myelogram

[charlotte1]

Info would be greatly appreciated
Can anyone give me info on myelograms like
Who preforms the myelogram?
What do they actually do?
Does it hurt?
Should I premedicate myself before?
How do they get the info from them?
If they are doing two areas does that mean I will get stuck twice?
Thanks
Charlotte

[daver]

Hi Charlotte,

I just had one three weeks back. They will inject contrast (die) into your spinal cord, take some X-rays then perform the CT Scan. They gave me a valum to mello me out prior to the proceedure (that's the best part). They also give you a local anestetic on your back just before the die is injected. It is a bit painful but only for a short period of time. Not much worse than any other injection. After that it is pain free...

The scans look like an MRI but provide more detailed information on the spinal cord, nerves and nerve roots. The die causes the nerves to show up on the scans.

I assume you will only have the one injection. When they put in the contrast (die) they will tilt your body towards the direction they want it to flow. They monitor the die with an X-Ray. When the die reaches the desired spot they tilt the table back to the horizontal possition. It's very interesting.

Don't self medicate!!
Plan on spending at least 4 hours at the clinic.
Have someone drive you to and from.
Don't eat or drink after midnight the day before.
Lay flat on your back with your head raised slightly for 12 to 24 hours after proceedure.
A Doctor will be present.

These are done at "Image Clinics" MRI, X-RAY, CT Scan etc.

Piece of cake...

Good luck!!

[This message has been edited by daver (edited 01-06-2003).]

[This message has been edited by daver (edited 01-06-2003).]

[empi]

Thanks for the info. I beieve my doc is going to do one on me in another month.

[charlotte1]

I appreciate you taking the time to reply. You were very informative. They have scheduled my test for Jan 17. I will have a two hour drive home. Is that possible after myelogram?
Thank you
Charlotte

[dmg]

Hi there,

I had a myleogram several weeks ago and aboe stated informatin was correct as my experience went, however, I did have one heck of a headache as soon as I was allowed to get up (4 hours after) and I would definitely ask for anti-nausea medication to take home with you, just in case. I had those symptoms for about 24 hours and it was not pleasant. The procedure itself was not bad and very well tolerated.

good luck!
diane