Diagnostics to determine the causes of pain

I must warn you that this is the step can been the most time-consuming one. One needs a lot of patience. I first had a set of x-rays done on my lower back. The results came in rather quickly -- in less than a week. However, I had to go through several other tests.

I then had a second set of x-rays done on my lower back, except that, according to my orthopaedic surgeon, they were being taken from a "different angle". I didn't quite understand the need to, but I went through it in any case. Sure enough, the second set of x-rays revealed the same results as the first: a protruding disk hitting my sciatic nerve.

My orthopaedic surgeon then requested that a CT scan, as well as a myelogram be done on me. A CT scan consists of lying down on one's back. The bed that one is lying on moves into a donut-like structure. The donut rotates around you and takes the x-rays. The bed moves either slightly backwards or forwards to take different shots of one's back. The radiologist obviously controls whether one moves backwards or forwards. A CT scan can be done as mentioned above, or with a slight variation: ink can be injected into the lower back area so that the x-rays come out clearer for the radiologist. I had the ink injected through a procedure called a myelogram.

A myelogram consists of having a needle poked into one's lower back and into a disc. (This is also known as a Spinal Tap.) The juice from the disc is then extracted for test purposes. (I had three mL of the disc fluid taken.) Then, with the same needle, the ink is injected. This procedure is done with one lying on one's stomach on a table. The table is similar to a seesaw. The doctor performing the procedure will move the table up and down, in order to ensure that the ink is evenly distributed in one's system. X-rays are taken while on this table.

Personally, my experience with the myelogram was not pleasant. I experienced migraines for approximately four days straight. I was vomiting and dizzy. I was on fluids for four days before I could eat anything solid and have the food stay in my system. After the migraines disappeared, I still had mild headaches. I was finally back to my own self a week after this procedure.

I got the results of the CT scan and myelogram over a week later. Frankly, I feel that these results confirm the same results from the first set of x-rays. As I will explain later, I don't have very much faith in this orthopaedic surgeon.