Disco-gram

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Precious55

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Hi Everyone,

I had a disco-gram done today on my lower spine. I listened to too many people telling me how horrible it would be, and it wasn't. I had a wonderful doctor that did it, and they gave me enough sedation to relax me. Yes, it was uncomfortable at the L5 disc, but I learned from him that the disc was "blown" and fragments were in my spinal cord. I also had herniation's at L3 & L4, so it appears I'll be having surgery. I've been out of work for 5 months because of the pain, and the MRI'S I had were just showed bulging discs, but thank God now I have the answer for all the pain I've been through. Sometimes, just "knowing" what's wrong with your body helps you to deal with pain better.
Yes, I am very sore and stiff from the disco-gram, but I wouldn't be afraid to have one again. Also, I'm 59, and have Osteopenia, and my Neurosurgeon is a good one. An Orthopedic Dr. will be doing the bone graft though. Anyone else had Osteopenia and had a fusion?:)
 
My mother has osteoporosis, and she had fusion 1 month ago.

What type of surgery will you have?
 
I'm going to discuss the type of surgery on Monday with my Dr. The big question is, will the screws and metal hold okay. I had a T12 fracture in Noveraber, 2009 and they did a Kyphoplasty ( cement like glue injected in the vertebra. I also have Osteopenia in the spine.
How is your mother doing after having surgery a month ago? Do you mind giving her age? I'm 59 and post menopause. Just wondering what to expect.
 
Your so blessed to have to have hardly any pain! My first time around with the Disco Gram I had them pull the needle out I was in so much pain (no sedation) and it took me six month to get the nerve to go back and do it again! The second time though I sedated myself but still had a panic attack in the pre op room! I shook like crazy once they got me in the procedure room until they laid warm blankets on me and that seemed to help but I don't think I'd like to go through that again!
 
So glad that you had a positive experience with the discogram and that they were able to find out exactly what your problems were. This is why this test is worth its weight in gold and is worth every ache and pain. I think every potential fusion patient should go thru this test as it verifies that you are working on the corrrect pain generator/spinal level. Could you imagine going thru a fusion to only find out a year later that your pain generator was due to that normal looking level and not the level your surgeon fixed? :eek:

Good luck and I pray that your fusion goes smoothly.
 
I don't know the reason why everyone neeRAB this procedure unless the surgeon has doubts about the disc. I don't think I would let them do this to me as I know the disc's at L4-S1 are damaged as it shows up clearly on the MRI. Maybe my case is different I don't know. There must be a reason why they do this to people who are clearly scared to have it done. I heard they can do the opposite by giving local anaesthetic to see if it gives relief. Allan
 
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