I go next week as the last step before back surgery & pretty scared! I go for an discogram & scared to death! If anyone has ever had one or knows someone that did, Please share with me. I hate living with the pain but to me it's a love hate relationship! Being scared of the procedure before anything else rite now. I know it takes alot away from my life & wish I were fixed! Anyway, anything at this point will help. Thanks in advance! :)
Hi AW! Welcome to the site! Glad you are here!
I had a discography some years ago and even having had spinal surgeries prior to the test, I was still nervous too.
It isn't that bad actually. The procedure takes place in an OR usually for the aseptic and sterile environment.
You will be somewhat sedated or "twilighted" - don't worry this twilight is vampire free - LOL!
Needles will be places into the discs, you may feel some pressure, but should not feel any pain at this point. You will be relaxed and maybe a bit disoriented, but you won't care.
Next a sterile fluid will be injected into the disc slowly increasing the psi (pressure per square inch) until the pain is recreated.
Pain recreated is usually indicative of possible breakdown or diseased disc.
Don't panic...breathe...it's okay.
Pictures may be taken at the time or a CT may be done immediately after to visualize the structure of the affected disc.
You may be a little sore afterwards. I was fine a few hours after with some Advil.
Have someone drive you though. Even though I was fully awake when I left, the pre-procedure stress wore me out a bit.
You will be perfectly fine.
I have included 2 links below for a very short video explaining the procedure. No blood or guts - it's animated. LOL!
Hope I helped a bit.
http://www.spine-health.com/video/discography-video-non-surgical-back-pain-diagnostic-procedure
http://video.about.com/backandneck/What-Is-a-Discography-.htm
I just wanted to say I'll be praying for you!