Well, that was fun...

The results of my Myelogram/CT scan weren't exactly what I was expecting.

Did I think there was nerve damage along my spine?

Not really.

Did I think the test would somehow give clarity to the doctor on whether or not neck surgery would be necessary, to remove the pieces of the herniated discs?

Yeah, I thought so.

Did I think I would be able to narrow down what was wrong with me?

Yes.

Did that happen?

NO.

OK, first things first.

I cried during the entire Myelogram.  At first, it wasn't because it was overly painful.  The injection itself wasn't bad, nor was the numbing that preceded it.  I felt the pressure in my lower back that I expected to.

I first started crying on the way there.  And I am not even sure it was related to the procedure at all.  I believe it is a result of two things.  Being off of my anti-depressant AND all the build up in my mind over this procedure.

Then, I was OK once we got situated in the room.  They were timely and organized.  It was a pleasant experience and the nurses were very nice.

But after the dye was being injected, before I even started feeling uncomfortable from laying on my stomach, the tears just flowed.  I couldn't put words to it.  I think I just had so much emotion pent up over the entire thing, having two weeks to read and think about the procedure before it actually happened.  But then the pain set in.  I was on my stomach for over an hour.  My neck likely could have tolerated this.  But with my recent back "issue", I was hurting pretty bad.  And I did NOT get one of the radiologists that chooses to give their patients Valium AND Demerol.  All I got was Valium, which I didn't think really helped.  Repeating "It Is Well With My Soul" over and over again got me through the initial needle sticks and the procedure itself.

After the Myelogram, they took me back for the CT scan, which caused more pain because I kept having to roll on one side and hold it, then do the same on the other side.  But in just over an hour, I was back in my room, with a wonderful man waiting for me.  Kris had gone to grab a quick lunch during the procedure but was there when I returned, which made me happy.  He took my happiness one step farther by giving me this.

See how happy I am?

While the giraffe was great, because I love giraffes, I just thought it was really sweet that he came back with this.  I wasn't expecting anything, and it wasn't as if I had some major complicated surgery or anything (THEN I would expect SOMETHING).  I love that guy.  Kris first, then the giraffe.

So then the waiting began.  I had to remain lying down. If any of the dye leaks out of the small hole from the needle and into my spinal canal I will get a massive migraine.  So I have strict instructions to remain lying down (except to use the bathroom or eat) and drink plenty of fluids to avoid this migraine.  I intend to follow these instructions.

The spine specialist that ordered the procedure came in to see me around 5pm.  He showed me where the discs are herniated in my neck (though he called it bone spurs, and I think they all amount to the same thing).  They are on the left side.  BUT, I have problems with my right elbow and down into my right hand these days too.  So all this guy did was talk about my elbow.  He said he didn't think doing surgery right now was the best option, until we found out if I have a pinched nerve somewhere in the main nerve that runs through the right arm.  He said that there wasn't a ruptured disc in my lower back, from my most recent injury.  But ultimately, he kept talking about my #*!* elbow and how I should see a "upper extremity" specialist.  He wants me to have EEG and/or Nerve Conduction Test) done on my right elbow to see if there is a pinched nerve.

I had this test done three years ago.  At the time, there was nothing wrong.  These elbow symptoms are newer, within the last year.  So, the herniated discs in my neck aren't causing the pain in my elbow, which I never suspected to begin with.  So, let's just talk about your elbow.  Because that's really what hurts all the time and has for the last 4 years, right?  WRONG.  Kris and I were sitting there after the doctor left, baffled.

So, I go see a spine specialist, to hopefully FINALLY get somewhere with my neck & back pain, only to be told that now we need to really just focus on my elbow.  So, I went through all of that...the MRI that showed herniated discs, the Myelogram and CT scan, just to be given a semi-diagnosis on my ELBOW?  Are you kidding me???

Well, he said he'd have his office set of the EEG and we'd go from there.  I asked about my pain, in the meantime.  FORTUNATELY, he had already given the nurse a prescription for a pain medication that will hopefully offer me temporary relief for a while.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a highly recommended neurosurgeon here in St. Louis.  I already had this scheduled, so he could give me a second opinion on my MRI.  I am going in with NO expectations. This is one of those times when I am so utterly done with living in constant pain and getting the run around from a million different doctors that I'm ready to just throw my hands up and say MEDICATE ME!  If no one can diagnose or FIX the problem, just put me on pain meds.  If they don't work 20 years from now, so what?  At this rate, my body won't last the next 20 years anyway!

So, there's the update.  I'm hoping (but not EXPECTING) answers tomorrow when I see the new neurosurgeon.

Now, I must rest.