| Author | Message | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 506 Registered: 10-2003 |
With regards to my continuing back/neck problems I'm down for a myelogram soon. I'm slightly concerned about the procedure (more so because of the possibility -however slight - of arachnoiditis). I've discussed this with my doctor who feels there's no need for concern (unfortunately have not been able to discuss this with the neurosurgeon; heck, wasn't able to discuss ANYTHING with the neurosurgeon - that's the NHS for you)but I've still got some nagging doubts. I'd appreciate any comments from anyone with experience. | ||
| gregduboc
Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2008 |
Shaun, Perhaps there is something here that might help you with one of your questions/worries: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=myelography#part_nine Greg | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2274 Registered: 2-2006 |
While I've never had anything injected into my spine such as dyes I have had spinal fluid removed for some test a couple of years ago. Arachnoiditis is one of the risk the surgeon did mention to me at the time and did explain it very well to me. I personally would try to speak with the nerosurgeon again and to be honest if he can't take the time to address my concerns I'd find someone else. I pray all goes well for you Shaun, OO | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 733 Registered: 12-2003 |
I have performed countless myelograms and would be happy to address any concerns you might have. For what it's worth, In my 10 years, I've never had a case of arachnoiditis...nor have my partners. I think it may have been more common years ago with the higher osmolarity contrast agents, but I'm not sure. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2275 Registered: 2-2006 |
Bravo Jonathan. That's what I love about this forum, such a wide array of knowledgable members that are always ready and willing to help. OO PS. Jonathan will we get a chance to see those 2 fine guitars at the Chicago Gathering next month? | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 507 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks for the info and thoughts guys. I love this place; for a start, how often can you go on a guitar forum and receive a post from someone who has actually performed a medical procedure you're worried about? BTW Jonathan, that buckeye guitar is incredible! | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 734 Registered: 12-2003 |
Barring any last minute schedule glitches, both the Little Bear and Stubby will be at the gathering. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 781 Registered: 11-2004 |
Techniques have improved dramatically over the years Bill, many years ago there was controversy over the radio-opaque dye they used-Myelodil but that has been superseded by much better contrasts. As you know bill us UK residents are contending with MRSA due to the abuse of antibiotics but things are getting better. But just a thought here...why haven't you been offered a MRI scan??. This is totally non invasive and gives a much better diagnostic picture, I think you should definitely discuss this option with him. Don't be put off either, surgeons were tin gods back in the old years, now they are responsible for all there actions and can be sued very easily if things go wrong. | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 738 Registered: 12-2003 |
I was assuming that Shaun already had the MRI. Very often surgeons will still ask for a CT myelogram, though. Particularly if the MRI findings don't entirely explain the physical symptoms or if post surgical changes make interpretation difficult. Clearly, though, we do far less myelography than we used to. (Message edited by jalevinemd on April 19, 2009) | ||
| willie
Intermediate Member Username: willie Post Number: 120 Registered: 11-2003 |
BigBadBill I had a Myelogram back in about 1991 after injuring two discs in my neck driving tractor trailers. I bent 3 needles because I tightened up because they use an X-Ray screen to guide the needle between the vertabrae into the spinal cord. Don't Look at the screen if you have it done. Than they hung me upside down so the dye would flow up my spinal cord. Tremendous pain. Felt like I was being crushed as the dye flowed. I ended up not getting the operation then. Waited till 03 for the first neck operation after seeing many Neurosurgeons none of whom asked for myelogram, all wanted MRI's.After that operation C-6 and C-7 didn't fuse well so had it redone in 05. My neck still hurts but not as bad as before but more nerve damage after operation. Last year I had a very serious back injury and was paralyzed from chest down. Needed 3 emergency back operations over the next week and was very close to dying. All