I am considering having a myleogram done under IV sedation to scan my cervical and lumbar spine. I have four bulging discs in my C4-T1 and some bulging / herniated discs in my lumbar region. I had several MRIs, but the surgeon I'm speaking to says a myleogram is the definitive way to asssess nerve impingement.
I'm very tired of the neck pressure. All activity exaggerates the issue so Lyme probably isn't the culprit. My arms will feel a bit odd too at times (heavy, but not numb). It's just off.
I trust him a lot as he's one of the top 3 docs in the Midwest. His name is very well known.
I truly feel there may be some impingement issues that could get more serious. I don't want to say Lyme causes all issues. I'm scared of this procedure as it involves injecting radioactive dye into the spinal column.
On the other hand, I want to know what I'm facing. MRIs are done lying down. My doc wants to scan in a leaning position much more representative of real-life posture. I think this is crucial to understanding pressure on discs and nerves.
Anyone have it done? Opinions? I've read horror stories as well as ones saying it was no big deal.
Posted by daystar1952 (Member # 3255) on :
I've had a couple of myleograms done and it wasn't so bad. I don't remmember any pain and there didn't appear to be any side effects. One of the tests showed that I had a ruptured disk and I had a small incision to cut out the parts of the disk that were causing the severe sciatica. They also had to pare a smallbit of bone away. For me it was a miracle...no more pain.
Then when OFF antibiotics I began having neck problems. Had trouble raising my legs when lying down..very weak arms...etc. I had an mri etc and they set me up for tentative surgery in 3 months. Went home, my doc put me on antibiotics and when I went back for the surgery they did the myleogram to make sure and the guy doing the testing said...what are you here for? There is no problem.
I didn't have to have the operation and I know it was the antibiotics that helped. I have basically been on antibiotics ever since with no more spine deterioration
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Other opinions?
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Hubby only had an MRI -- had 2 bulging discs. Of course the neuro said that is not what is causing your pain.
An alternative to surgery that is paid for by medicare and most insurance companies is spinal decompression.
There are several different machines. The one hubby used is called LCD -- lumbro cervical decompression. He had a series of 12 treatments I think. Immediate improvement in pain after the 1st treatment. Has gone back twice for series of 3 treatments about every 6 months after the first treatment.
Hubby was on IV Dilaudid for the pain when his back first started bothering him. Got off the pain meds following Babesia treatment but still had some problems so he had the LCD treatments.
Lots of medical literature indicating that Lyme weakens cartilage.
Good luck.
Bea Seibert
Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :
I had a cervical myelogram about 25 years ago after a work related injury. Those were the days before MRIs.
i didn't realize they were still done.
for the cervical myelogram, I had a needle inserted behind my ear to inject the contrast into my C-spine area. I had to lay on my stomach with my head taped to immobilize it.
I had to be on bedrest for a day while watching for a spinal headache. (not too bad, but sometimes they can be bad)
Is your Dr. REALLY sure that you need this? The MRI was not good enough? Just curious,