Hello all!

After almost a year of no progress from conservative treatments, my pain doc and ortho have agreed that the next step is discography (and then total disc arthroplasty). I had it scheduled, but due to the high cost of the procedure, I've had to postpone. I now have the money, but am wondering if it's worth to do now since chances are the surgery will be much more out of my financial range. At 21, I'm making 7.50 an hour and putting myself through school, so back surgery isn't exactly affordable. Will the results of my discography last? Or if I have to wait another year before surgery, will I have to have another one? I'd like to have the discogram done now so I can finally be at ease knowing where the problem is and if I need one or two levels replaced. Looking up discography on the internet hasn't shown me a whole lot, so I'm hoping some of you with experience can help! Thanks!!

HerniatedDisc

As I understand it, a discogram, like other diagnostic imaging, is a snapshot in time. In general, I would think the longer you had to wait, the more likely the situation might change.

Have you discussed this with the doctors? Have you sought second (or more) opinions?

Doc

Dear friend

This is test I had when having my
cervical surgery 5/6-6/7
I, I am not someone that had a
easy time with
Needles are administered between veterbre
each level at the problematic area to help the
surgeon with what his plan will be
Injections were doable first three needles
the doctor was unable to get the forth injection
he tried four times no luck
level 6/7 never happened
My experience unusual even for the doctor
So do not take my experience as a reference point
Just to tell you been there
Good luck and hope nothing is found
Me