Discogram - Should I have one or run the other way?

[Rebecca10s]

Hi All-

I found this site when I was researching discograms. I found a few threads about them here and elsewhere online. I have a lot pain from my back and leg. Up to this point all my docs have said not to have any type of surgery. They also disagree on what type if needed would benefit me. Neurosurgeon wants me to have a microdiscectomy , orthopedic surgeon said no surgery until two years post accident and then he talked about a XLIF fusion. My neurologist now want me to have a discogram. Up to this point anything anyone does to my back hurts really bad. The doctor who is supposed to do the discogram is not a surgeon, he is a pain management doc. From what I have read it sounds awful. Is it worth it? I really do not want to have surgery but I want to get better.

I am so tired of being in pain and fighting through each day. I do not have any good doctors either. If anyone knows of good ones in San Diego or LA please let me know.

Thanks,
Rebecca

[runagain]

Rebecca, I have the unfortunate luck to have had three discograms. In my opinion, the one where you are given conscious sedation, with for example, propofol, is better. It is like being asleep and then they wake you up after the needles are placed and then they test the discs to see if any injection of fluid causes pain.
I didn't get any propofol with the first disco and that was not the greatest thing.
So I would do a little research and ask the pain doctor his procedure for doing the discogram. It is important to be given pain medication after the discogram if you are in pain. A lot of people on here have described their experiences.
I think once you have the discogram, you are kind of headed for surgery if it is positive. IMHO, it is a very useful tool to see what is causing your pain as there can be several things causing back pain.

Good luck in deciding what to do. I wouldn't sugarcoat the disco experience, however, asking questions beforehand with the doctor who wants to do the procedure can make you feel more reassured when you have the procedure.

[ajj1001]

its a point of debate whether they are of any worth as a diagnostic test or do more harm than good.

the ortho's plan of waiting 2 years post injury is backed up by research. trying all conservative treatments for 2 years is the advisable option. there should be articles in the research section.