI showed a bulging disk at L5 with no nerve compression,,,, he said MRI's are not always completely accurate.
My leg and foot stay ice cold,,,,, and the numbness in my perineum area is terrible. Anyway you guys are helping me calm down. I just want to hurry up and get if over with. Why can't they just give you something to sedate you when they do it? Lisa
__________________
Accident at work March 24, 2003
Diagnosed with strained back and given 3 weeks PT
Continued pain -sent to neurosurgeon MRI showed bulge at L5- continued PT
May appt showed no improvement and increased weakness in right leg. Ordered Myelogram and EMG on May 28th
Myelogram and EMG moved to new date/ June 19
Myelogram showed no impingement. EMG showed nerve damage to the anterior tibialis.
Have drop foot and numbness in thoughout right leg/moving sometimes to left leg.
Numbness in perineium area.
Constant pain treated with Soma and Loratab 10.5.
Was hospitalized for a week after myelogram with ringing ears and pain.
Visited neurosurgeon July 10 and told that I'm having post myelogram syndrome and he believes all my symptoms will pass.
No improvement thus far with nerve damage.
I've had both the EMG and Myleogram. EMG....piece of cake. Yes, there are needles involved, but nothing unmanageable. I think you'll be relieved to discover how relatively painless it is.
There's a lot of good info about myleograms on the Spinal Cord Disorder board. Do a search there for myleograms. I've had 3 in my lifetime. One when I was 10, another when I was 29 or so, and one last year. You will more than likely be told not to eat or drink after midnight the day before. Some allow you to take a sedative, some don't. I think that just has to do with the individual doctor or facility. But if you think you may need one, ask.
The procedure itself is fairly uncomfortable, to be honest. Not excrutiating, but there will be a sense of invasion, as it is an invasive procedure. It's do-able, and over before you know it. After the procedure you'll be required to remain prone for at least 24 hours, as headaches are common. I myself have never experienced the headaches or nausea that some have had. The main concern after a myleogram is spinal leakage from the site. I've never experienced that with any of mine, and I believe that it's fairly rare. They should give you a list of symptoms to be aware of before you're okayed to go home. These days, it seems, patients are cleared to go home the same day, but with mine, I've always stayed overnight in hospital. I think that's because I lived so far away.
Again, do a search on the spinal boards. There's a lot of personal experiences with myleograms that I'm sure will give you a good background on what to expect.
In summary, try not to be too anxious about them, I know that's hard to do, but I'm sure you'll do fine. The main thing is that you'll get some answers from these tests. Answers are good things.
Let us know how you're doing....
~Teri
------------------
Spina-bifida occulta; Congenital Scoliosis (dextrorotatory and 'S' curve, 42 and 57 degrees); Meningomyelocele (split cord @ L1); Diastematomyelia (re-sectioned at L2-3); tethered cord @ S-3; various developmental abnormalities of the spine.
Surgeries include, but not limited to:
Lumbar fusion-1968
Fusion with Herrington Rod instrumentation-1970
Femoral osteotomy-1971
Tethered cord release-1987
Rod removal-1987
Chiari-type pelvic osteotomy-1988
Trochanteric osteotomy-1989
__________________
Spina-bifida occulta; Congenital Scoliosis (dextrorotatory and 'S' curve, 42 thorasic and 57 degrees lumbar); Meningomyelocele (split cord @ L1); Diastematomyelia (re-sectioned at L2-3); tethered cord @ S-3; cysts on cord; various developmental abnormalities of the spine: narrowing of all disk spaces, defects in posterior arches, ectasia of the spinal canal and dura, segmental disease, sclerosis in L. iliac bone and adjacent sacroiliac joint, unilateral osteitis condensans ilium, hypertrophic facet disease L4-5 and L5-S1.
Surgeries include, but not limited to:
Lumbar fusion-1968
Fusion with Herrington Rod instrumentation-1970
Femoral osteotomy-1971
Tethered cord release-1987
Rod removal-1987
Chiari-type pelvic osteotomy-1988
Trochanteric osteotomy-1989
Tethered cord release-2003
Fusion with instrumentation with lots and lots of screws-2003
Hi Lisa welcome to the boards, I have had a mylegram and it wasnt that bad, And I am a big baby, When it comes to pain, Youll be just fine dont worry, Ok , You really need to get it done so they can help you better, I know its hard to be in pain all the time i have Bulging and rupture in L4 L5 S1, And i also have nerve damage and left leg pain and numbbess,I wish they would hurry up and come up witha cure for all this stuff , But just keep having faith, I hope everything goes good, Let me know ok .
