Just wondering!!! When you have a LP does it feel a lot like an epidural? I know that with an epidural they are putting medicine in and with a LP they are taking fluid out but I mean the actual needle feeling. Does it feel about the same? I know that with an epidural you can have a bad headache afterwards too. I have had 2 epidurals and probably will be asked to have an LP when I go see the MS specialist on August 23, 2005. Just want to get some information before I commit to doing it. Thanks for everyone's help.
Nope...in my opinion, they feel nothing alike. When it was all said and done, I didn't mind the LP. But I don't ever want another epidural if I can help it. That feeling down my spine..like and electric shock...ugh!!!! Nope...the LP was waaaay easier.
I have had both a spinal tap and an epidural. To me they felt exactly the same. The only part that I could even feel was the needle they use to numb the area. I know that the process sounds kind of draconian, but it really isn't that big a deal.
I didnt feel my epidural. It could have been due to the fact that I was already in so much pain. To me it felt like when I had my tooth pulled. Except much faster. But the pressure was the same. It wasn't as bad as I expected by far.
It was so long ago when I had mine, the only thing I remember is being so scared to have it done! I do remember that while I was laying there, waiting on the Dr.(he was running late), they gave me some demerol(sp?) to relax me. I have a tendancy to get nervous about procedures like that! As far as comparing to an epidural, well, I just don't think you can really compare. I hated my epidurals, but was soooo anxious to make the labor pain go away! The actual lp itself was pretty uneventful...alll that worry for no reason. Yes, the demerol did help. Just ask them for something to relax you if needed. It seems from what I have read that they do them diffferently now. I was laying on my side in fetal position. I guess it just depends on who is doing it. I don't know how much this has helped. Just be sure to take it easy afterwards. Sue
Thank you so much for your response!! If it is the same as an epidural, I know that I can handle it. Thanks so much, it means alot to be able to talk to others that have had these procedures done!! Thanks again!!
Thank you for your response. After talking with everyone, I feel that I can do it. I will definitely take it easy afterwards. Do you have to lay completely flat or can you bend your knees? Is it just your head that has to be flat? Thanks again for your response!!
I honestly don't remember. It was 12 years ago. Wish I could help more. Talk to someone who's had one more recently. I don't remember them saying anything about not bending knees. I just remember coming home and laying on the couch the rest of the eve. It'll be fine!
I laid flat. But not for 24 hours. I had to go to work the next day so I could only give 14 hours. I thought I was okay the next day. My back was a little sore like muscle ache but the following day the headache kicked in. I was pretty terrified. My heart rate was at 121!!! But the procedure wasnt that bad. I have given bone marrow and THAT HURT!!!! This was uncomfortable at the worst and for a very short time. Just put the 24 hours in!!!! You do not want this friggin headache. I had meningitis and it feels the same. I literally kept turning my head to make sure it wasnt stiffening up like it did when I had it before. That is when it dawned on me this was the spinal headache he warned me was possible. I have had it going on my second day now and am really hoping it moves along soon!
Thank you so much for the encouragement!! Seems like you have been dealing with MS symptoms for a while now. I'm sorry and I will pray for you. Again, thank you so much!!
I'm sorry about your headache and I hope that it ends soon. Thank you for the information and I will definitely lay down for 24 hours. I don't want that headache. I have had a headache now for almost 9 months. At times it is real bad and at times it slacks up, so I definitely don't want the LP headache on top of this. I'm also sorry that you couldn't lay down for 24 hours due to having to go to work. It's ashame that our bills won't pay themselves when we are having health problems. I bet that did hurt giving bone marrow!! How long ago was that? And you have had meningitis too. You poor thing!!
The bone marrow was for donation. I came up as a match when I was on a donor list. It was painful...but worth it! My grandmother died of Leukemia so I was very happy to do it. Now I doubt anyone would want it!! I had viral meningitis. Which only makes you sick for a couple of weeks. But the headache is the same. The only difference was that I felt it radiate up my spine when I walked. That is how I knew that it wasnt a normal headach or migraine..turned out I was right. Oddly enough 2 of my sisters have had meningitis too...at different times. There must be some sort of genetic predisposition to it. I still have the headache today. Plus a stabbing pain that was on my left side but is now on my right. Sometimes it is in the front in my rib cage and sometimes it is in the back...but it is ever present. I will call the doctor tomorrow about it. Does anyone else ever really get tired of always having SOMETHING bothering or hurting us?
I'm sorry to hear that you are still hurting today. Call the doctor tomorrow and let us know what he said. I will pray that you stop having this headache and pain. To answer your question, YES, I most definitely get tired of something bothering me or hurting me. But I guess, it could be worse. Remember there is always somebody out there that has it worse off than you do. Take care!!
