ct lumbar spine :after discogram:

  • Thread starter Thread starter deviphish
  • Start date Start date
D

deviphish

Guest
Hello to you all.. I just got my hanRAB on the ct/scan report after i had my discogram yesterday , I did not get the actual discogram report yet..

This is what the ct/scan report says :

The intervertebral disc at l2-3 and is unremarkable with contrast seen in the nucleus pulposus. There is no annular tear identified.

At l3-4 , there is a small right posterior annular tear with an associated small right paracentral disc protrusion , without significant change when compared with the prior CT diskogram. There is no significant central canal or neural foraminal compromise.

IMPRESSION:
Small right paracentral annular tear with small disc protrusion at l3-4 , unchanged. The l2-3 intervertebral disc appears unremarkable..

Postoperative changes related to anterior and posterior fusion from the l4 through s1 levels with decompressive laminectomies noted. There is no definite spinal stenosis at the postoperative levels. Fluid posterior to the spinal canal esp. at the l5 level could be postoperative in nature and would be better evaluated by MRI..

Well folks that's it , The way my PM doctor sounded yesterday did not sound all that good. He said that I have to see my ORTHO. doctor asap , and talk to him about the test results.. From any of your opinion's , DOES THIS REPORT HINT AT THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE SURGERY AT THE L3/4 LEVELS ? The way my back has been feeling , I think surgery might be ahead of me !!

I appreciate all of your advise , THANK YOU FOR LOOKING..
DEv :mad:
 
Hi Dev,

Unforuntalely I can't decipher the "medical speak" on your report (or mine either!!), but I wanted to ask you a question. Like you I got a copy of the CT films and CT report, and I also got a copy of the chart the dicso doctor noted the results of the disco. It's basically just nurabers for each disc, when the pain started, what I said about the pain, psi of the dye, etc. But it's not a dictated report by the doctor. Does the disco doctor actually write up a report or is it just the chart with the nurabers? I ask because we meet with the surgeon tomorrow and he said to bring a copy of the CT, CT report, and disco results. I didn't know if there was more info regarding the disco?

Thanks!

Tara
 
Hey Tara - hope you're feeling a little better , I'm trying to get some answers myself - I hate the waiting game after you have your tests done ! Your PM doctor or who ever performed the diskogram will write up a report in detail about your test , They will include what your pain levels were at each entry site (disc level). Usually the report you got will differ from the doctor whom performed your disko , The doctor will write up an operative report esp. for your surgeon. It should include your pain levels , based on the information that you gave him during the procedure. Be sure to be completely honest with your surgeon , and tell him what you actually experienced during your diskogram.. When I had mine last week the first level was not nearly as bad as the second level , I will personally let my surgeon no that on friday when i see him.. I always write down the questions that I want to ask my doctor before going inn to see him , sometimes when your in the office you get overwelmed and forget to ask the IMPORTANT questions..

I hope that you find the answers your looking for Tara , fusion surgery is a BIG step - so you have to make that dession and let your doctor guide you (TRUST IS A HUGE THING WHEN CONSIDERING SURGERY) so make sure that you feel comfortable with your doctor okay.. If he does recomend surgery try asking him some of these questions :
* will he approach from the anterior or posterior & why
* will he be taking a bone graft for the fusion & ware from (hip,back etc..)
* what kind of hardware will he be using (roRAB & screws)
* what is the expected recovery time & when can you start P.T
* when is it okay to be sexually active
* is it okay to use stairs (if you have to)
* how long is hosp. stay going to be
* if you get have any problems with anestishia (spelling off) let him no

I no that is a lot of information , and some of it you may or may not ask.. Like i mentioned write down any questions you feel important to ask , I hammered my doctor before my surgery.. If you do go under , look under surgery tips that is posted under "back problems" and you will find a whole bunch of use full ideas and tips for after surgery.. Tara I no how you're feeling right now , i've been there & the good thing is that you have some very knowledgeable people on this site who been threw this and will help you as much as possible.. Stay positive and mentally strong , and no that you are doing this for the right reasons > DON'T second guess yourself. Any more questions or to just vent , HIT` ME UP.. GOOD luck tomorrow.
DEv
 
Back
Top