Discography Test (Discogram)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hanaki
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Hanaki

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I am supposed to have this test done on Monday and I was wondering how bad does it hurt. Am I going to be in pain after? Thank you.
 
I have never had one done but have read about them and heard they are umcomfortable and painful.... From what I get from it, the dr injects dye in the area of the potential problem disc, and if pain is moreso present for you they know they have the right spot, as well as I think they take pics too-xrays or similar? something like that, I know I don't have the whole jist of the test down pat, but DO know if I was getting one I'd have someone with me just incase to drive you home. Ask whether or not you're allowed to take your pain meRAB (if you're on them) as pain is part of the test to knowing that its the proper disc from what I get from it. I don't think AGONY but I know it's painful.

It is good you're getting the test to see what disc is the problem, if I was under other circumstances I would too get a discogram prior to surgery or anything invasive.

Good luck to you.
 
It can be agonizing or it can be slightly painful or not at all. If there is no major problem you will not feel it other than just pressure. I am not going to lie to you and tell you that it won't be painful when in fact it more than likely will be. Mine was horrendous but it was done many years ago without any sedative and there were complications.

How much pain you undergo let's them understand which disc is causing your problem or if in fact it is a problem? If I was having one I would most certainly ask if I was going to be lightly sedated (versed) because the experience may turn out to be pretty bad without any sedative.

In my opinion discograms should only be done as a prelude to surgery. Another worRAB they have pretty much decided to do surgery and this is just another way of making sure they have the right location for your pain. You don't want to go ahead with surgery only to find that it doesn't relieve your pain and they have operated on the wrong level. A disc can look terrible on a MRI but may not be the pain source. On the other hand a disc can look normal and be the cause of pain. Better safe than sorry because there is no going back after surgery!
 
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