Discogram Yesterday

[hayzer912]

Well, they used a CT Scan instead of a fluoroscopy machine. So for every disk they did they took measurements, inserted needles a short distance then ran me thru the CT to check placement. Pull me out, push needles in farther, put me back thru CT. Checked scans...readjusted needles to where they need to be then proceeded with the test. 3 or 4 scans per level and they tested three levels. It was definitely not fun this way and I am still unsure why it was done this way in all honesty. I had one in 2003 with fluroscopy and it was bing, bam, boom...done 30 minutes. I hated the CT method because of one, the duration of the test but, secondly everytime they put me into the CT to take a scan to check on needle placement I was instructed to take a deep breath and hold it for a few. Ummmmmm......did they consider how "uncomfortable" it was to take a deep breath with a needle in your back? LOL Doctors will be doctors I guess. After having a disco both ways, Fluoroscopy and by CT, I highly recommend via Fluoroscopy! Does anybody know why doctors might choose CT versus fluoroscopy? Was this the "old way" of doing a discogram? I do plan to ask my surgeon this question on the 24th for my own curiosity.
Longroad best of luck with your test...just remind yourself its a necessary evil and it will be over sooner than later!

[eric.s]

Originally Posted by 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

I agree Kelly, I had a discogram 2 years ago, and when I heard the name DISCO, I was like Fun, my mother is a secretary to a Orthopeic surgeon and she was like trust me their not fun. I went in and I had this IDIOT PA that was telling me this has got to be the most excruciating of all tests, and she was teaching somebody else. I was nice but I was like Hon your not helping at ALL.

I had the discogram and luckily my disk was still in good condition and it was not that bad, he hit a nerve going in and my leg about shot off the table.

I just think the test is medieval, were going to try to pizz your disk off. make it hurt worse than it ever has. Luckily when I had my MRI my new doctor saw that same disk had gone DDD was totally black that he didn't need another one done. I was happy about that.

They need a better test or at least change the name of it.

[eric.s]

Originally Posted by Jack

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.

I have heard lately they have been giving people Versaid to take the edge off I guess, when they did mine, NOTHING, they wanted to see what the pain was like period and that was 2 years ago,

Hayzer did they give you anything?

[hayzer912]

Not a thing for any pain or even to relax me. I did get an IV with ANTIBIOTICS! They said anytime they go in near the spine they dont want "anything" to get in there and cause infections, etc. Nothing whatsoever to relax me. I shoulda known better after the first one and stopped at the liquor store before hand and self medicated! Just kidding!

[JudyW]

UGH All I have to do is hear Discogram and I cringe. They did give me versed probably because i was about to have a panic attack. When they put some kind of metal cages back there to steady the needles i started feeling very claustrophobic and I'm pretty sure my BP and pulse shot up. I was about to jump up and start running. Developed some claustrophobia in the past 7-8 years for some reason. Anyway, the versed helped calm me a bit but the pain is not fun. Good thing is they immediately gave me fentanyl after the test was done so i had pretty quick relief. Hopefully I never have to have another.

[Jack]

From what I understand the discogram causes a defective disc to hurt. I have three defective discs that hurt with the discogram. Only one level actually was the pain generator, at least for the present. I would hate to think that I would have had surgery on the other two, based on the discogram. The other two may need surgery someday but with luck, they will outlive me.

Judy W,

Just curious about your condition as stated in your signature. Did you have any type of surgery at L5-S1? My understanding was that a pars defect, meaning a fracture of the pars interarticularis, was contraindicated at that level. Before my L5-S1 fusion 9 weeks ago, I did have one German surgical team say that they could do ADR but I ultimately went the fusion route for multiple reasons after 1.5 years of research.

[hayzer912]

no, I have not had any surgery done at L5-S1....yet. ooops, just saw that wasnt for me...sorry!

[longroadahead]

I am having my discogram today at 1pm. Have the option of having sedation but it will cost extra. Looks like some had it and some didn't.

Having SI injections with no sedation and Facet Injection with sedation, I personally, didn't think the sedation did anything other than make me feel good.

So, for the discogram would you recommend sedation? Since the point of the test is to replicate pain I am puzzled that they want to use it.