Hi Dr. Stoll,
After reading the postings on radiation, started thinking about the myelogram I had twenty-some years ago. Does the dye from that test ever go away? My fibro symptoms started after the myelogram. The neurologist denies there was any lasting effect but my legs were sure feeling weird afterward. Also the hospital never answered my letter requesting info. on the type of dye used. I believe i had an allergic response to the dye and my life changed forever immediately after the test. I became very phobic, had nightmares of being paralyzed (they were the worst thing), had terrible back pain that remains in a lessened state even today, burning in limbs and numbness also). There were many more symptoms too numerous to mention. I still feel very emotional and angry even talking about this now. The doctor assured me it was a safe test! Your thoughts, please.
Thank you in advance,
Kathy
Follow Ups:
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by Walt Stoll on February 28, 1999 at 10:52:16:
In Reply to: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by Kathy McEvoy on February 27, 1999 at 12:31:59:
Hi, Kathy.
The hospital & doc were fearful about suit so they were stonewalling you about this. Unfortunately for you, and great for them, they have succeeded in their main aim of getting you past the statute of limitations (about 2 years) so now you CAN'T sue them.
The best thing you can take from this is that you CANNOT pay someone else to do your thinking for you.
Myeolgram dye is oil based and the fear during every procedure is that this case might be someone like you. It has been well established for as long as myelograms have been around that a certain % will have the reaction you had. You probably even signed some small print that obsolved the hospital & doc from your suing them for this.
We always do our best to remove ALL of the dye after the procedure but getting it all is impossible. The residual will cause exactly what you have experienced if you are sensitive to it. The hospital AND the doc knew this and just snowed you about it till the statute of limitations had run out.
I will bet that while your doc was "assuring you that it was a safe test" that he was having you sign the fine print while crossing his fingers behind his back with the other hand.
One MUST take the time & effort to become knowledgable about these "safe" tests BEFORE proceeding.
The old adage of "IF you can't trust your doctor, who CAN you trust?" has been as thoroughly discredited as people trusting the testimony of the tobacco companies.
The only thing I can offer you NOW is that you will be less likely to have those symptoms if you become a serious student of "wellness".
Let us know how you feel after about a year of serious practice.
Walt
Follow Ups:
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by Kathy McEvoy on February 28, 1999 at 11:41:51:
In Reply to: Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by Walt Stoll on February 28, 1999 at 10:52:16:
Good Morning Dr. Stoll,
Thank you for your honest evaluation of the problems I've had due to myelography. Guess I had always hoped for someone with a magic bullet for this but will have to deal with it. Will continue the SR and exercise etc. It really does help a lot. Also, am working on the diet - that's the hard part for me. I truly appreciate your input.
Best of health and peace to you,
Kathy
Follow Ups:
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by Ross Hoopingarner on April 06, 1999 at 16:07:32:
In Reply to: Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by Kathy McEvoy on February 28, 1999 at 11:41:51:
I'm scheduled for a Cervical Myelogram next week. Should I be concerned? Is there another test that can be performed in it's place? Is the test painful?
Follow Ups:
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by Kathy McEvoy on April 06, 1999 at 16:47:13:
In Reply to: Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by Ross Hoopingarner on April 06, 1999 at 16:07:32:
Hi Ross,
I wrote the original post on myelogram reaction. Perhaps it would help to know why you are scheduled for this test. And, I am sure Dr. Stoll can help you with that decision much
better that I can.
However, I would strongly caution you to get as much reliable information about this test before you go ahead with it.(even if you need to postpone the test) Once it is done, there's no going back.
The test itself was quite uncomfortable but not unbearable. Afterward, I had terrible migraines for weeks and then had many other problems that have never gone away completely. I would never suggest anyone have this done unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Hopefully Dr. Stoll can tell you when that might be the case.
Best of luck to you. I know this is a difficult decision.
Namaste`
Kathy
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by Walt Stoll on April 07, 1999 at 16:35:29:
In Reply to: Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by Ross Hoopingarner on April 06, 1999 at 16:07:32:
Hi, Ross.
Listen to Kathy.
I had 5 defects showing on MY myelogram. I got mine before I knew better. Before I would do something like that again, I would spend a few hours on the BB & archives & read everything I could find about spinal problems that are frequently surgerized.
THEN, when you have SOME idea of your options (other than surgery--which is what ANY myelogram is aiming for), if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
Follow Ups:
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by M. Waterman on April 21, 1999 at 13:07:35:
In Reply to: Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by Walt Stoll on April 07, 1999 at 16:35:29:
Patient had extreme pain during a Myelogram test previously. The MD had difficulty getting the needle intp the spine and patient thought she was dying. Why can't they give a small dose of Versed for this test? Why should the patient have to go through extreme pain? Thankyou.
Follow Ups:
Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction
Posted by Walt Stoll on April 22, 1999 at 10:32:49:
In Reply to: Re: Attn. Dr. Stoll/Myelogram reaction posted by M. Waterman on April 21, 1999 at 13:07:35:
Dear M.,
Without knowing what material was used for the "myelogram" I can't really answer your question. Most of the ones I know of are supposed to be tested for hypersensitivity BEFORE the procedure.
Since myelograms are normally used in preparation for some surgical consideration, MY recommendation would be to go to the link below & spend a few hours.
THEN, when the options are beginning to come through, if either of you still has questions, write again.
Walt