bestoldies
12-02-2008, 11:44 AM
I am scheduled to have a Lumbar Puncture Friday, December 5th. Has anyone had this done if so did you have a bad headache afterwards? I am nervous about having this done. Is there anything I need to know before having it done to help prevent the headache from occuring?
My doctors insists this test is necessary, I have had Brain MRI, EMG, muscle biopsy, and numerous blood tests.
My doctors insists this test is necessary, I have had Brain MRI, EMG, muscle biopsy, and numerous blood tests.
Sponsor
MSJayhawk
12-02-2008, 01:17 PM
Follow your docor's instructions ad nauseum. Drink caffeine and lie down for several hours. Do not drive yourself home after the LP. Go straight home and get in bed.
Even if you follow your doctor's instructions explicitly, you could still have a headache. Again- your doctor will give you instructions in how to deal with any headache, etc.
I have had 2 LPs in my lifetime and neither caused any problems for me. Focus on getting the diagnosis and you will do fine.
Even if you follow your doctor's instructions explicitly, you could still have a headache. Again- your doctor will give you instructions in how to deal with any headache, etc.
I have had 2 LPs in my lifetime and neither caused any problems for me. Focus on getting the diagnosis and you will do fine.
bestoldies
12-02-2008, 02:59 PM
Thanks MSJayhaw, I planned on doing exactly that. I just hope I don't have any problems as well.
This should be a piece of cake after having a muscle biopsy, the surgeon made a 4" incision which I thought was totally unnecessary. It tooks weeks to heal because of nerve inflammation.
This should be a piece of cake after having a muscle biopsy, the surgeon made a 4" incision which I thought was totally unnecessary. It tooks weeks to heal because of nerve inflammation.
MSJayhawk
12-02-2008, 03:13 PM
Great! After your muscle biopsy, the LP should be a "cakewalk".
writeleft
12-02-2008, 03:38 PM
Hi,
In this last year, I have had two spinal taps due to meningitus. I found them to a piece of cake! The anticipation is much worse than the procedure, which is quick and easy. I would advise you to relax as much as possible while it is happening, which makes everything much easier. They will probably have you sitting up, with a pillow in your lap that you hold, while you bend forward and a tiny pinch...it's over. I didnt notice the headache, but I was in the hospital already, so just do what you are told exactly, and you will be ok. Technology has made many of the old medical procedures much, much easier, and I wish you the best!
In this last year, I have had two spinal taps due to meningitus. I found them to a piece of cake! The anticipation is much worse than the procedure, which is quick and easy. I would advise you to relax as much as possible while it is happening, which makes everything much easier. They will probably have you sitting up, with a pillow in your lap that you hold, while you bend forward and a tiny pinch...it's over. I didnt notice the headache, but I was in the hospital already, so just do what you are told exactly, and you will be ok. Technology has made many of the old medical procedures much, much easier, and I wish you the best!
mitch512u
12-02-2008, 03:49 PM
Had the same basic experience as writeleft. I was in the hospital when I had it done, no headaches, no problems what so ever. Good luck.
Neil
Neil
bestoldies
12-02-2008, 04:41 PM
Thanks to everyone for your helpful information I am much more relaxed. I was reading so many horror stories from people that had them I was ready to cancel the procedure. I will let everyone know how the experience is for me.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
searchout
12-04-2008, 06:22 PM
Hi Best,
I have had 2 spinal taps and neither were painful and I didn't have any headaches afterwards. This is what I did...i asked for a relaxant drug..I think they gave me tamazapan, and then a hour before my procedure I asked for some "Emla" cream to be put on the site where the needle would go in. It completely numbs the surface so I didn't feel anything.
Good luck for tomorrow you will be fine.. I waited 6 years before getting a LP because I was so scared and it was not bad at all, it really is over so quickly
L x
I have had 2 spinal taps and neither were painful and I didn't have any headaches afterwards. This is what I did...i asked for a relaxant drug..I think they gave me tamazapan, and then a hour before my procedure I asked for some "Emla" cream to be put on the site where the needle would go in. It completely numbs the surface so I didn't feel anything.
