Guest guest Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Thank you for your feedback, Im sad that your brother has this terrible thing as well. Sleeping is tough- after about 4 hours or so its tossing and turning until I get up at 7:00 am from the pain and stiffness, and walk around like enstein until the stiffness starts to abate. Mornings are the worst and usually when I have to take a percocet for the pain as its just an over all deep ache that nothing can really touch- hot shower, bath , some ibuprofen, sometimes percocet and low dose flexeril if Im really stiff. It started showing up in my 20-30's too with the occasional back spasm, of course, no one knew, and it has only been since I searched out this fantastic Orthopedic Specialist up at Sinai in Baltimore and she took my films and did a disertation- really no other specialist spent that kind of time trying to figure out what was wrong and where my pain came from- they all just blew me off- shes the one who said it looked like Congenital Stenosis due to the small pedicules. So if pain management is the best way to go, if you happen to know of any of the formulas the Docs prescribe for the pain of stenosis I would be very curious. Right now its low dose cymbalta which helps with the pain, but I would like to get off for the weight gain and constipation. Than there is the ibuprofen, low dose percocet and flexeril when I am tight and stiff. The Docs suggested Lyrica but honestly Im afraid to add it in, as Ive heard its side effects are to slow you down and take the wind out of your sails. God knows I dont need less energy! Let me know what your Docs suggest or what your brother is doing to deal with his. Thanks ! Your a great help! RN in DC Re: Myelogram spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Monday, March 2, 2009, 9:58 PM > > I have had good relief from RFL, but sadly it doesn't last long enough for me to be a viable source of pain relief. I only get about 2 -3 weeks relief and you can do it no sooner than 3 months apart on the same side. --- > I had mine the last week in December and it took a few weeks for the pain to subside. I don't have half as much burning pain in my arms as I once did. I hope mine lasts a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 This is a great example of where eastern medicine is a great complement to western care. Your brother can very likely be pain free. I would encourage him to become involved with qigong/tai chi/yoga. He could likely learn to care for himself, without the need for doctors. Has he tried any herbs, such as yan hu suo? Re: Myelogram spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Monday, March 2, 2009, 9:58 PM > > I have had good relief from RFL, but sadly it doesn't last long enough for me to be a viable source of pain relief. I only get about 2 -3 weeks relief and you can do it no sooner than 3 months apart on the same side. --- > I had mine the last week in December and it took a few weeks for the pain to subside. I don't have half as much burning pain in my arms as I once did. I hope mine lasts a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 He has seen several naturopath doctors in Maine where he lives and has done whatever they tell him to, though I don't believe that herbs were among them. He has done karate in the past, but obviously it's nothing like what you suggest. I will mention it to him. The thing with stenosis is that a tight bony area is surrounding a major nerve and " hugging " it like a boa constrictor...it's hard to imagine that anything could ease that...you can't ease the pressure from the tight pedicles. Thanks, From: uca79iii <uca79iiigmail (DOT) com> Subject: Re: Myelogram spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Monday, March 2, 2009, 9:58 PM > > I have had good relief from RFL, but sadly it doesn't last long enough for me to be a viable source of pain relief. I only get about 2 -3 weeks relief and you can do it no sooner than 3 months apart on the same side. --- > I had mine the last week in December and it took a few weeks for the pain to subside. I don't have half as much burning pain in my arms as I once did. I hope mine lasts a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 He said because of the hardware and the because I have had 2 neck surgeries this would show more. I just know I hated having a myelogram the last time. neck pain From: birdcrazy624@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:29:03 -0400 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 He said because of the hardware and the because I have had 2 neck surgeries this would show more. I just know I hated having a myelogram the last time. neck pain From: birdcrazy624@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:29:03 -0400 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 He said because of the hardware and the because I have had 2 neck surgeries this would show more. I just know I hated having a myelogram the last time. neck pain From: birdcrazy624@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:29:03 -0400 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 He said because of the hardware and the because I have had 2 neck surgeries this would show more. I just know I hated having a myelogram the last time. neck pain From: birdcrazy624@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:29:03 -0400 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I would just question your Doctor about having an MRI, instead of a myelogram. Maybe