4th time posting not one reply

[casper_47]

Hello I am a 51 year old female I am getting ready to have my 3rd back surgery...this time they will be replacing 2 disc with 2 metal rods and 8 screws... before I go into surgery I have to go for a disc-a-gram.. could somebody please explain this procedure to me? I understand it is to recreate the pain.. but im not sure how or why... my 2 previous surgeries were lumbarectomies...

[casper_47]

Thanks so much I was wondering if this forum was just for regulars... I read what you wrote and you explained it much better than the doctors did .. thanks so much.. Debbie
I am having the procedure on monday will let you know..

[angelwinggallery]

So sorry to hear about your back surgeries. I've had 3 neck fusions and am having tremendous back pain now. They did rule out a 4th cervical bulge so I will be going back in 2 weeks for an MRI on my back, a whole body bone scan and xrays.  
Here is what I found on the disc-a-gram for you. I've never had one so can't give you any first hand experience but maybe this will help.  Good luck hon with the procedure and surgery.
Discogram is an enhanced X-ray examination of inter vertebral discs. Dye is injected into the center of the suspected or injured disc. It makes the disc clearly visible on X-ray film and on a fluoroscope. This test is used to show if a disc has begun to rupture and if it has tears in tough outer ring. Injected fluid increases pressure, so the doctor can tell if it is painful. Your father will be given medication to help him relax. Then a long needle will be inserted from the back, which goes into the nucleus pulposus. Doctor can watch the screen as the needle is inserted to make sure it goes into the correct disc space. The risks which are associated with a discogram include infection inside the disc or allergic reaction. Also, discogram require X-rays, and those in large doses can increase the risk of cancer. Only patients who must have large number of X-rays should be concerned about this.