Good luck for tomorrow you will be fine.. I waited 6 years before getting a LP because I was so scared and it was not bad at all, it really is over so quickly
L x
cknmbbl
12-05-2008, 05:01 PM
MSJayhawk,
Can I ask if you had your LP at KU med?
CK
Can I ask if you had your LP at KU med?
CK
MSJayhawk
12-05-2008, 06:25 PM
MSJayhawk,
Can I ask if you had your LP at KU med?
CK
Yes, I had it at KU Medical Center in 1982. I had my 2002 LP at UCLA Medical Center. I was tested as an inpatient in 1982 and an outpatient in 2002. I must say that 2002 was a much nicer experience than 1982 because I did not have to lie in a hospital for 12 hours. I like KUMC and I think my doctor is a great doctor and I appreciate her advice.
Can I ask if you had your LP at KU med?
CK
Yes, I had it at KU Medical Center in 1982. I had my 2002 LP at UCLA Medical Center. I was tested as an inpatient in 1982 and an outpatient in 2002. I must say that 2002 was a much nicer experience than 1982 because I did not have to lie in a hospital for 12 hours. I like KUMC and I think my doctor is a great doctor and I appreciate her advice.
BlushingRoses
12-05-2008, 08:59 PM
I also had two spinal taps before. The first one was bad because the neurologist who did it was a butcher.
The second one was easy! Though since I'd had the first horrible experience, I requested some relaxing medicine first, and was given Adavan, and was singing "Yellow Submarine" to the technicians the whole time. :D Good times had by all! They also injected the site first with novacain, which I think it pretty much what they always do.
I had no headache with either, and a little bit of back pain with the second, but I don't think that was so much from the procedure itself, as the fact that I just am not used to having to lay that flat for that long.
You'll be just fine:-)
The second one was easy! Though since I'd had the first horrible experience, I requested some relaxing medicine first, and was given Adavan, and was singing "Yellow Submarine" to the technicians the whole time. :D Good times had by all! They also injected the site first with novacain, which I think it pretty much what they always do.
I had no headache with either, and a little bit of back pain with the second, but I don't think that was so much from the procedure itself, as the fact that I just am not used to having to lay that flat for that long.
You'll be just fine:-)
bestoldies
12-06-2008, 11:13 AM
Thanks BlushingRoses!
I had the Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) yesterday Friday December 5th. I started off with a caffeine headache even before I had the test so I was off to a rocky start. I was told not to eat or drink anything after midnight, the test was at 1:00 p.m..
I also had a Neurologist that was a butcher. She spent 45 minutes attempting to find the spot even with a CT Scanner above me. Finally after the last stab attempt it was so painful I almost passed out even with Lidocaine injected twice. I finally said I was done this procedure is being stopped. I was brought back to the recovery area, the nurse came by after she heard what had happened she felt so bad. She asked would I be willing to let another doctor do the procedure if he was available to do it now. She said otherwise we could reschedule. I realized I would not come back not after what I went through being stabbed several times with no results. I finally agreed to let another doctor do it. He came in quickly injected the lidocaine I kept waiting for him to put the needle in for the Spinal Tap. He then said you are doing great we are almost done. I said you are almost done with the Spinal Tap? He said yes and you did great. I said praise the lord, I had prayed real hard before I went in for the second attempt. I told the doctor if you were around here I would give you a big hug, thank you so much. God guided his hands, he was natural right from the start.
I did have the headache afterward it was so bad they had to call my Neurologist. He had the nurse inject pain medication that is more powerful than Morhpine, I can't remember the name of it. Within 5 minutes my headache slowly started going away, the downside is it made me vomit. That's ok a good trade off to get rid of the headache.
Now the waiting to find out the results that is a peace of cake after yesterdays ordeal.
Thank so much for all your comments this board is the greatest. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday.
