CT Myelogram

[Guest guest]

Hi ...

I'm sorry about your MS diagnosis. You certainly have your hands full!

I had a CT myleogram just last week. Although I found it painful from

time to time, rolling around on the hard surfaces of the x-ray table

and CT platform, the injection wasn't at all painful. A radiologist

numbed my back by injecting a numbing agent, then inserted a catheter

between L5 and S1, injecting dye into the sheath surrounding the

spinal cord. Once the dye was injected, the radiologist sort of

rolled me around from side to side while turning on the floroscope, to

get good images of the spinal cord. Then, they wheeled me over to the

CT room. Once there, they had me roll back and forth between the

gurney and the CT platform three times, to redistribute the dye. The

CT was taken and I was moved to the recovery area, where they made me

wait until 2 hours from the time of the injection. They asked me not

to lift anything heavy that night, and to sleep with the head of my

bed raised by at least two pillows. (If the dye gets to your brain it

can cause a monster headache.)

In regard to your scoliosis, I'd encourage you to find a specialist

who has a lot of experience treating patients with prior scoliosis

fusions. The fusion could be fine, but there's a good possibility

that you have problems above and/or below the fusion. If you let us

know where you live, hopefully someone can recommend a doctor.

Regards,

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks, I remember you were always so informative. What were they

checking for with your ct myelogram? I'm glad to hear it wasn't too

painful of a test. Actually I now live in the southwest suburbs of

Chicago, so I know there are a lot of scoliosis specialists in

Chicago. I just can't remember the names I've heard, or if they are

good revision-type surgeons. And of course, it's always nice to get

one that has a human personality!

> Hi ...

>

> I'm sorry about your MS diagnosis. You certainly have your hands

full!

>

> I had a CT myleogram just last week. Although I found it painful

from

> time to time, rolling around on the hard surfaces of the x-ray

table

> and CT platform, the injection wasn't at all painful. A

radiologist

> numbed my back by injecting a numbing agent, then inserted a

catheter

> between L5 and S1, injecting dye into the sheath surrounding the

> spinal cord. Once the dye was injected, the radiologist sort of

> rolled me around from side to side while turning on the

floroscope, to

> get good images of the spinal cord. Then, they wheeled me over to

the

> CT room. Once there, they had me roll back and forth between the

> gurney and the CT platform three times, to redistribute the dye.

The

> CT was taken and I was moved to the recovery area, where they made

me

> wait until 2 hours from the time of the injection. They asked me

not

> to lift anything heavy that night, and to sleep with the head of my

> bed raised by at least two pillows. (If the dye gets to your

brain it

> can cause a monster headache.)

>

> In regard to your scoliosis, I'd encourage you to find a specialist

> who has a lot of experience treating patients with prior scoliosis

> fusions. The fusion could be fine, but there's a good possibility

> that you have problems above and/or below the fusion. If you let

us

> know where you live, hopefully someone can recommend a doctor.

>

> Regards,

>

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

has given you a detailed experience of her myelogram. I had one done

last year and as many of us know, the pain depends on the technician. I jumped

a foot after the felt pen was placed on my spine so the doctor walked me

through each step thereafter. He was great and it wasn't anywhere near as bad

as

I had expected. I was laid flat on my stomach after the dye and I did

experince my first migraine. Luckly, my husband was by my side and got me help

immediately. After elevating my head and having me roll over it went away. I

had

the impression the myelogram to was determine if there was any stenosis. And

there was none. I don't know anything about MS, but I admire your courage.

Keep us informed how things go for you. You will do fine. Welcome back.

Jolene

[Guest guest]

Hi ...

Do be honest, I'm not 100% of why the myleogram was required. About

4-5 years ago, when I went to see my surgeon because of lower back

pain, she told me that I'd eventually need surgery to extend my fusion

one level, and that when I was ready, I should have a myleogram done.

I'll definitely ask her when I see her.

Although I've heard the names of some of the Chicago specialists, I

actually don't know any of them. I think the names I hear the most are:

An

http://www.rushortho.com/_An.cfm

DeWald

Purnendu Gupta

Best of luck in your search. And, thanks for your sweet comment.

