Can a 5th myelogram aggrevate arachnoiditis

Posted By Mike on July 01, 1997 at 22:05:50:









I had a Myelogram and disc surgery in 1973; 2 myelograms and disc surgery in 1975; a 4th myelogram and surgery for stenosis & decompression in 1984.  I had no back pain nor associated symptoms since then until about 2 months after a serious MVA in January of '97.  Besides broken bones & cartilage removal from the MVA, I have been diagnosed with ARACHNOIDITIS by both an orthopod and a neurosurgeon.  while both agree that the Arachnoiditis cannot be helped by surgery, the neurosurgeon feels that surgery may alleviate the FOOT DROP (which is only one of the many symptoms.)  He suggests a MYELOGRAM to determine if surgery is indicated.  MY FEARS: Is another myelogram likely to aggravate the Arachnoiditis?  If surgery is indicated to relieve the foot drop, could this surgery (in the L5-S1 area) aggrevate the arachnoiditis?  CAN ANYONE HELP with a valid medical opinion??  Since my career has moved me from coast to coast (15 moves in the last 30 years), I have nowhere to turn for medical advice.  PS: I am a 50 year old male.