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Anyone here ever have a lumbar puncture?

16 years ago

I'd really like to hear you thoughts and experience on this if you don't mind. I have an upcoming appt. to discuss having one, I am really not comfortable with it.

Thanks for any insight you can give.

Taigen

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Comments (10)

socks
16 years ago
Of course you are not comfortable with it. Just the name sounds awful. Would this be the same as what they do when a person has a c-section? To say I was not comfortable with that is an understatement, but it's the idea of it that is so bad rather than the actual procedure.

Taigen, when faced with something like this, I always remember that medical professionals would have to make the procedure tolerable to patients or they could not do it. If you don't mind sharing, why are they recommending this?

Hug to you.....Susan
taigen_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
socks ((thanks so much)) for you thoughts..I really do appreciate them very much. This I understand is a little bit more in that realm in that it does ask you to stay still...but it injects a drug in the area where as this test requires taking spinal fluid. This is a test where they insert a needle into the spinal colum and extract spinal fluid for testing. I have been going through several years of testing to understand my neuromuscular condition..I am slowly loosing muslces to atrophy and they don't know why yet....this is the next to last test. We are waiting on yet another MRI series of a specific nerve group that may prove to be somewhat treatable.
Hoping some here may have some insight into how this test really effects people...right now I am saying no to this.
Thanks
Taigen
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jannie
16 years ago
My husband had a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) about ten years ago. It was used to diagnose his MS. He said it was somewhat painful and left him with a headache that disappeared after about a day. Be sure to tell your doctor you're anxious about this procedure. They can give you medication to relax you and for pain.
dotmom
16 years ago
Taigen, I had one in 2004. The procedure wasn't too bad, but it is IMPORTANT that you stay laying down for at least 12 hours after, because you could get an awful headache. Lucky for me, my Sis is an X-ray tech and she also had a car with a reclining front seat, so when I was done with the procedure, I could lay pretty flat in her car and stayed at her house and was able to lay flat for 24 hrs. You can get up for very short times like to go to the restroom, but as it has been described to me, believe me, you don't want that headache. Good luck to you, keep us informed. Dottie
chisue
16 years ago
I have no experience with the test, but...

Sometimes before I agree to a test I ask how the results would affect the treatment.
kacram
16 years ago
sorry, no experience. JusT wanted to say i'm thinking of you
(((Taigen))) And I hope they get the answer with this tes!
janie_ga
16 years ago
I had a spinal tap in 1993 to check for bacterial meningitis. i will spare you the details about the procedure. If ya gotta have it, ya gotta.

Best advise I can give is DO NOT try to rake a bath for several day! I got stuck in the tub with what I swear was vertebra rubbing against each other. I was of course naked and of course my brother was the only one home (mom had run to the store). I stayed in there till she came back and not sure if I have taken a bath since then LOL, only showers!
nibblin
16 years ago
I had one (spinal tap)-wasn't a big deal, but I was very nervous.

It was a long time ago, and I seem to remember getting a local anesthetic in my hip before the actual tap....

I think it was lidocaine, and lidocaine does sting---just take a deep breath and relax your muscles-good luck.
nibblin
16 years ago
Oh, and if it helps-

I don't remember any headaches, and I don't remember having to be at the hospital for hours after, although I did have to be in overnight-but I think that was due to 'the preparation'. I refused to wear the 'gowns' and took a shower and wore my own clothes. I was totally bored.

The nurses were displeased with me. It was basically a TV marathon-and not a huge deal.

If you have a good DR-don't worry, and just get it done. It sounds as though the benefit will outweigh the risk.

All in all-went well for me-no emotional scarring-barely think about it. No pain-no fuss-.

Hope that helps.
jannie
16 years ago
It will be over before you know it. Just relax. Think how fast a week goes. Next thing you know it will be February and the test will be just a memory.

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