View Single Post
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 06-07-2009, 06:09 PM
jchebert1979 jchebert1979 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 100
Default Myelogram/Discogram Question

I would like to know how long after surgery ADR surgery should one wait to have a discogram and/or myeolgram.

My reason for asking is because the many MRI's I have taken have failed to show the extent of the damage, this being proved by the scar tissue and inflamation seen in my recent ADR surgery. As I have said before this surgery has actually proved to be the best diagnostic test I have taken since the pain it alleviated is the exact same pain that I feel that corresponds to the remaining herniations.

I have called my doctors office numerous times and his nurse keeps telling me to wait until the visit on the 19th. I have tried to re-schedule an earlier date and she will not let me. She also said that invasive tests have to wait 6-8 weeks due to risk for infection unless it is an emergency. I will be calling the office back tomorrow and demanding an earlier appointment.

I cannot make anyone understand that the pain that I am experiencing is not related to my surgery or C5-6 herniation and it is intractable and unbearable. If there is a risk of infection I am prepared to take that risk as this is an emergency and I cannot wait 6-8 weeks.

To explain how much of an emergency this is, I am fully prepared to have another doctor order the test without his knowledge of my surgery. I most certainly do not want to have to do this but there is no way I can wait in this pain for 6-8 weeks for a diagnostic test because no matter what the results are, there will be more waiting on treatment plans.

I mean no disrespect, but please do not reply telling me that it is not a good idea because I already know that. Also please do not tell me to give the surgery more time as I know that my pain in completely unrelated to the surgery. I done trying to get other people to understand this. I will do everything I can to have my doctors support, but I if I do not, I will do this. If I felt like there was any way I could wait, I would do so.

I am asking for your help in making the most informed decision possible.
__________________
Chiari 1 malformation - successful surgery 1-22-09
C5-6 herniation (extrusion) with moderate central canal stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis.
Prodisc-C @ C5-6 surgery on 5/28/09
VATS thoracic fusion @ T3-4 and T6-7 on 9/11/09
Fusion w/cage @ C7-T1 on 11/12/09

Last edited by jchebert1979; 06-07-2009 at 06:12 PM.
Reply With Quote