Discogram Yesterday

[hayzer912]

Well, I made it through my second Discogram in seven years. This one was 10 times worse than the preceding one by far. The first one, I had done was with use of fluoroscopy and that test was much quicker in terms of time frame. This second one was done by my new surgeon and was done with CT and not fluoroscopy. The test took 2 hours and was horrendously painful this time around versus last time. Of course that is what the test is designed to reproduce...discogenic pain so they can verify which disks are causing your pain. Of course the other factor that contributed to the higher level of pain is the increased deterioration of my painful disks since the last test in 2003.

I understand the diagnostic use and necessity of the Discogram test but man I gotta say, I will NEVER endure another. I dont mean to scare anyone who hasnt had one yet and those that have had one understand what I am talking about. I do believe its an important tool in the back Dr's arsenal and at times very necessary. Just thankful mine is over. Be strong if your going to have one. It will be over fairly quick. Next step for me is a surgical consult February 24th to discuss whats gonna go down during the hybrid surgery. Thanks everyone for the support and advice!

Kelly

[Harrison]

Kelly,

I am glad that you survived this particular procedure! By the way, was is it the same doctor that did the previous one? Also, you may know this, but there are some other variables that might explain (some) differences. If you or others were ever curious, you can (and should) obtain the medical report that describes your discography.

Hope you are resting comfortably now and taking it slow. Peace and comfort to you!

[jss]

Kelly,

Bummer. Sincerely hoping that your up coming surgery will cure these ills. Please, keep us posted.

Good luck, Jeff

[scduggan]

Dear Kelly,
Ditto what Jeff said.....Discogram.....bummer. Good news is now you will be one step (one big awful step) closer to a resolution. I wish you the best!
CD

[hayzer912]

It was my new surgeon that performed the test. I will definitely get a copy of the discography report. I have my scan images, etc on DVD from the procedure but unless your trained to read them they really do me no good. Thanks for the well wishes!

Kelly

[longroadahead]

Great! I plan to get one soon and just what I needed to hear LOL.

[hayzer912]

Sorry to scare you. The discogram is a useful tool for surgeons so dont let the fear of some pain discourage you from having one if they recommend you have one. The object from their standpoint is to replicate the "usual" pain that you experience. This tells them the origin of that pain and helps them figure out a proper attack on your problem. We as back pain sufferers experience pain daily so is it really all that different? Not really its just you are expecting that acute pain as a result of what they are doing. I think its important to be honest in what you experience so others can be well informed. Did I like the test? Nope! Was it necessary? Yep! Im good now. The pain lasted a few hours afterwards and then I was just "achy" for lack of better words for two days. No big deal really......

[Jack]

Originally Posted by longroadahead

Great! I plan to get one soon and just what I needed to hear LOL.

I would specify some sort of IV anesthesia as this takes the edge off. You are conscious and can respond to pain but just not tortured. Some purist and inexperienced docs try to do it with nothing but a bullet to bit on. Any good doc can do it without this much pain.

[2 Young 2 Hurt Like This]

Hey Kelly,

I am happy you survived the horrible Discogram. I can relate to your pain. I've had many procedures done to my Lumbar Spine over the past 4 years and have yet to find something to help relieve some of my pain. I believe I had my Discogram back in 08 maybe 07. Dates all start to run together as time goes on. I'm wondering why yours took 2 hours? When I had mine it only took around 30 minutes. They tested L3-4; L4-5 and L5-S1. I remember going to sleep, being woken up and told it was going to start. Next thing I knew I was screaming at the top of my lungs. It was the same every day back/leg pain just multiplied by a million! After they were done they asked me to roll back onto the other bed. I didn't want to move. The amount of pain I felt was unbearable to say the least. I was very afraid to move thinking the pain would increase (if that's humanly possible). I was taken off guard and had no idea how much pain I would be in. That then lead to a IDET which again did nothing to help. Now I am facing a possible 2 level ADR.

Good Luck To You And I Wish You The Best!
-Liz

PS. I'm new here and haven't gotten a chance to make my signature. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[longroadahead]

My disco is scheduled for March 11th.