myelogram (spinal tap)

[alreadybetter]

Hi all,
I am scheduled for a myelogram next week. Can anyone, or the nurses we have around here give me any information on how bad the procedure is? I've heard that it used to be pretty painful but that they've made great strides in reducing the pain during the procedure. I am in so much pain you would think I wouldn't care, but I do. I've become a chicken. I think its more the name (spinal tap) that freaks me out. I know they puncture your lumbar and that alone is enough to throw me into a panic attack. Does anyone know anything, or has anyone had the procedure? Thank you all.....

[alreadybetter]

they are looking for a pinched nerve in the S1 L5 region, the nerves that run all the way to the bottom of your feet. They refer to it as a myelogram, but I've heard others refer to it casually as a 'spinal tap". In any event, I'm praying they find a pinched nerve, even though it would involve surgery. This is my last hope as I've been to every doctor out there and been tested for everything. This group of neurosurgeons are very cautious about surgery-its a last resort to them. This surgeon is uber qualified but he was shockingly kind and tender with me. He could tell that I am in a lot of pain, but also he could see in my eyes that my light is going out. As I write this, I feel like busting into tears. I don't want a life on drugs. I can't hand a life with this ongoing pain, which is worsening. Been going on for 3 years now. I'm tapering down and hoping that I do indeed have "opiod induced hyperalgesia" and that it's rebound pain, and perhaps I'll get a reduction when I am off these demon pills. That's what I'm praying for.

[marycarmel]

They are different procedures and look at different things.   Think the risks and side effects  may overlap.  I know when my dad had one 30 years ago he was kept in the hospital flat on his back for 48 hours.  When I had my myelogram 20 years ago it was done as an outpatient.  If you're having a procedure to look at problems with your back, it's most likely a myelogram.  I've never had a spinal tap but both my dad and my son did.  ,y son had meningitis when he was 2.  He tolerated it well.  My dad had it done at the ER when he had a mild stroke and he said it wasn't too bad.  I stayed with him while he had it and he didn't appear all that uncomfortable.  In any case, you should be clear on which procedure you're having and follow all your discharge instructions.  Even if you feel perfectly fine, if they tell you to stay lying down, do it.

[alreadybetter]

I thought a myelogram was a spinal tap? No?

[marycarmel]

Are you having a spinal tap or a myelogram?  I had a myelogram done and the procedure itself was nothing.  I did get a spinal headache that took quite a while to resolve, though they can do a blood patch if that happens.  Staying very still after the procedure seems to be the trick to not getting one.

[alreadybetter]

Yeah, I understand that staying in bed for 24 hours straight is critical to not getting the headache. I am more afraid of the actual procedure. It didn't hurt? I've heard both-some say it was awful, others say it was nothing much.

[ImDONENoMore]

I did.  And it was kinda scary, but honestly, it was more in my head.  The procedure itself wasn't that bad.  The only advice I can offer is to make sure you have time to take it easy afterward.  I made the mistake of attending a 35th wedding anniversary party the next day and it was awful; had the worst headache of my life.  But don't let it freak you out.  It will be okay.