I had the Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) yesterday Friday December 5th. I started off with a caffeine headache even before I had the test so I was off to a rocky start. I was told not to eat or drink anything after midnight, the test was at 1:00 p.m..
I also had a Neurologist that was a butcher. She spent 45 minutes attempting to find the spot even with a CT Scanner above me. Finally after the last stab attempt it was so painful I almost passed out even with Lidocaine injected twice. I finally said I was done this procedure is being stopped. I was brought back to the recovery area, the nurse came by after she heard what had happened she felt so bad. She asked would I be willing to let another doctor do the procedure if he was available to do it now. She said otherwise we could reschedule. I realized I would not come back not after what I went through being stabbed several times with no results. I finally agreed to let another doctor do it. He came in quickly injected the lidocaine I kept waiting for him to put the needle in for the Spinal Tap. He then said you are doing great we are almost done. I said you are almost done with the Spinal Tap? He said yes and you did great. I said praise the lord, I had prayed real hard before I went in for the second attempt. I told the doctor if you were around here I would give you a big hug, thank you so much. God guided his hands, he was natural right from the start.
I did have the headache afterward it was so bad they had to call my Neurologist. He had the nurse inject pain medication that is more powerful than Morhpine, I can't remember the name of it. Within 5 minutes my headache slowly started going away, the downside is it made me vomit. That's ok a good trade off to get rid of the headache.
Now the waiting to find out the results that is a peace of cake after yesterdays ordeal.
Thank so much for all your comments this board is the greatest. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday.
MSJayhawk
12-06-2008, 11:45 AM
I am sorry you had a butcher attempt the LP. Thank God for the gifted hands of the other doctor. I truly hope that your LP tests bring you an answer. Only 85% of MS patients tested for diagnosis showed positive. In 30 years I have never shown positive. Still, it really is a necessary test for many as it can assist with a definitive diagnosis.
Please let us know what your results were.
Please let us know what your results were.
searchout
12-08-2008, 08:57 AM
I am sorry you had a butcher attempt the LP. Thank God for the gifted hands of the other doctor. I truly hope that your LP tests bring you an answer. Only 85% of MS patients tested for diagnosis showed positive. In 30 years I have never shown positive. Still, it really is a necessary test for many as it can assist with a definitive diagnosis.
Please let us know what your results were.
How many LP's have you had Jay? bizarre that they never showed up positive, my 2 have both been negative and that with only 2 spots on MRI has ruled out me having MS (so far, as mentioned I can't see it being anything else)
L x
Please let us know what your results were.
How many LP's have you had Jay? bizarre that they never showed up positive, my 2 have both been negative and that with only 2 spots on MRI has ruled out me having MS (so far, as mentioned I can't see it being anything else)
L x
bestoldies
12-08-2008, 10:47 AM
Thanks MSJAYHAWK for your kind words. Yes I will post the results.
MSJayhawk
12-08-2008, 10:59 AM
How many LP's have you had Jay? bizarre that they never showed up positive, my 2 have both been negative and that with only 2 spots on MRI has ruled out me having MS (so far, as mentioned I can't see it being anything else)
L x
I have had 2 LPs. Aong MS patients who have LPs, 15% will never show a positive reading. LPs are not the final answer in determining MS- the test is but one of many a neurologist uses to exclude what a patient does not have.
L x
I have had 2 LPs. Aong MS patients who have LPs, 15% will never show a positive reading. LPs are not the final answer in determining MS- the test is but one of many a neurologist uses to exclude what a patient does not have.
bestoldies
12-24-2008, 08:59 AM
I saw the Neurologist yesterday to go over all my results. He was not able to tell me what is wrong with me. He said I had four elevated levels and two low levels that showed up in the LP test. The high protein levels was his only concern he the said the rest were slightly elevated and slightly low which he said is not that significant. My leg muscle biopsy showed I had some type of muscle disease but the Pathologists could not be more specific. The Neurologist said there is a possibility that more than one thing may be going on. He is recommending that I go to Mayo Clinic to be evaluated, he is calling to see if he can get me in. I don't see what this is going to accomplish. I am so tired of being poked and probed for the last several years. I got a pathology report from 2003 when I had to have shoulder surgery due to a frozen shoulder. They cut out large amounts of inflammed tissue/muscle sent to lab to be evaluated this contained more information than the leg biopsy.
