7 replies to this topic

[ThomasR]

So, in january I had my spine fused because the docs had told me that it could get life threatening if I do not. Turns out they botched it up and everything below my level of injury is completely numb now which was not the case before. Needles to say that I am totally pissed. Now they claim that the only method to finding out what went wrong is to inject contrast medium in my spine - the medical term is myelography. I haven't even recovered from surgery yet and do not want them to mess with my spine again. Apparently that method is not exactly without dangers and can cause nausea, migraines and who knows what else. I am afraid it will make things worse than they already are. On the other hand, I hate the perspective of living with this lack of sensation. So, I just wanted to ask if anyone had that kind of injection and can tell me a little bit more about it. I just would like to be able to assess the dangers. If there is really something wrong how are chances that they can fix it and what's the worst outcome? My doctors are always as vague as one can be. Thanks in advance!

[richo]

wow,that realy sucks...............wishing you all the best

[chanceordestiny]

• ever try herbal meds.? good luck an God bless.

[wheeliebear75]

Wow really sorry they botched it for you.

[ThomasR]

• ever try herbal meds.? good luck an God bless.

What kind of meds are you thinking of? Honestly I am rather skeptical of herbal medicine. Even more so if we are talking about some serious medical issues. But thanks for your suggestion anyway.

Wow really sorry they botched it for you.

I am not sure what exactly is wrong. I can still feel if something hurts or my shoes don't fit right I also feel my bladder and so on, but I have lost sensation in my skin so to speak. Does that make any sense? I am afraid I don't really know how to explain this in English.

[greybeard]

I understand the surface numbness you speak of. I get similar loss of sensation. In my case it is caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lumbar region. You probably have something similar higher up.

I seriously doubt that the medics intended to cause you harm, but you have to understand that the spinal cord is a delicate thing and easily damaged. The myelogram they want to do is the only way they can identify exactly where the problem is so it can be treated. Without it, you probably stand no chance of improving. The medics probably want to do it early because they know that the longer it is left, the less recovery you are likely to have.

You have to have some trust that these guys know what they are doing, but I know that is often difficult when you think they have damaged you.

Best of luck for a good recovery.

[Priscilla]

So are you numb to sensation below the level of injury or is motor function compromised? I have never had a myelogram done before but echo what GB said. Spinal cords are very delicate and fragile items to be working around. In fact my surgeons did not even know my spinal cord was damaged until one month after my accident.

Like GB said you have to trust they know what they are doing and if myelogram is the answer then I would consider it. Just do not wait too long to make the decision because the longer you wait the more damage you may have. Best wishes on your decision and your recovery!

[ThomasR]

I understand the surface numbness you speak of. I get similar loss of sensation. In my case it is caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lumbar region. You probably have something similar higher up.

I seriously doubt that the medics intended to cause you harm, but you have to understand that the spinal cord is a delicate thing and easily damaged. The myelogram they want to do is the only way they can identify exactly where the problem is so it can be treated. Without it, you probably stand no chance of improving. The medics probably want to do it early because they know that the longer it is left, the less recovery you are likely to have.

You have to have some trust that these guys know what they are doing, but I know that is often difficult when you think they have damaged you.

Best of luck for a good recovery.

I am sure they did not intend it. That would be horrible And I am aware that the spinal cord is very complex. I am just not sure if a myelogram would change anything. The doctors said that there would be little they can do even if I agreed to have the myelography. And reading about the side effects I am undecided if its worth it. I have read about very different reaction to the procedure ranging from people claiming that it was harmless to some claiming that it was the worst pain they have ever experienced.

So are you numb to sensation below the level of injury or is motor function compromised? I have never had a myelogram done before but echo what GB said. Spinal cords are very delicate and fragile items to be working around. In fact my surgeons did not even know my spinal cord was damaged until one month after my accident.

Like GB said you have to trust they know what they are doing and if myelogram is the answer then I would consider it. Just do not wait too long to make the decision because the longer you wait the more damage you may have. Best wishes on your decision and your recovery!

I never have been able to move anything below my level of injury. I am only numb to surface sensation since surgery. And no, I do not trust surgeons and physicians on principle . Only when it is absolutely necessary.

Thank you for your replies. I guess I will have to think about it for a couple of days and then hope for the best.