misinformation

[roncart]

I am sooooo frustrated! I just got up the nerve to call about the cervical myelogram and spinal tap to schedule it and was told now that they don't do both!! When I was at the doctors office the girl called there(the imaging place) and later called me to say that yes they can do both. I thought that I would just get them both done with 1 needle. I am so tired of all this bull ****!!!!!!!!! between the pain and the frustration along with the muscle spasms at night that even the zanaflex cannot seem to take away aqnd lets not forget the lack of sleep, I am at the end of my rope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just letting off some steam. Thanks for listening.

[slightlybroken]

Vent all you want! It is frustrating when they tell you one thing and you find out another. I'm sorry that you have to go through that. Hang in there!

[Lulu54]

Hi, Welcome - I don't remember crossing paths with you yet.  From what you are writing, I am assuming that you are in limbo looking for answers.  Someone will correct me is I'm wrong but these are two different procedures - the myelogram is going to inject you with a contrast agent so that films can be taken.  The spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is to withdraw cerebral spinal fluid.  

I'm so sorry they can't just knock you out and do everything at one time - wouldn't that be great and maybe you could sleep too!  LOL

Exhaustion is a horrible thing to live with - I hope you get some answers and rest soon.

my best,
Lulu

[roncart]

I am new to this forum. I did however find out after my venting that the tech at the imaging place gave me the wrong info. My neurosurgeons  secretary told me that she spoke directly to the radiologist and he said that although they do not do it often it can be done. He told her that during the myelogram spinal fluid leaks out and they usually let it drain but it can be captured. I bit the bullet and told them to set the test(at least the myelogram) for next Fri. They will do the spinal tap too. I called the neurologist and left a message with his secretary that I am having the myelogram so if he wants the spinal tap he has to send them the script. I will know tomorrow if he is going to order it. I am pretty sure that he will want to because he believes that I have ms and it may be helpful. I know now from this site that sometimes the cf is neg yet you still have ms. as far as the problem I am having with the zanaflex wearing off bfore the night is over, they directed me to take another one if I awaken in spasm during the night. I wanted to just do that but I was afraid. I am supposed to take 2 a day but the one at night makes me so tired I don't take the one in the day. Oh one more thing THANK GOD the girl at the neurosurgeons office said she will tell the doctor I need something to calm my nerves before the procedure. The place won't do iv sedation so I will have to take a pill. I don't care as long as it calms me before the procedure!

[Ufrustrated2]

i did not realize they still performed myelograms? considering what the MRIs of my neck have shown, i would love to have a myelogram road map of my neck to see if any nerve issues/damage is there. having a demyelinating disease and a diseased spinne in the neck, my mind cannot distinguish which is flaring up at time.

quite interrested in your myelogram results....

[roncart]

Hi, I did have a mri of my neck  and due to the fact that I have a titainum (probably spelled wrong) plate in my neck (due to previous surgery) they did not get a picture that shows the spinal cord behind the plate. therefore they want me to have a myelogram. I am not happy to have it. they are painful at least 20 years ago they were. I had a horrible experience 20 years ago when I needed a myelogram the day before back surgery. The tech at the mri place told me that they generally no longer need myelograms anymore because the mri does such a good job.