Discogram - Pain Management Message Board

dckatz2001 · 08-19-2004, 08:10 AM

I am scheduled for a Discogram on September 1. As the time for the procedure approaches, I am becoming somewhat nervous and would like to know from anyone who has had one what I should expect.

I had back surgery 5 years ago (discectomy) and was awake for the procedure and it wasn't too bad. I was somewhat sedated but aware of what was happening around me. Should I expect a similar situation? The worst part is not knowing.

Thank you.

scotty12 · 08-19-2004, 08:46 AM

you will be awake,mild sedation at best.first they will insert a catheter into a good disc and then inject the dye and increase pressure.it will be mildly paifull but they just want you to be aware of the discomfort level in a good disc.now you have something to compare against the pain from a bad disc.

...now the fun begins..they will do the same to any suspect discs and as they increase the pressure if the disc is in bad shape (either torn or diminished disc space) you will feel quite a bit of pain.it will only last a couple of seconds.they will probably ask if this is your familiar pain.

a discogram is used to find the pain generating discs prior to surgery as it increases your chance of a succesfull outcome.the mri may show a few problems but mri results can be misleading,escpecially over the age of 30 as most adults will show signs of degeneration in the spine,but these dont necesarilly cause pain in all people.
thats why it is nec. to have discography done prior to surgery.if your not planning the surgery i wouldnt have it done as it is painful although the results can aid in treatment other than surgery such as a nerve block.

good luck........scotty

curlysue1110 · 08-19-2004, 09:08 AM

I had a discogram the beginning of July. The pain during was minimal because the doctor could not replicate my pain experiences. When I was sent down to CT the pain began to start, but it wasn’t that bad “yet”. About 2 hours after getting home or about the time it took for the pain meds. to ware off, the pain really started. I could not get up from my bed or got to the bathroom without help. I had to use crutches to get back and forth because I was afraid of falling even with my family close at hand to help me. The pain became so bad that I was even vomiting. The pain only lasted for 24 hours, which was lucky for me. My doctor was happy this happened because it told him more information than the films would have given.
You must remember though that everyone reacts to different procedures different ways and that everyone also has a different tolerance for pain.

dckatz2001 · 08-19-2004, 11:49 AM

Thank you both for your replies. I appreciate the information.

sgibson · 08-19-2004, 02:51 PM

I totally agree with Scotty. I had a horrible experience with my discogram but it showed them what they needed to fix in my fusion. I was already on the fusion route when I had my disco and I will not have another one. They dont want you too sedated because they want you to be awake to let them know if the pain is the same. I had horrible pain when they injected my discs and the increased pain continued for a couple weeks because it aggravated my condition. They told me this was normal. However, in recovery they will medicate you for increased pain at this time. I was already on a fentanyl patch so they added fentanyl to my IV line afterwards to help with the pain. It really didnt get it under control so they added other meds and finally I was just out of it when my mom and best friend took me home. I don't even remember the trip home. I had the same experience as the other poster though, when the pain meds wore off I was in horrible pain. This lasted for 3 weeks. I would not consider the disco unles I was considering surgery. Of course, this is just my opinion.

Take care.

God Bless,
Sherry