Hi, I had a LP, and FYI, you can also find many informative LP stories on the MS board.
Personally, I found it easier than I expected as I am not fond of any type of needle or injections. The neurologist was gentle and knew exactly what to do and caused no discomfort for me. Afterwards, I did have a horrific headache that required narcotic meds from the neurologist. Avoid getting up and disturbing the blood patch for 24 hours, if you can.
After the LP, you need to remain flat on your back to avoid the headache and to allow the blood patch to seal so that the opening where the doc withdrew the spinal fluid can properly heal as quickly as possible. To avoid disturbing the patch he makes, you have to avoid activities of lifting, carrying, pushing, twisting, etc., otherwise, you are in for a longer healing which could cause painful headaches.
Drink lots of gatorade. You can have caffeinated drinks to help build up the spinal fluid to expedite your recovery.
Drinking lots of gatorade before and after the event, I've read, has helped to replenish your temporary loss.
I suggest that you arrange to have up to 3 days off work just in case as you do not know how you will respond. You will need at least the next day to rest and remain flat on your back to avoid the headache, and again, you will have to avoid activities that could possibly disrupt the "blood patch" over the opening.
You'll have a follow-up visit with the neurologist to see how you're recovering from the LP. Good luck on the procedure and dx. Keep us informed of how you're doing.
Take care, Cal Sun
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