Discogram Procedure for Herniated Discs?
Question by John K: Discogram Procedure for Herniated Discs?
I have had two herniated discs in my lower back for nearly two years now. In the beginning, my MD just ordered an X-ray and said “it doesn’t look too bad…it should heal on its own in about 6-12 months”. Well, he was dead wrong. I insisted on an MRI, which he eventually complied with. It was a good idea on my part. It showed much more clearly the pretty serious damage to the discs, especially one of them. When the MD saw the films, he referred me to a pain management specialist for further treatment. Well I have been with this man for about 9 months, with, I am very sorry to say, NO improvement in my condition. I have had three injection procedures done. The first was a ‘trigger point injection’, the second was a ‘steroidal injection’ and the one I just had about 6 weeks ago, was called a ‘facet injection’. Of all of them the facet injection offered me ‘some relief’ for about two weeks, but then it went away completely, and back to the way it always has been…very painful and limiting. I am getting very frustrated and concerned. Now he wants to do a procedure on me called a ‘discogram’. I have done some research on this, and don’t really like what I read. There are more risks with this than the injections, it is more invasive, and I am not sure if I should go ahead with it. He seems to think it is the logical next step. I DO NOT want surgery, if I can avoid it, as even though there are people who DO come out of back surgeries well, a lot DO NOT. I am not on any painkillers, because my MD is very gun shy about prescribing them, even though I feel my condition(and pain) warrants it. I have never had any problems with addiction issues, but he is worried about that, maybe too much so.
So what do you think about this ‘discogram’ procedure, for those who know what it is, and especially those who have gone through it. Was it worth it? What was the next step after you had the discogram? Surgery? Or other procedures? Is there anything else left? I have gone through physical rehab, but it helps little. I am only 46 and I am really getting sick of it, and want relief, even a little.
Please give me your thoughts about this procedure, risks vs. rewards, what you might do if in my situation, and any other thoughts you may have about herniated disc issues. Thank you.
Best answer:
Answer by Chas.B
I’ve had 2 spine surgeries and I’m glad I did,, it was the only thing that kept me from not being able to walk very well.
I don’t know about the procedure you are asking about but here are a few links to sites I use and you may want to check them out, Good luck
http://spine-health.com
http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=477&action=detail&AEProductID=Adam2004%5F1&AEArticleID=000029&AEArticleType=Injury
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002185.htm
and here is one that will give you great info on the procedure you are interested in
http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/otherdatabases.html
or
http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?id=477&oTopID=47
If you have a chronic pain problem and your doctor won’t treat you with medications then find a pain clinic in your area,,, I’ve had operations,, PT for years, about every treatment you can for a spine injury,, and I still take hydrocodone and oxycodone every day for pain,, I have for several years,, I will until I die,,,I have -0- problems with pain meds as far as abusing them,,, being addicted is just part of the deal,, the same doctors that get you addicted can get you off them when, and if, the time comes,,,, find a doctor that will treat you and not just take your money and worry about if you are going to be a abuser before it happens.
MOST people that have to take pain meds for a chronic condition do not become fiends,, they don’t rob people to get more pills,,, they don’t have sex with strangers for a few oxy’s,,, they take them as directed under their doctors care,,, the big difference is the ones that don’t do their part and control themselves end up destroying their lives,,, the rest of us just live it with a little less pain.
Here is another link you may want to look at
http://pain.org
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!