What Else Can They Do To You?

Myelogram

And even more fun.  This is a really valuable test when you have problems with your spine and they need to pin down exactly where the problem is.  I’ve had 2 of these for different reasons.  While it’s not excruciatingly painful, you do feel a lot of pressure for what seems like forever (usually about 15 minutes.)  I would tell my doctor if he wants to do a Myelogram on me, he’d better have an anesthesiologist on hand to give me a nice little Propofol nap while they do it.

Here’s the drill.  You are placed on a large Radiology table that pivots and rotates.  There’s an X-Ray machine above you.  Depending on the area they need to evaluate, you may be tilted during the procedure.

Your spine is injected with contrast dye and the table is tilted to allow gravity to distribute this dye to the area of concern, Then they start taking pictures (smile pretty now) until they have everything they need.  Good Radiologists will be very careful about positioning your head for cervical testing.  If the dye leaks through from your spinal canal to your brain fluid, it can result in a very nasty headache I’m told.