Screaming Eagle

Just a point of clarification on the discogram (and I also am not trying to be argumentative at all, just sharing some journal research I read recently). It wasn't the pain that was the issue. I had one before my surgery, but that was before I had known some of the downside. The research I was reading from medscape.com cited a couple of things. One was that there may be some evidence accumulating that injecting the control disk - which is one of the healthy disks which is done just to see if you can tell the difference when the doc is trying to reproduce your pain - may do some damage to that disk in the long run. And there is also some evidence that the info. provided by the discogram may not be worth the risks. If I had a doctor that insisted on doing one again, and I really had no choice because I wanted this particular doctor, I would negotiate that the control disk not be done. In other words, no injecting of any of the healthy disks, which is generally disk above or below the problem area.

It's also important that you are somewhat conscious during the procedure so you can answer the doctor's questions about whether he's reproducing the pain. But you're given meds that put you into a type of conscious sedation, so I didn't feel anything except where he was trying to reproduce the pain - and it's a good thing if they locate it because that's the point of the whole test.

But Michael I would still encourage you to meet once with the surgeon after the tests have been completed and see what they show. You haven't had an MRI in a year, and a lot of changes could take place. And that may mean some other choices or options to consider.

And now I'll shut up about it all! LOL

PaLady

Thanks all for your replies! PaLady I never take anything you post to be an argument, on the contrary..I always believe that you mean well..and want the members to be educated about what they may face with their conditions. There is always a need for those members who are research heavy, and it is well received and appreciated by the members here. I know there are those of you that hate my name dropping, but I really don't care...and do this out of appreciating for those who excel ...in my mind... in different areas that I'm interested in.
So those veteran members like Palady, Straydog, White Beard and Pete...and many more have been a huge help. And yes I did say many more! I can not recall all of you at this time of my posting, but these members pop into my mind because they offer so much technical advice to us here on the forums. How about that , I just remembered to split up some of my sentences Jag! :)

We all are here to learn about our conditions and share when we can...sure we don't always feel well, and it may show in a post or two...but the point is we have a place to come for support.
...So PaLady don't be shy about giving some much needed advice and thinking that your being argumentative about. I can handle it, and if not...well then that will be my fault for not being a big boy..
and looking past the intent. I believe that if we post something with the intent of helping, then we wont have to worry about such things.
Jag posted a good point about breaking up our postings, so that they are easy to read for the members here, and right off the bat, she explained her intentions...life goes on, and all is well.

Sorry if I seem to get off on a tangent..in my own little world..but I have been taking all the meds my Dr will allow me in 24hrs, as my pain is not being kept in check by them much anymore.
My head and heart, have been in a mood of just giving up, and coasting to the finish line now..since the surgery is in site. If it does not go well...I will deal with that then..no since in worrying about...
something I cannot control. I appreciate you all..and thank you for your support. Now I'm off to take a nap! :)

Post Edited (Screaming Eagle) : 2/6/2010 9:26:03 PM (GMT-7)