Regards,

> ,

> Thanks, I remember you were always so informative. What were they

> checking for with your ct myelogram? I'm glad to hear it wasn't too

> painful of a test. Actually I now live in the southwest suburbs of

> Chicago, so I know there are a lot of scoliosis specialists in

> Chicago. I just can't remember the names I've heard, or if they are

> good revision-type surgeons. And of course, it's always nice to get

> one that has a human personality!

>

[Guest guest]

I had a CT and mylogram when they suspected a spinal fluid leak. It didn't hurt

much, either (guess I'm used to pain at this point), and the Doctor let me take

a look at his screen, and pointed out the pool of fluid.

in Oakland

> Hi ...

>

> Do be honest, I'm not 100% of why the myleogram was required. About

> 4-5 years ago, when I went to see my surgeon because of lower back

> pain, she told me that I'd eventually need surgery to extend my fusion

> one level, and that when I was ready, I should have a myleogram done.

> I'll definitely ask her when I see her.

>

> Although I've heard the names of some of the Chicago specialists, I

> actually don't know any of them. I think the names I hear the most are:

>

> An

> http://www.rushortho.com/_An.cfm

>

> DeWald

>

> Purnendu Gupta

>

> Best of luck in your search. And, thanks for your sweet comment.

>

> Regards,

>

>

>

>

>

> > ,

> > Thanks, I remember you were always so informative. What were they

> > checking for with your ct myelogram? I'm glad to hear it wasn't too

> > painful of a test. Actually I now live in the southwest suburbs of

> > Chicago, so I know there are a lot of scoliosis specialists in

> > Chicago. I just can't remember the names I've heard, or if they are

> > good revision-type surgeons. And of course, it's always nice to get

> > one that has a human personality!

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, folks.

It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last. I've heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr. Rand and NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled for April 25, and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I never even told you guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting better! (Ok, well, I did tell NH while we were chatting in her car.)

Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT myelograms only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her with a grain of salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will, and it may well be that he has no intention of touching my thoracic spine so he won't have it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate for that region. I did ask because my spinal cord is supposedly split at and below the T9 level, and I'm intensely curious about this.

Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at the hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come with me. Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you go home between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart, on the 4th and the 28th.

I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard.

Thanks.

Sharon

PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has reviewed my cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal surgeries -- and mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help her. Period. No explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will not waste her time, but she's had a lot of disappointments in this area, and I had hoped...

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon -

I've had a CT Myelogram and as others have said, it's really no big

thing. Actually what I went through will sound pretty bad, but

really it wasn't. The first try the radiologist couldn't get in my

lumbar spine because of the solid fusion and all the

instrumentation. So then a different radiologist went in through my

neck with no problem. Both times were not painful at all because

they numb the area very well beforehand. So I think it's just the

thought of a needle in your spine that makes everyone so uptight

about having this procedure, but just try and relax when you go and

I think you'll be surprised at how sinple it will be.

Good luck to you!

Hugs....~CA ~

>

> Hi, folks.

>

> It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last.

I've heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr.

Rand and NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled

for April 25, and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I

never even told you guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting

better! (Ok, well, I did tell NH while we were chatting in her

car.)

>

> Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT

myelograms only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her

with a grain of salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will,

and it may well be that he has no intention of touching my thoracic

spine so he won't have it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate

for that region. I did ask because my spinal cord is supposedly

split at and below the T9 level, and I'm intensely curious about

this.

>

> Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at

the hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come

with me. Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you

go home between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart,

on the 4th and the 28th.

>

> I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely

gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big

deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Sharon

>

> PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has

reviewed my cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal

surgeries -- and mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help

her. Period. No explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will

not waste her time, but she's had a lot of disappointments in this

area, and I had hoped...

