Stopping meds for myelogram CT?

Hey sweetie, ok, here's my answer. Being stuck in your spine is a scary thought, but it's not as bad as you think. The worse part, as always, is the Novocain. I'm sure that you have had those kind of shots before, and although they are not pleasant, they are not unbearable. the other thing about a myelogram is that they take a bit spinal fluid out, and replace it with a dye, so that they can get a picture of your spinal column, and your brain, which your spinal fluid surrounds. It just depends what they are looking for, but I am guessing that it is your shoulder problems. Are you allergic to contrast dyes? If so, you must tell them so they can accommodate for this. You can be sedated for this procedure, as they have to put an IV in, so if you are very nervous INSIST! If this doctor won't do that, then go to another doctor who will! I see no reason to suffer, and I happen to be highly excitable, so I need sedation. You on the other hand, might not need it.

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They will probably take you for a CT scan afterwards.

The most IMPORTANT thing regarding a myelogram is stay flat, or sometimes a bit elevated, your doctor will tell you, for 24 hours after the procedure! This is IMPERATIVE to avoid the headaches that everyone talks about. Should you follow their advice, no bending, lifting, just lie down for 24 hours, you should NOT get the headaches. The test itself is relatively painless, though for us, nothing is painless, but from what I have read, it only lasts for a few moments when the dye hits the nerves that are irritated. One important thing is to make sure that the doctor who preforms the myelogram has had PLENTY of experience doing this. That way you avoid problems. I have heard about stopping antidepressants, but not about the pain medication. Reading your tags, I see that you are on tramadol, and that could be why. I would ask for another pain medication that you can take for the few days before and after, as tramadol has a serotonin component. I have read where they give you an sedative and demerol during the procedure, but INSIST!! Sometimes doctors just don't think, and don't realize that you will go through w/d, even though it is for a few days. Also, make sure that you are well hydrated before the test. The more fluid you take in the few days before the test, the less chance of having any problems afterwards. I do wish that I could tell you that you will have no problems, but they do happen sometimes. Should you get a headache a few days afterwards, call the doctor immediately, as there are things that they can do for that. Don't be stoic, and wait it out. Call the doctor ASAP, so they can take care of it immediately, ok??

I will be thinking about you and I truly hope this is as easy as can be!! Best wishes to you Tee.

I too need to have a ct myelogram done in the next week or so. I appreciate all the info people have provided! I had one done in 2010 with no problems & was overall quite comfortable during & after. I had been really nervous about getting this injection in my spine- well more like petrified! But, I was pleasantly surprised! The doctor who did it was great. Now I'm in a new town/state & have to get one here. My nerosurgeon who wants it done straight up told me it would be painful. I then told him id had one before & had been fine. He got excited for a second thinking he could just look at that one but because it was over 2 years ago & not within 6 months he can't. But now I'm getting anxious & worried about it! I will definitely ask to be sedated. They did not have me stop taking any meds last time but I had gotten off a lot of meds at that time for a while but the pain has pushed me back to having to be on lots of pain medication again.

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This doctor did not mention anything about meds but maybe the nurse who is scheduling it will. If I remember correctly, in 2010 at that time I had been on Lexapro. I will certainly make sure that who ever is the physician doing the ct with dye this time is also a seasoned veteran as was the last one. I think it made a huge difference! I remember being so relieved that the punture/injection was low on pain, quick, with no big deal afterwards. I do remember a slight dull type of headache but I just laid back for the next 24hours & it didn't worsen but gradually disipated. I should say that my 2010 test was done because my left hand became paralyzed & my doctors were worried that it was from my C5 & C6 discectomy/fusion back in 2008. They did the injection for the test slightly lower than my midback. Now, they know my C6-C7 fusion is a failed fusion but now this doctor thinks my C4 doesnt look good either. So, after almost 5 1/2 years of me saying that somthing wasnt right & the pain eas still excrutiating with shouldar pain, cervical dysplasia, & paralysis, i know will have o go thru corrective surgery plus add in another disc! Tee, I hope you & I (& anyone else having to undergo this test) get thru this quickly & painlessly!!!