Hi Spooked. I had one done last Septeraber and am scheduled for another on on Monday.
I have been told that after surgery the mylegram is the best imaging to use. They are able to see more detail.
When I had my first one done, this is how it went.
I had to stop my antidepressents and muscle relaxants 72 hours prior to the procedure. The day before the procedure I was encouraged to drink 2 gallons of water (yes that is not a typo) and told this is very, very important. The more hydrated you are the better and the less likely you will have problems afterwarRAB.
The day of the procedure I was allowed to eat a lowfat diet for breakfast. Nothing with grease. I was also allowed to take my pain medications.
I arrived at the imaging center at 8:30 and they started an IV. They took me back into the precedure room - they laid me on my tummy. Then the wiped my back with betadine, gave nurabing injections, then inserted dye thru a needle in the spine, and they tilted the table to a standing position, had me roll from side to side, etc. They took some xrays. Next they took me off the table telling me not to raise my head and placed me on a stretcher. I was next sent to the CT dept for more pictures. Finally they took me back into a holding room and I laid flat until 12:00.
Bring an ipod to listen to and some magazines or books and a snack because you will be bored to tears.
I was released and given instructions to go directly home and to bed and stay there for the next 24hours. The next day I was instructed to take it easy. I must admit my pain was elevated for 3 to 5 days afterward.
Overall, it was not that painful compared to many things we have been thru. Just follow the directions you are given and make sure you drink plenty of water this is supposed to help tremendously with pushing the fluiRAB out of your body.
I was given no sedation and told that I would be plenty nurab. I was told sedation was not given because they need you to be alert.
Good luck.