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon,glad you got your date for surgery..I know mine is far apart,I don't know why they made the dates? who knows..but I think and hope I will be going home in between the 2 surgery's .So I'm sure we'll see each other take care,VonnieSharon Green <sharon.green18@...> wrote: Hi, folks. It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last. I've heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr. Rand and NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled for April 25, and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I never even told you guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting better! (Ok, well, I did tell NH while we were chatting in her car.) Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT myelograms only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her with a grain of salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will, and it may well be that he has no intention of touching my thoracic spine so he won't have it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate for that region. I did ask because my spinal cord is supposedly split at and below the T9 level, and I'm intensely curious about this. Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at the hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come with me. Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you go home between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart, on the 4th and the 28th. I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard. Thanks. Sharon PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has reviewed my cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal surgeries -- and mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help her. Period. No explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will not waste her time, but she's had a lot of disappointments in this area, and I had hoped...scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

No intention to alarm you, but I asked if I could take a pain pill

before they started and the answer was yes. I was glad I did - I think

it was Vicodin, but it's been awhile. The majority of people don't

have any trouble with this procedure (I was an exception to the rule),

but I also had a very bad experience with an epidural and I think

there is a connection - maybe related to the severity of my lumbar

stenosis?

Anywho, you have prescriptions or pain meds, you can't drive

afterwards, and the meds will help you be less anxious. I'd say it is

worth being better safe than sorry. I haven't posted this info. to

anyone else going for a myelogram recently because I didn't want to

scare them, but since I know what a self-professed big chicken you are

AND that you have a lot going on with your spine, it seemed

appropriate to tell you.

In the end, I was O.K. and survived. You will, too!

kam

[Guest guest]

Sharon....And so the ball starts to roll slowly and then faster and

faster and then inertia takes over and there you are checking into the

hospital one morning for surgery.....! Just ask Vonnie.

Dollars to donuts Dr Hill will do your needle work...and if anyone can

find a way in, he can. He is the nicest guy too...you will remember we

were all remarking on him at dinner the other night...I think he does

most of Rand's work so have fear no. He's pretty cute too, so wear

your best johnny!

I went to put you date on the calendar and see the 25th is a

Saturday...is that right? I am sorry to hear your cousin can't be

helped, but it should be reassuring to know that that you have a

doctor that knows his own limits, right?

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Sharon - two more things...

I am SO PROUD of you for taking these BIG steps! I know this has been

a challenge.

I hope my last post doesn't sound too much like medical advice - not

my intention - I just care about you and don't want you to suffer

unnecessarily (I didn't find out I could take something until after my

panic attack, leaving to reschedule on a different day with an

anesthesiologist, and returning because my local OS's nurse said I'd

be fine)! My apologies if anyone took it that way - always best to ask

your doctor rather than trust that I know what the heck I'm talking

about!

Have a super weekend - you've had a big week!

kam

[Guest guest]

Sharon, trust me - there is absolutely nothing to the lumbar myelogram. The doctor will numb the skin first; before mine put the needle in he said "bee sting" - and it truly won't hurt much. Good luck!!

Jane

>> Hi, folks.> > It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last. I've heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr. Rand and NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled for April 25, and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I never even told you guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting better! (Ok, well, I did tell NH while we were chatting in her car.)> > Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT myelograms only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her with a grain of salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will, and it may well be that he has no intention of touching my thoracic spine so he won't have it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate for that region. I did ask because my spinal cord is supposedly split at and below the T9 level, and I'm intensely curious about this.> > Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at the hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come with me. Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you go home between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart, on the 4th and the 28th.> > I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard.> > Thanks.> > Sharon> > PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has reviewed my cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal surgeries -- and mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help her. Period. No explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will not waste her time, but she's had a lot of disappointments in this area, and I had hoped...>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Vonnie.

I only have the date for the test. I won't even be seeing Dr. Rand

again until after he's reviewed the CT myelogram, and possibly had me

visit with a neurosurgeon. THEN we get to talk dates.

So if you aren't in the hospital on the 25th I won't get to see you

this time around.

Sharon

Hi, folks.

>

> It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last.

I've heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr.

Rand and NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled for

April 25, and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I never

even told you guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting better!

(Ok, well, I did tell NH while we were chatting in her car.)

>

> Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT

myelograms only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her

with a grain of salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will, and

it may well be that he has no intention of touching my thoracic spine

so he won't have it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate for that

region. I did ask because my spinal cord is supposedly split at and

below the T9 level, and I'm intensely curious about this.

>

> Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at

the hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come

with me. Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you

go home between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart,

on the 4th and the 28th.