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Hey Lisa...know that we're all in the same boat! We're here to support you.
I come a long line of anxious folks and that was the worst part of my discogram.
I was unbelieveably tense! Once I was actually going through it, it's wasn't as hairy as I thought.
The doc's chat with you all the way through the procedure. A little pain & ache is worth getting
some solid answers.
Hi Lisa.... I just have to post here, too. I have my discogram tomorrow at 10:30 - and I am scared to death right now! I really want to have it done so I get some answers (I'm sure it will be a relief for you, as well... putting a name to the pain) but- I am just getting myself worked up http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif .... it's a good thing I have to take care of my girls... or I'd probably have myself in tears all day. They keep my mind off it for a few minutes here and there!
Just try to think about how much pain you've been in and for how long... then, to put it in perspective, how long will the procedure be? It's a small price to pay for answers!! At least, that's what I'm telling myself!!! Your post has helped me alot!!
Take care and keep us posted on when you'll be going in. I'll jump in here tomorrow after the discogram if I feel up to it!
Hi everybody and thanks so much for all your encouragement and words of wisdom from your own experiences. I'm wondering if there will be any pain afterwards. I can deal with it if it's only going to make my pain worse for a little bit. I guess it's the idea of needles poked in my back that freak me out. I mean I had epidurals when my children were born and having an IV doesn't bother me, having blood drawn and shots don't bother me. But having fluid drawn from my spinal cord and having needles stuck in my back just for some reason freak me out.
My neurologist assured me that I have the absolute best people doing my procedures. He said they are the best and they are very very gentle. He said some people who do the procedures are not experienced and do end up making it worse than it has to be.
Anyway I'll just be glad when it's over. And yes I do want to know what is causing the numbness and pain.
Karen let me know how the discogram goes.
One more question for anybody whose had these procedures done. I take my med on a regular basis, Loratab 10.5,,,,, to keep my pain down...... if I'm taking this med,,,, will it make the test results inaccurate? Should I be completely normal and let the pain be in full force when I take the tests? Guess I should ask the doctor. Anyway hope to hear from all of you who are planning to go through these tests and who have already been through it. Lisa
__________________
Accident at work March 24, 2003
Diagnosed with strained back and given 3 weeks PT
Continued pain -sent to neurosurgeon MRI showed bulge at L5- continued PT
May appt showed no improvement and increased weakness in right leg. Ordered Myelogram and EMG on May 28th
Myelogram and EMG moved to new date/ June 19
Myelogram showed no impingement. EMG showed nerve damage to the anterior tibialis.
Have drop foot and numbness in thoughout right leg/moving sometimes to left leg.
Numbness in perineium area.
Constant pain treated with Soma and Loratab 10.5.
Was hospitalized for a week after myelogram with ringing ears and pain.
Visited neurosurgeon July 10 and told that I'm having post myelogram syndrome and he believes all my symptoms will pass.
No improvement thus far with nerve damage.
I experienced mild nausea with my myleogram. They gave me some phenergan and it eased it up a lot. The test I was most terrified of was the MRI. I cannot stand tight places...I can't even sleep in a bed next to the wall. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif
They gave me Valium though, and I was fine. I slept all the way through it. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/yawn.gif
Just relax as much as you can. And...I will say a prayer for you. Let me know how you do!
__________________
April 14, 2003 - L5S1 Partial laminectomy/discectomy. 5 hour surgery. One nerve almost severed by herniation, two nerves adhered together b/c of inflammation. Neurosurgeon had to reattach the almost severed nerve. He also coated the nerves that were stuck together with silicone.
May 27, 2003 - returned to work full time. The first week was agonizing.
July 1, 2003 - still having a lot of pain. The last two weeks the pain is different...it has moved to the right side, just above my hip. It is a stabbing, burning pain, very severe. I still have no feeling down the back of my left leg, the outside of my left foot and my two smallest toes. Appointment with the neurosurgeon July 8...my three month visit.
July 8, 2003 - Neuro vist. He ordered another MRI ASAP. He is sure the disc has re-herniated and will probably want to do surgery again. Either another partial laminectomy/discectomy or fusion.
July 16, 2003 - MRI With- and without-contrast - hopefully will tell us what is going on and why I am in so much pain.
July 21, 2003 - MRI results show that the disc has re-herniated on the same side and that I have "significant" scarring. The neuro doesn't want to wait until August 5 to see me. I have an appointment next Tuesday. (July 29)
August 5, 2003 - Going crazy with worry. I have never been as scared of anything as I am this surgery!
