LP tomorrow - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Mel52 · 06-03-2009, 08:08 PM

I am nervous but looking forward to possibly finding out some answers. The little reprieve I had has ended and I am back to having body cramping and hyperventilating, I think because I feel so tight around my upper stomach. I also have the pain in my left side of my neck. An ultra sound verified swelling tissue but no reason. I also have a sick headache and chills along with sinus pain. Are these symptoms typical of ms? Took my mind off my trembling and bladder spasms....lol

MSJayhawk · 06-03-2009, 09:02 PM

Good luck tomorrow. Some of your symptoms may be nervous and anxious feelings. Try to relax and you will get through this just fine. Be sure to let the doctor know how you are feeling prior to the LP and take it easy afterward!!!

Mel52 · 06-03-2009, 10:22 PM

thank you. I took a hot shower and that brought up my body temperature and blood pressure. Then progressed to cooler water so I wouldn't get sick and I feel much better. My temp drops down low when I feel like this.
Thank you for all the answers you have provided. Everyone has been very supportive and I appreciate it.
Guess I will be laying low for a day or two, so as our Governor says "Ill be back"

MSNik · 06-04-2009, 06:29 AM

Hi Mel. Be careful with that hot to cold shower thing...it will mess you up as badly as if you took only a hot one. You never want to immerse your body in hot water- if you have MS......it will bring on all sorts of symtoms. Stay with tepid water and youll be fine.

THe LP is definately a test that makes us all anxious. Ive had several, and I still shrudder at the thought of having another one...not that it hurts- it doesnt, but its scary! Today, lots of caffeine...cola, coffee, whatever your choice of beverage is...lots and lots of it! Tomororw, plan on doing the same after the test. The whole thing will be over in less then 1/2 hour, so try not to overthink it. When you get into the room where it is going to be done. Do not look at anything. Dont look at the instrument tray, dont see the needle...keep your eyes focused on a loved one, or a wall- but just keep telling yourself it will all be over soon. The less you see, the less you feel. Promise you, it works!

The symtoms you are describing do sound allot like anxiety. Not that anyone can blame you- but they really dont sound like MS type things, just reactions to hearing about MS tests!! The stomache, even the swelling of the tissues, can all be from nerves. Nerves, from anxiety- and so the circle completes.

Try really hard to look at this as an opportunity for answers and keep your chin up. Ill be thinking of you...
Hugs,
Nikki

Mel52 · 06-04-2009, 03:01 PM

thank you Nikki. Well I had it done this morning. It was absolutely no big deal. I hardly felt it basically just an awareness that there was something there. It took awhile because I was stingy with sharing my spinal fluid...lol. We joked during the procedure. The worst part was my legs going numb from not moving, restless leg thing I like to keep moving.
The fluid upon inspection was clear. I like the dr alot and trust her. She told me everything she was doing. I am one who likes to know.
Thanks for your support. Glad it is over. Ok, not going to push my luck going to lay down again for awhile. Melanie