>

> I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely

gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big

deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Sharon

>

> PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has

reviewed my cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal

surgeries -- and mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help

her. Period. No explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will

not waste her time, but she's had a lot of disappointments in this

area, and I had hoped...

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the tips, Kam.

Last week I had the pleasure of talking with NH all the way to

Boston and back, and it seems she and I have similar medical

histories. She said that needles in the spine have been painful for

her, so between the two of you I think I've been warned.

You're right, I'll need Hubby to drive me home anyway, so I'll go

ahead and ask for a pill.

Sharon

>

> Sharon,

>

> No intention to alarm you, but I asked if I could take a pain pill

> before they started and the answer was yes. I was glad I did - I think

> it was Vicodin, but it's been awhile. The majority of people don't

> have any trouble with this procedure (I was an exception to the rule),

> but I also had a very bad experience with an epidural and I think

> there is a connection - maybe related to the severity of my lumbar

> stenosis?

>

> Anywho, you have prescriptions or pain meds, you can't drive

> afterwards, and the meds will help you be less anxious. I'd say it is

> worth being better safe than sorry. I haven't posted this info. to

> anyone else going for a myelogram recently because I didn't want to

> scare them, but since I know what a self-professed big chicken you are

> AND that you have a lot going on with your spine, it seemed

> appropriate to tell you.

>

> In the end, I was O.K. and survived. You will, too!

>

> kam

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the tips, Cam. What I really want is for the inertia to

take me to the " after " side without all this build-up and actual

poking, cutting, etc.

You're darned right about starting S---L---O---W---L---Y! I'm

beginning to worry whether I'll be able to schedule surgery at a time

my sister doesn't have to teach. Oh well, if not I can just put it

off 'til next year.

*grin*

Sharon

BTW, I'm not getting all the posts in my email today. Some, but not

all. Anyone else having that problem?

>

> Sharon....And so the ball starts to roll slowly and then faster and

> faster and then inertia takes over and there you are checking into the

> hospital one morning for surgery.....! Just ask Vonnie.

>

> Dollars to donuts Dr Hill will do your needle work...and if anyone can

> find a way in, he can. He is the nicest guy too...you will remember we

> were all remarking on him at dinner the other night...I think he does

> most of Rand's work so have fear no. He's pretty cute too, so wear

> your best johnny!

>

> I went to put you date on the calendar and see the 25th is a

> Saturday...is that right? I am sorry to hear your cousin can't be

> helped, but it should be reassuring to know that that you have a

> doctor that knows his own limits, right?

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Kam.

You're right that it's been a big week -- amazing how much the

emotional aspect can take out of you. Getting the call from my cousin

the same day I got my test date was quite a whirl. My husband learned

of the date by overhearing me telling her on the phone. I was able to

make her feel a little better, but oh, my, I have to be ready for a

L--O--N--G talk when I call her.

I do appreciate your suggestion, and I don't think it qualifies as

medical advice at all. I took a Tylenol before my MRI, and was glad I

did.

Sharon

>

> Sharon - two more things...

>

> I am SO PROUD of you for taking these BIG steps! I know this has been

> a challenge.

>

> I hope my last post doesn't sound too much like medical advice - not

> my intention - I just care about you and don't want you to suffer

> unnecessarily (I didn't find out I could take something until after my

> panic attack, leaving to reschedule on a different day with an

> anesthesiologist, and returning because my local OS's nurse said I'd

> be fine)! My apologies if anyone took it that way - always best to ask

> your doctor rather than trust that I know what the heck I'm talking

> about!

>

> Have a super weekend - you've had a big week!

>

> kam

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Jane.

You may be right, but I have spina bifida and a tethered spinal cord,

so what is true for you may not be true for me. I really appreciate

your trying to comfort me though.

Sharon

> >

> > Hi, folks.

> >

> > It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last. I've

> heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr. Rand and

> NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled for April 25,

> and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I never even told you

> guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting better! (Ok, well, I did

> tell NH while we were chatting in her car.)

> >

> > Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT myelograms

> only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her with a grain of

> salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will, and it may well be

> that he has no intention of touching my thoracic spine so he won't have

> it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate for that region. I did ask

> because my spinal cord is supposedly split at and below the T9 level,

> and I'm intensely curious about this.