August 13, 2003 - Scheduled for surgery. Fusion with a cage, rods, screws and bone marrow from my hip.
Ummmmmm hey there Twinkie. I could get nauseated from that test? Is this the one with the dye? Ohhhhhhh K now,,,,,, just tell me what to expect. I'm going to be in a cold room and they are going to do what? Put a needle in my back,( face all drawn up,,,,,, )hehe
Well maybe if I can laugh , I'll be alright? nope i'm still going to freak out lol ! Lisa
Sassy mom,,,, you seem to have an injury about where mine is and you said you experienced the numbness too. Could you elaborate on your type of symptoms and what the test showed for you? I have numbness from my bottom, on the outerside of my leg and my big toe. And sometimes I really wouldn't call it numbness but like a loss of sensation. And that kinda makes your leg ache and from a little bit above my ankle down to my foot stays ice cold. The only thing that puzzles me is that when I first get up in the morning, I feel pretty good. After a few hours , the pain and numbness kicks in. And it's odd , but when the odd sensations are there , if I take my pain medicine, it kinda dulls the numb thing. Is that just cause I'm too layed back from the meds to care? I dunno. I just hope regardless how I feel at the paticular time they do the test, will everything still show up? Lisa
[This message has been edited by LisaM33 (edited 05-09-2003).]
__________________
Accident at work March 24, 2003
Diagnosed with strained back and given 3 weeks PT
Continued pain -sent to neurosurgeon MRI showed bulge at L5- continued PT
May appt showed no improvement and increased weakness in right leg. Ordered Myelogram and EMG on May 28th
Myelogram and EMG moved to new date/ June 19
Myelogram showed no impingement. EMG showed nerve damage to the anterior tibialis.
Have drop foot and numbness in thoughout right leg/moving sometimes to left leg.
Numbness in perineium area.
Constant pain treated with Soma and Loratab 10.5.
Was hospitalized for a week after myelogram with ringing ears and pain.
Visited neurosurgeon July 10 and told that I'm having post myelogram syndrome and he believes all my symptoms will pass.
No improvement thus far with nerve damage.
Lisa - i have a injury where yours is too . My left leg goes numb all the way down and i have pain that shoots down my right leg . Had discogram done on 3/21 - had myolgram done on Wedneday 5/7 - had EMG done today . The discogram was the worst . The mylogram was not real bad. Just hurt while they were numbing it .Then felt weird as the dye was going in . I am pretty sore from it . Then that EMG today was uncomfortable but not real bad . My ankles are swollen from the needles .She put needles in my ankles and in several places up to my waist and they only place that hurt was my ankles. Hope this helps some .
Hi Shaukc,,,,,man I appreciate you telling me how your tests went. Did you get a lot of answers from the myelogram and the EMG? I'm hoping it will tell what's wrong with me as far as the numbness/sensation loss. I just want to relax and stop worrying about the tests. I am going to try to make sure I'm completely off the pain medicine when I take the tests. I want true results, not results from symptoms that are covered up by pain meds. Thanks again, you really helped me to calm down. Lisa
__________________
Accident at work March 24, 2003
Diagnosed with strained back and given 3 weeks PT
Continued pain -sent to neurosurgeon MRI showed bulge at L5- continued PT
May appt showed no improvement and increased weakness in right leg. Ordered Myelogram and EMG on May 28th
Myelogram and EMG moved to new date/ June 19
Myelogram showed no impingement. EMG showed nerve damage to the anterior tibialis.
Have drop foot and numbness in thoughout right leg/moving sometimes to left leg.
Numbness in perineium area.
Constant pain treated with Soma and Loratab 10.5.
Was hospitalized for a week after myelogram with ringing ears and pain.
Visited neurosurgeon July 10 and told that I'm having post myelogram syndrome and he believes all my symptoms will pass.
No improvement thus far with nerve damage.
the results from the mylogram were the same as the discogram . ( makes me wonder why they put me through that ) The EMG came back all ok . But as i said i have pain that runs down my right leg and the left leg goes numb . So i still have no answers about that part of my problem . My L4-5 is completely tore through on the right side and the one below it is flat as a pancake . They had to do a discogram to find this out because the MRI only showed a dis-colored disc . The discogram was very painfull but was well worth doing because i did find out what my problem is .Let me know if i can help anymore . Shauna
[This message has been edited by shaukc (edited 05-10-2003).]
I'm scared, can you guys help? 
I really want to have it done so I get some answers (I'm sure it will be a relief for you, as well... putting a name to the pain) but- I am just getting myself worked up 