the myleogram shows a better view of the spinal nerves. I thought MRIs were being used more as a diagnostic tool for back, or neck pain, than myleograms. June Myelogram I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? Thanks __________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes I have had physical therapy. I hate having myelograms I had one last time and it was AWFUL. neck pain From: lab1949@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:42:43 +0000 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > __________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes I have had physical therapy. I hate having myelograms I had one last time and it was AWFUL. neck pain From: lab1949@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:42:43 +0000 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > __________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes I have had physical therapy. I hate having myelograms I had one last time and it was AWFUL. neck pain From: lab1949@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:42:43 +0000 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > __________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes I have had physical therapy. I hate having myelograms I had one last time and it was AWFUL. neck pain From: lab1949@... Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:42:43 +0000 Subject: Re: Myelogram , I'm not a doctor--just someone who has lived with back and neck problems and had three back surgeries and about that many myelograms. Before I had my last surgery ten years ago, my doctor wanted me to have a myelogram, AFTER I had already had the MRI. To be blunt, it was horrible, mainly because I had already had the surgeries, and it made it almost impossible for the radiologist to get the needle in. He had to take a break and then begin again. He said it was always more difficult after someone had sugery and wouldn't recommend I ever have another one. Then, after my sugery, the doctor told me that the MRI was accurate in identifying the problem and the myelogram was not. Bottom line--I would wait and talk to another doctor. Have you had therapy? That may help. I hope you do okay. Larry > > > I had surgery anterior fusion surgery in Feb and still have pain. I went to a different neurosurgeon today and he wants to do a myelogram.. I had one before my last surgery in Feb. Why would I have to have another one.. He said it was to see if there was any nerves that are squeezed.. I thought the last myelogram was painful.. Not sure what I should do.. anyone have any idea for me? > > Thanks > > > __________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2010 Report Share Posted June 17, 2010 Today, I got this test done. Dr. was not sure he was going to be able to get it to work. My fusions are so solid he took a good 20 minutes to make it work. Test results should be in tomorrow but I most likely won't hear anything until next week. My entire left side could feel the dye. Dr said it would only bother the nerves that were having issues. Gee I felt it and there are more than I thought. I was just totally drained from this " simple " test. Slept almost all day after we got home. Moving slow, and trying to avoid that dreaded spinal headache. So off to bed...I'm suppose to take my mother to her Dr. appt. tomorrow, we will see...dear hubby may have to do it. My age is sure letting me know that I can't handle this stuff like I use to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2010 Report Share Posted June 17, 2010 Hi Jana, When I had my CT/Myelogram last September, I felt the same way. I had put off the test for quite some time because I was afraid of it, but it turned out to be no big deal (for me). I had it on a Thursday and I came home and rested for fear of the dreaded headache also. It never happened, but I can tell you that the next day, I was exhausted. I just felt tired and drained and I was fine til that evening when I went to bed. I felt twinges throughtout the late afternoon, but as soon as I relaxed in bed that evening, the nerves in my lower back and rectum (I know, WEIRD!)starting acting up. It got to the point that I felt like someone was inserting needles in my lower back and I was having sharp pains in my rectal and vaginal area. So strange. Anyway, I had my husband get me a Percocet, and that helped and I fell asleep. THe next morning, the sensations were all gone and I was back to myself. I have heard of others complaining of strange sensations, pains and general tiredness, so I think what I felt and you are feeling are completely normal. Just rest and relax today. D (RI) > > Today, I got this test done. Dr. was not sure he was going to be able to get it to work. My fusions are so solid he took a good 20 minutes to make it work. > > Test results should be in tomorrow but I most likely won't hear anything until next week. My entire left side could feel the dye. Dr said it would only bother the nerves that were having issues. Gee I felt it and there are more than I thought. > > I was just totally drained from this " simple " test. Slept almost all day after we got home. Moving slow, and trying to avoid that dreaded spinal headache. So off to bed...I'm suppose to take my mother to her Dr. appt. tomorrow, we will see...dear hubby may have to do it. My age is sure letting me know that I can't handle this stuff like I use to. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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