the Neurosurgeons did was MRI's with that too. Cervical, Thorasic and lumbar with and without contrast. Thats 5 spinal operations all done after MRI's. I would suggest finding a surgeon who will do the MRI, try to stay away from the Myelogram. And take it from someone with a little experience with this subject, Don't get an operation unless you absolutely need it. If I could go back I would not have had my neck done. The 3 back operations I didn't have much choice. It was that or be paralyzed for another day or two and than die. It's been a tough year but I can walk again. Doctors say at least 2 years to heal. But one of the first things I tried to do after getting home from the hospital was to play my basses. It was a little hard in a back brace and all the pain. I couldn't even lift one. And I'm still playing them and just started back to work part time after 4 months in a back brace, 8 weeks doing my own IV's at home through a PIC line and 6 more months stuck home in bed except for therapy and doctor visits. I've seen enough Neurosurgeons to almost be one. What is your problem if you don't mind me asking? Obviously either a herniated bulged or deteriorated disc somewhere. What level is it at and how much pain are you in? Any numbness, weakness or pain in extremities or just pain in your back. Let me know if you want to talk about it more or if you have any more questions. Best of luck to you and I hope it works out well if you do end up getting the operation. Willie | ||
| peoplechipper
Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 95 Registered: 2-2009 |
Willie, Any time I whine about my ruined spine(2 smushed vertebrae/split tailbone; later re-injured in a high-speed car/bike accident-me on bike..) I realize it could be SOOO much worse...thankfully you are recovering and hopefully are one day pain free...If I find the solution first I'll pass it on, but after 22 years I dunno...mind you, I'm alive and walking, so what's a little ache? Tony | ||
| willie
Intermediate Member Username: willie Post Number: 121 Registered: 11-2003 |
Tony I can definitely relate the bike accident. Motorcycles, (motocross) and byclcles. When I was 16 I got hit by a tractor trailer while riding a 10 speed. Flew 100 feet in the air and landed on a cable type guardrail. Was given 0-5% chance of living. But I survied some very serious injuries from that and actually had to pass that intersection where I was hit when leaving my terminal in a tractor trailer for each trip that I made when I became a tractor trailer driver myself. Imagine that, what are the chances? And I know what you mean, it could be WORSE. I spent over a month in the hospital for the 3 back operations and alot of that in intensive care in the Neurosurgery dept. Graduated up to a wheel chair than a walker than on my own. I will never be pain free. I have rods and plates across 3 vertebrae in my neck and and ten in my thorasic spine . I missed a whole year of fishing and I was on a major quest to catch a Muskie over 50 inches long. But I will be back fishing for him very soon and some of that time will be wading in the river after him,it'll hurt but I'm determined to do it.. Let me know if you find that solution, I could really use it and yes I'm alive and walking too. And they say thats a good thing. Best of luck to you with your situation. Willie | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 508 Registered: 10-2003 |
Willie and Tony, when I read stuff like yours I feel like a fraud. I have a prolapsed disc at C5/6 with nerve root compression and another at L5/S1 likewise(they aren't doing anything with that). I also seem to have some minor (?) thoracic problems which they won't look into (expense being the issue). I've had 2 MRIs already, one both lumber and cervical and the last one just cervical. The first MRI ( a few years ago) showed the cervical prolapse to the right, whilst the second showed a central bulge impinging on both sides; I guess something has moved. I have coldness, pins and needles, muscle spasms, weakness etc in both arms, back and legs which can vary not only day to day but minute to minute. Sometimes if I jar myself I get pins and needles in my face too. I also get sensations like electric shocks down my ribs, abdomen and occasionally my legs (as well as some areas I won't go into!), and have various other symptoms I won't bother expanding on. The consultant doesn't think the last MRI shows sufficient compression to explain my symptoms, hence the myelogram. Willie, you're the 2nd person I've spoken to in 2 days who's had one who has advised me against it, which is somewhat worrying! I had got to the stage where I was struggling to use my right arm, hence my referral, but I've recently been going regularly to a different chiropracter and it seems to be helping no end; not a permanent fix I guess but it's keeping me ticking over, although I still suffer some pain and very occasionally walking is hard work (although other days it's fine). Wearing a bass for any time is a struggle too. i must admit though as my symptoms have currently eased I can't help wondering if it's worth it, although I'm aware of the fact that that could change anytime. Regardless, my problems are utterly insignificant compared to what you've been through. My thoughts go out to you and Tony (and anyone else with such problems)and I hope you get through everything ok. | ||