> >

> > Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at the

> hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come with me.

> Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you go home

> between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart, on the 4th

> and the 28th.

> >

> > I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely

> gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big

> deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard.

> >

> > Thanks.

> >

> > Sharon

> >

> > PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has reviewed my

> cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal surgeries -- and

> mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help her. Period. No

> explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will not waste her time, but

> she's had a lot of disappointments in this area, and I had hoped...

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Cam, I forgot in my first reply to answer your question about the date

The 25th of March is a Saturday, tomorrow, but April 25th is a

Tuesday. I report to the hospital at 9:00 and the test begins at 9:30.

And yes, I'm glad Dr. Rand knows his limits, and I had told my cousin

upfront that he won't waste her time if he can't help her (or his

either). He was kind enough to review her MRI to see if he could. I

don't believe that he's her last hope, but she does have a tough time

finding help. She said the radiology tech at NEBH was very kind and

did a very meticulous job for her. I tell her she needs to get expert

pain management first, but she's frightened that she's losing hand

function. Her mother has actually told me she wouldn't blame her if

she ended up a suicide. So I hope she'll talk to me more than to her

mother!

Sharon

>

> Sharon....And so the ball starts to roll slowly and then faster and

> faster and then inertia takes over and there you are checking into the

> hospital one morning for surgery.....! Just ask Vonnie.

>

> Dollars to donuts Dr Hill will do your needle work...and if anyone can

> find a way in, he can. He is the nicest guy too...you will remember we

> were all remarking on him at dinner the other night...I think he does

> most of Rand's work so have fear no. He's pretty cute too, so wear

> your best johnny!

>

> I went to put you date on the calendar and see the 25th is a

> Saturday...is that right? I am sorry to hear your cousin can't be

> helped, but it should be reassuring to know that that you have a

> doctor that knows his own limits, right?

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

He-he. Cam, I just keep finding stuff in this post. The image that comes

to mind when you say Dr. Hill will probably do my needlework is just

precious! You know, clean-cut middle-aged man in a white coat and

wire-rimmed glasses, sitting with an embroidery hoop in his lap...

:^)

I'm partial to counted cross-stitch myself.

Sharon

[ ] Re: CT Myelogram

> Sharon....And so the ball starts to roll slowly and then faster and

> faster and then inertia takes over and there you are checking into the

> hospital one morning for surgery.....! Just ask Vonnie.

>

> Dollars to donuts Dr Hill will do your needle work...and if anyone can

> find a way in, he can. He is the nicest guy too...you will remember we

> were all remarking on him at dinner the other night...I think he does

> most of Rand's work so have fear no. He's pretty cute too, so wear

> your best johnny!

>

> I went to put you date on the calendar and see the 25th is a

> Saturday...is that right? I am sorry to hear your cousin can't be

> helped, but it should be reassuring to know that that you have a

> doctor that knows his own limits, right?

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Sharon,

I too had trouble with having a Myelogram, very painful, looking back I wish

I had requested something for pain before hand, wasn't offered and I didn't

ask. I'm not trying to scare you or put any fear into having the proceedure

done, just awareness. The test itself I believe wasn't the problem, it was

being face down on the table on my stomach for a prolonged period of time,

or positioning. I have NEVER been able to lie down on my stomach before

revision, very painful, don't know if it was the Flatback or steniosis. They

had a hard time getting the needle and the dye in the right place, and they

kept moving the table till I was nearly standing on my head, and then they'd

flip it back till I was nearly standing on my feet. It never resulted in a

sucessful test, try though they may, but did result in a very painful

episode for me, when they went to turn me over and get me up, I yelped. They

kept me there for three hours with pretty powerful pain med's, and the

doctor conducting the test gave me his home phone # to call him if I needed

him. He said he does them all the time and I had the most powerful reaction

to it he ever saw. If positioning in any way is painful to you, ask for

premeds. I think for me it was the positioning, not the dye or the needle

pokes, which were a few. I just say prevention is a wonderful thing, and

having people who go before you helps you to be prepared for what can go

wrong, and I only mean can. Tons of people go through this test with flying

colors, I just didn't, and it seems Kam didn't either, so I thought you

should be aware. I definately would have someone drive you home.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Re: CT Myelogram

> Sharon,

>

> No intention to alarm you, but I asked if I could take a pain pill

> before they started and the answer was yes. I was glad I did - I think

> it was Vicodin, but it's been awhile. The majority of people don't

> have any trouble with this procedure (I was an exception to the rule),

> but I also had a very bad experience with an epidural and I think

> there is a connection - maybe related to the severity of my lumbar

> stenosis?