The Neurologist said he would tell me straight out if he thought there was nothing wrong with me and tell me I didn't need to see him again. He also said doctors are human just like everyone else, they don't have all the answers to everything he wish it were that easy. I told the doctor I would think about it for a few days during this time he is going to try to get me in for evaluation at Mayo Clinic. Doctor said I could decline going if I wanted to but he wanted to at least try to get me in. He said it could take 6 or 8 weeks to get me in if they decide to except me.
I just wish I could look in a crystal ball and it could tell me they will give me answers to my painful health problems.
The Neurologist said he would tell me straight out if he thought there was nothing wrong with me and tell me I didn't need to see him again. He also said doctors are human just like everyone else, they don't have all the answers to everything he wish it were that easy. I told the doctor I would think about it for a few days during this time he is going to try to get me in for evaluation at Mayo Clinic. Doctor said I could decline going if I wanted to but he wanted to at least try to get me in. He said it could take 6 or 8 weeks to get me in if they decide to except me.
I just wish I could look in a crystal ball and it could tell me they will give me answers to my painful health problems.
MSJayhawk
12-24-2008, 11:40 AM
The good news is that you have some indications there is a problem. As always, the bad news is more testing. Test Exhaustion is always a problem, but you need to persevere.
Your doctor may be correct in his assumption as to 2 things going on. If his assumption is true, a definitive diagnosis is quite unlikely without further testing. I pray your doctor can get you into the MAYO on referral.
While you are waiting, take some time to relax and pamper yourself. You need to rest. You are in good hands and your neurologist appears to be objective, caring, and compassionate. You are in the best care you can have at this juncture. If he can get you into the Mayo, go for it!! You deserve a definitive diagnosis. :angel:
Your doctor may be correct in his assumption as to 2 things going on. If his assumption is true, a definitive diagnosis is quite unlikely without further testing. I pray your doctor can get you into the MAYO on referral.
While you are waiting, take some time to relax and pamper yourself. You need to rest. You are in good hands and your neurologist appears to be objective, caring, and compassionate. You are in the best care you can have at this juncture. If he can get you into the Mayo, go for it!! You deserve a definitive diagnosis. :angel:
bestoldies
12-24-2008, 06:30 PM
Thanks MSJayhawk,
You have been most supportive with you kind words, I would not have accomplished the LP without the support behind me. I have some close family out of state but none where I live. I lost my only child in 2004, I was sick long before he died. Sometimes it's so easy to want to just give up and end any further testing. I keep thinking if he were here he would push me to continue to find a answers just like you are doing.
I am sending a heartfelt thank you and want to wish you and your family a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
You have been most supportive with you kind words, I would not have accomplished the LP without the support behind me. I have some close family out of state but none where I live. I lost my only child in 2004, I was sick long before he died. Sometimes it's so easy to want to just give up and end any further testing. I keep thinking if he were here he would push me to continue to find a answers just like you are doing.
I am sending a heartfelt thank you and want to wish you and your family a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
MSJayhawk
12-24-2008, 06:40 PM
Thank you for your kind words. I know that you can get through this.. I am sorry you lost your child. There are many things you can do with your life with MS. If you can not work, you can volunteer. There are many people who can learn from your personal experiences. Giving of yourself you may find that you make life's road easier for someone who can then pay it forward. Become a trail blazer!!
bestoldies
12-24-2008, 06:53 PM
Thanks, I have been paying it forward for many years, my son was just like me, alway sharing our last dollar with someone that did not have any. I made lot's of holiday treats this year to share with people to keep myself busy and visiting the elderly that did not have families. God has a plan for me one day when he is ready I will find out what that is. Happy Holidays.