Myelogram: How To Prepare
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How To Prepare
Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before you have this test.
You may need to take a laxative or have an enema before the test to empty your bowels.
Before a myelogram, tell your doctor if you:
- Have epilepsy or a seizure problem.
- Are or might be pregnant.
- Are allergic to any medicines, contrast material, or iodine dye.
- Have bleeding problems or take blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin, heparin, or warfarin (Coumadin).
- Have asthma.
- Have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
- Have had kidney problems.
- Have diabetes, especially if you take metformin (Glucophage).
Arrange to have someone take you home and stay with you after the test. Some people stay overnight in the hospital.
Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, or how it will be done. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .
| Last updated: | September 11, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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