| precarius
Advanced Member Username: precarius Post Number: 281 Registered: 11-2005 |
I can feel everybody's pain (except willie- I can't imagine that much pain). I have degenerative disc disease and have had fusions- bone,plates, and screws- at c4-5, c5-6, and c6-7. The neurosurgeon said I will continue having them until they find a cure for DDD. I have gone through arms and shoulders not working right for months at a time, but right now I can still play my Alembics so I am happy. Lower back is still OK so I am blessed. I feel for anyone going through this. Mike | ||
| peoplechipper
Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 104 Registered: 2-2009 |
Bill, if anyone is the pain hero here it's Willie; Man, he's been through hell...perhaps I was lucky that I was 21 when I first broke my back; too dumb and stubborn to realize I'd done something serious, and young enough to mostly recover from it...my Chiropractor has been a good friend for more than 20 years now... Frankly, it sounds like you have severe nerve pinching and you need to find out where and why...the test may help find the best route to health with the least invasive approach or localise the main pinch...maybe there's a Chinese Herbalist solution? massive doses of shark cartilage to build up the discs? Bill, don't feel like a fraud. I can't imagine what Willie's been through, I walked away from my accidents (first one with help), but for us we can distinctly trace our aches; for you it was probably more subtle (improper lifting, etc.) Do whatever you can to get better. I'm nowhere near as acute as you in the pain department, I can't imagine not doing all I can if I was in your shoes...do everything; for yourself and those around you...good luck, Tony. | ||
| willie
Intermediate Member Username: willie Post Number: 122 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bill Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, "some minor distractions". Definitely don't feel like a fraud. Everybodies situation is unique and their own to deal with. What someone else is going through does not diminish or take away from what another has to deal with. I've been told by people to think of someone who is worse off and that I should feel lucky to be alive and walking. And although I feel sorry for them it does not change my situation and what I deal with everyday. So you should be mostly concerned with your own situation and what you need to do that is best for you. Since you've already had the MRI's you may have to do the Myelogram in the end to find out for sure what is the best treatment for you. I can understand alot of your symptoms except the pins and needles in the face. The nerves to your face are above C5/6. Nerve roots leaving that level are to your shoulders and arms so I'm not sure whats causing that. I'd be careful with a chiropractor though. You don't want them twisting you around too much that could make things worse. I hope whatever you decide works out for you and decreases or eliminates your pain. I wish you all the best in dealing with this. And Tony, I don't really consider myself a hero. I've just tried to deal with the cards I was dealt the best I can. Unfortunately I got a really @#$%^& hand and I wonder alot, Why Me? Thanks to everyone for their comments and well wishes. I hope someday we'll all feel a little better and that someday injuries like ours are a thing of the past and if not that modern medicine can better help those unfortunate enough to have to endure them. Willie | ||
| peoplechipper
Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 106 Registered: 2-2009 |
I keep wishing for someone to develop the replacement titanium spine; hasn't happened yet...oh well... We all wonder why me? sometimes, and the only rational answer is 'why not me?'...and that goes for the good stuff too...Tony | ||
| willie
Intermediate Member Username: willie Post Number: 126 Registered: 11-2003 |
Shaun How are you making out with your back problems? Haven't heard from you for a while and was wondering how you're doing. Willie | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 509 Registered: 10-2003 |
Still waiting for the myelogram Willie. Just had some nerve conduction tests on my arms which confirmed problems. |
