Myleogram - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

CHETNSUE · 03-24-2005, 02:06 PM

Does anyone know about Myleograms and how they faired through the procedure? This is my next step in trying to figure out why I am still going numb after Suregery C5-C6-C7 ACDF. This took place on August of this year. I also had a Nerve Block on the C6 and the C7 area. I am now at this stage with the NS and the ORTHO telling me I need the Myelogram. My other option depending is the Nerve Stimulator. Please if anyone can tell me their thoughts I would really appreciate it. THANKS

kay1946 · 03-26-2005, 11:35 PM

Have had 3 myelograms. Last one was October 2002. Done as an outpatient and released an hour after the procedure. Didn't have any problems - just took it easy when I got home. Also showed the problem I had much clearer that the MRI.

Hope all goes well with your procedure. Good luck and keep us posted.

CHETNSUE · 03-31-2005, 01:54 PM

In addition my other symptoms I am now exhibiting pain in the shoulder area and top of the arms. It hurts to touch it or even wear a bra at times. Has anyone ever expierenced this. I am just getting worried that something else is going on and it is BAD news. Please help me in this matter, if you can.

Lyn in Michigan · 03-31-2005, 07:51 PM

Chetnsue

Hi I just read your post and your story sounds very familiar. I had an ACDF on C5/6 & 7 Nov. 29 of 2003 for bulging discs, bone spurs, arthritis and degeneration and after the surgery I am still in the same pain. I have myolopathy in my left arm that runs down into my hand and my fingers go numb. My neurosurgeon told me that this should clear up after surgery but it might take up to a year, well it has been 15 months and my arm still aches and my fingers are still numb and tingly at times, especially when I am holding the phone for a few minutes or am typing on the computer. They seem to think that maybe I have fibromyalgia or chronic myofascial syndrome. It is not an easy way to find out is it!!! Now I had a "myelogram" 14 months later and the doctor told me that my second donor bone disintegrated but that was OK because my plate and pins were still in there and were holding my neck in place. (I am not sure I believe that but!!!) The myelogram was a bit uncomfortable but you will get through it. They say it is one of the best tests to tell what is going on. My doctor told me that if my pain didn't go away after the operation then he couldn't do much for me. First he offered me surgery and was going to take out my existing hardware and put in a new metal cage. When I started questioning him as to why when I came in 4 months after my surgery in pain that he didn't send me for a myelogram then. I upset him asking him too many questions so he told me that he couldn't do anything for me and to get a second opinion. This is my life, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to ask any questions!!! Oh well I am still in the same pain and now I am going for medial branch blocks into my facet joints because they think that is where the pain may be coming from. I had the first one done and got about 60% relief and then a week later had another one done and got about 40% relief. This is only a diagnostic test. They went into C3,4&5 for the blocks where those vertabraes are now degenerating and they said surgery would not help. They say they will now go under radio frequency and burn the nerves!!! I guess about now I will try anything. It is so confusing hearing so many different diagnosis (sp) from so many different doctors. I am so sick of listening to myself repeat my story and not getting any help.
Good Luck to you and if you have any other questions please feel free to post
to me.
Take care
Lyn In Michigan

CHETNSUE · 04-01-2005, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyn in Michigan

Chetnsue

Hi I just read your post and your story sounds very familiar. I had an ACDF on C5/6 & 7 Nov. 29 of 2003 for bulging discs, bone spurs, arthritis and degeneration and after the surgery I am still in the same pain. I have myolopathy in my left arm that runs down into my hand and my fingers go numb. My neurosurgeon told me that this should clear up after surgery but it might take up to a year, well it has been 15 months and my arm still aches and my fingers are still numb and tingly at times, especially when I am holding the phone for a few minutes or am typing on the computer. They seem to think that maybe I have fibromyalgia or chronic myofascial syndrome. It is not an easy way to find out is it!!! Now I had a "myelogram" 14 months later and the doctor told me that my second donor bone disintegrated but that was OK because my plate and pins were still in there and were holding my neck in place. (I am not sure I believe that but!!!) The myelogram was a bit uncomfortable but you will get through it. They say it is one of the best tests to tell what is going on. My doctor told me that if my pain didn't go away after the operation then he couldn't do much for me. First he offered me surgery and was going to take out my existing hardware and put in a new metal cage. When I started questioning him as to why when I came in 4 months after my surgery in pain that he didn't send me for a myelogram then. I upset him asking him too many questions so he told me that he couldn't do anything for me and to get a second opinion. This is my life, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to ask any questions!!! Oh well I am still in the same pain and now I am going for medial branch blocks into my facet joints because they think that is where the pain may be coming from. I had the first one done and got about 60% relief and then a week later had another one done and got about 40% relief. This is only a diagnostic test. They went into C3,4&5 for the blocks where those vertabraes are now degenerating and they said surgery would not help. They say they will now go under radio frequency and burn the nerves!!! I guess about now I will try anything. It is so confusing hearing so many different diagnosis (sp) from so many different doctors. I am so sick of listening to myself repeat my story and not getting any help.
Good Luck to you and if you have any other questions please feel free to post
to me.
Take care
Lyn In Michigan

Well according what the NS, Ortho and PM say after the Myleogram depends on what the next step is. If there is a problem then there is talk of surgery to reapir the nerves. Or whatever is the problem. If there is no problem then I am to have a Trial basis on the Spinal Stimulator. please let me know all your thoughts. Any one can please help. I need the comforting. I am so scared, with all the numbing an pain I am going thru.