>

> Anywho, you have prescriptions or pain meds, you can't drive

> afterwards, and the meds will help you be less anxious. I'd say it is

> worth being better safe than sorry. I haven't posted this info. to

> anyone else going for a myelogram recently because I didn't want to

> scare them, but since I know what a self-professed big chicken you are

> AND that you have a lot going on with your spine, it seemed

> appropriate to tell you.

>

> In the end, I was O.K. and survived. You will, too!

>

> kam

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, .

Positioning may very well be an issue for me. I used to have my massage

therapist work on my while lying on my side, but in the past couple of years

I've been able to lie on my stomach, with the head cradle set very low. I

can lie on my back, but really need a thick pillow under my head and another

under my knees. If I will have to spend a long time flat on my back or

stomach, then yes, I will have pain.

I am hopeful that the radiologist at NEBH has worked with a lot of flatback

patients, so maybe I'll be ok with positioning. But I'm still concerned

that my lower back is more sensitive than normal because of the spina

bifida.

Thanks again, . It really helps to hear from the people who didn't

find a myelogram to be a piece of cake.

Sharon

[ ] Re: CT Myelogram

>

>

>> Sharon,

>>

>> No intention to alarm you, but I asked if I could take a pain pill

>> before they started and the answer was yes. I was glad I did - I think

>> it was Vicodin, but it's been awhile. The majority of people don't

>> have any trouble with this procedure (I was an exception to the rule),

>> but I also had a very bad experience with an epidural and I think

>> there is a connection - maybe related to the severity of my lumbar

>> stenosis?

>>

>> Anywho, you have prescriptions or pain meds, you can't drive

>> afterwards, and the meds will help you be less anxious. I'd say it is

>> worth being better safe than sorry. I haven't posted this info. to

>> anyone else going for a myelogram recently because I didn't want to

>> scare them, but since I know what a self-professed big chicken you are

>> AND that you have a lot going on with your spine, it seemed

>> appropriate to tell you.

>>

>> In the end, I was O.K. and survived. You will, too!

>>

>> kam

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the encouragement, Jane.

I'm glad you and others have found the test so easy. Perhaps I will too. But I do have certain "added attractions" in my spine that most scoliosis patients don't have, so I plan to, as Cam recently expressed it, "hope for the best and plan for the worst."

Sharon

[ ] Re: CT Myelogram

Sharon, trust me - there is absolutely nothing to the lumbar myelogram. The doctor will numb the skin first; before mine put the needle in he said "bee sting" - and it truly won't hurt much. Good luck!!

Jane

>> Hi, folks.> > It looks like this show is getting on the road, at long last. I've heard back from Priscilla, my new insurance will cover both Dr. Rand and NEBH as preferred providers, my CT myelogram is scheduled for April 25, and my insurance will cover it (big sigh). See, I never even told you guys I was worried about that -- I'm getting better! (Ok, well, I did tell NH while we were chatting in her car.)> > Of course I've got the official word from Priscilla that CT myelograms only cover the lumbar area, but I'm learning to take her with a grain of salt. They'll cover whatever Rand says they will, and it may well be that he has no intention of touching my thoracic spine so he won't have it included -- or maybe the MRI was adequate for that region. I did ask because my spinal cord is supposedly split at and below the T9 level, and I'm intensely curious about this.> > Anyway, for all who asked, April 25 is the next time I'll be at the hospital. Ann, I'll be emailing you since you'd offered to come with me. Vonnie, I guess you'll be in the rehab wing -- or will you go home between stages? They seem to be spaced unusually far apart, on the 4th and the 28th.> > I've never had a needle stuck in my spine and the idea absolutely gives me the willies, even though people keep telling me it's no big deal, so I'm really interested in others' experiences in this regard.> > Thanks.> > Sharon> > PS: I was disappointed yesterday to hear that Dr. Rand has reviewed my cousin's MRI (the one with Marfan's and multiple spinal surgeries -- and mucho pain), and the reply was that he can't help her. Period. No explanation. I'm glad for my cousin that he will not waste her time, but she's had a lot of disappointments in this area, and I had hoped...>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I just came across your post about myelograms and thought I'd share

