P
Pudgy
Guest
I originally had a CT Myelogram scheduled for a month ago. After making the appointment, I came home and started to reasearch this test on the web. After only minutes, I called and cancelled the appointment. Some of the people here had terrible experiences with the severe headaches and blood patches. Only a few people said it was no big deal. Too few in fact. Well, I finally said it has to be done and re-scheduled. I want to tell you of my experience.
I have a herniated disc at L4/L5 and decided to have it operated on. I picked who I believe is the best surgeon in NYU and before he would do anything, he wanted a CT Myelogram done. I'm 350 lbs and MRI's are not as detailed for people that size. CT Myelogram was the only option. Couldn't eat and could only have clear fluiRAB day of procedure. I went to The Spine & Joint Center and after filling out forms waited no more than 5 minutes before I was called. I went to a locker room, changed into a robe that wouldn't fit a person half my size, and after a few questions, went right to the procedure room. I did not have to drink gallons of water beforehand as some posters here have said. Went right to a table and was instructed to lie face down. Dr. comes in and goes right to buisness. Nurabing agent first, which hurt a little, and maybe a 1 minute gap, he starts to go in for the spinal tap. I feel increasing pressure and by the time I started worrying that this is going to hurt, he was in. He tells me he is going to start the injection. All this time, we are having a conversation about other things. He says I may feel my body getting warm or a bad taste in my mouth or tingling going down my legs. I felt NOTHING. A minute later, he was done. 2 minutes of the technician taking x-rays and it's over. I don't think I was on the table for 5 minutes.
I can't believe I worried about this. I was foolish to delay this procedure. After the injection, I was immediately sent to a room where the CT scan was. Within 5 minutes, I was in the scan, and after 5 minutes, It was done. Now here comes the worst part. They put you in a holding area and you have to lay there for 2 hours. That was the hardest part for me as I was looking to get out of there as fast as possible. It's my nature or hatred of doctors. 2 hours later, I get the bad news. I can't have coffee until tomorrow. AARRGGHH!!! But I can eat anything. Out the door and on my way home.
If you absolutely need to have this procedure done, have it done, but remeraber what my experience was and not the other ones. It can only help. Good luck to all.
I have a herniated disc at L4/L5 and decided to have it operated on. I picked who I believe is the best surgeon in NYU and before he would do anything, he wanted a CT Myelogram done. I'm 350 lbs and MRI's are not as detailed for people that size. CT Myelogram was the only option. Couldn't eat and could only have clear fluiRAB day of procedure. I went to The Spine & Joint Center and after filling out forms waited no more than 5 minutes before I was called. I went to a locker room, changed into a robe that wouldn't fit a person half my size, and after a few questions, went right to the procedure room. I did not have to drink gallons of water beforehand as some posters here have said. Went right to a table and was instructed to lie face down. Dr. comes in and goes right to buisness. Nurabing agent first, which hurt a little, and maybe a 1 minute gap, he starts to go in for the spinal tap. I feel increasing pressure and by the time I started worrying that this is going to hurt, he was in. He tells me he is going to start the injection. All this time, we are having a conversation about other things. He says I may feel my body getting warm or a bad taste in my mouth or tingling going down my legs. I felt NOTHING. A minute later, he was done. 2 minutes of the technician taking x-rays and it's over. I don't think I was on the table for 5 minutes.
I can't believe I worried about this. I was foolish to delay this procedure. After the injection, I was immediately sent to a room where the CT scan was. Within 5 minutes, I was in the scan, and after 5 minutes, It was done. Now here comes the worst part. They put you in a holding area and you have to lay there for 2 hours. That was the hardest part for me as I was looking to get out of there as fast as possible. It's my nature or hatred of doctors. 2 hours later, I get the bad news. I can't have coffee until tomorrow. AARRGGHH!!! But I can eat anything. Out the door and on my way home.
If you absolutely need to have this procedure done, have it done, but remeraber what my experience was and not the other ones. It can only help. Good luck to all.