my own experience...In a nutshell, I had so much stenosis in my

lumbar section that the doctor couldn't get enough fluid even after

several tries.

In the meanwhile, I developed a vaso-vegal reaction, which

essentially is blacking out, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. It

freaked the doctor out and I nearly had to be revived (with an

injection). I guess that happens to some people and not others. In

my case, I was on a titled surface so that blood was rushing away

from my heart too fast.

The upshot was that the myelogram was a bust and I had to go back

for another one - this time is my neck. It looked horrible (a long,

angled needle), but it didn't hurt.

I hope your procedure is easier than mine. But, as you can see, even

if there's a complication, it can be resolved and pretty much

without having to endure pain.

I wish you much good luck,

Andy (in Concord MA - I met with Dr. Rand but ultimately had my

surgery performed by Dr. Boachie in New York. I liked Dr. Rand very

much. I trusted him, too.)

[Guest guest]

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience, Andy, and welcome to the group.

Where did you have your myelogram, at NEBH? Once when my husband was at the

ophthalmologists's office he was warned about a possible vasovagal reaction

to having eye drops insterted while holding his breath, of all things! The

technician told him that he needed to breathe while she put in the drops,

because if he held his breath he could pass out. She said she's seen it

happen, and it's more common in men, for whatever reason.

I have had fainting spells in the past, so I wouldn't be real surprised if I

were susceptible to the sort of thing you describe.

So, what made you choose Dr. Boachie in the end? Rand is my current first

choice, but I do want to get at least one other opinion.

Sharon in NH

[ ] Re: CT Myelogram

> Hi Sharon,

> I just came across your post about myelograms and thought I'd share

> my own experience...In a nutshell, I had so much stenosis in my

> lumbar section that the doctor couldn't get enough fluid even after

> several tries.

>

> In the meanwhile, I developed a vaso-vegal reaction, which

> essentially is blacking out, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. It

> freaked the doctor out and I nearly had to be revived (with an

> injection). I guess that happens to some people and not others. In

> my case, I was on a titled surface so that blood was rushing away

> from my heart too fast.

>

> The upshot was that the myelogram was a bust and I had to go back

> for another one - this time is my neck. It looked horrible (a long,

> angled needle), but it didn't hurt.

>

> I hope your procedure is easier than mine. But, as you can see, even

> if there's a complication, it can be resolved and pretty much

> without having to endure pain.

>

> I wish you much good luck,

> Andy (in Concord MA - I met with Dr. Rand but ultimately had my

> surgery performed by Dr. Boachie in New York. I liked Dr. Rand very

> much. I trusted him, too.)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for welcoming me to the group!

You know, I can't remember the name of the center where I had the

myelogram - it was in Belmont, just off the Fresh Pond Rotary in

Cambridge. My doctor was Geoffrey Mendel.

I decided to ultimately go with Dr. Boachie because my elderly

parents were in New York so it was easier for them to visit me.

Also, Boachie was highly recommended by several physicians whom I

respect, and his hospital has a reputation for excellent nursing

care (although I ended up hiring an overnight nurse to ease my

husband's anxiety - and to bathe me daily, wash my hair, change my

sheets daily, and make sure I got extra pain meds when I needed

them).

When I met Boachie I made note that he was conservative in his

approach (I had the feeling Dr. Rand would be, too) and that he

wouldn't carve me up unless he found it truly necessary (he did).

This was in comparison to Dr. Glazer at Beth Israel Deaconness

in Boston - he seemed too matter of fact and gung-ho to me. As you

can see, I got three opinions before going through with the

procedure!

I hope this has been helpful! Thanks so much for writing!

Andy