Any prepration for an LP?

Hi everyone- I am finally back after my cataract surgery (wow colors are really bright in my right eye!). I just got a call from my neuro dr. to schedule an LP. I asked the nurse if there was any special preparations for it and she said "nope just come on in".

So I was wondering if this is what all of you have found with an LP? Also do you think I need a driver? I wasn't sure if there is any pain involved or how it goes. I have an EEG tomorrow and the LP will be my last test I think...wohoo!

Is there anything I should do?

[HVAC]

Yes you need a driver. Drink as much a caffeine as possible before and after. Hydration and caffeine help . I bought a case of starbucks double shot expressos at the grocery store. Plan to take it easy for at least a day or two. Do not stand up fast for a few days. Most people recover quickly.

alex

[sllowe]

I 2nd Alex's advice!.

Though you may feel well the day of, after, or even two after take it super easy and lay around as much as you possibly can.

Congrats on getting your colors back! Great news!
-shell

[MissLauraI]

Well that just further erodes my confidence in my dr. I thought there may be some things to do. Thanks Shell and Alex.

Shell- having my right eye fixed has been awesome! I still see double when I look to the right but at least it is clear LOL. I get the left eye done next month.

[sllowe]

I bet your looking forward to that left fix!

And, they've probably never had an LP, lol Otherwise, they'd heed all warnings, haha

[MissLauraI]

I am! If anyone has cataracts--get the surgery. It is a little scary and intimidating but so worth it.  

I think when my dr. starts the procedure I will ask for a demonstration first--on his nurse-- just so I understand how easy it is... LOL

[sllowe]

haahahaha!!!!! Histerical!

I'd LOVE for you to say that, and then, tell us what his face looks like, lol!

[HVAC]

None of them tell you about a LP. They just look at the procedure end of it. Plus they do not want to worry anyone. Also Shell is right few have ever had one so they just do not know. It varies from person to person. Some people get up the next day and are fine others take longer. The same person can react to LPs differently. It is best to go into it with the least worry. The more relaxed you are the better it goes. Whatever happens when it is over it is over. I would not do another for the heck of it but I am glad I did mine and it is now a distant memory.

I am more sacred of eye surgery.

Alex

[Magie43]

My LP was smooth sailing.  I went back to work the next day and had no headaches.  I was scared going in and the pain management doctor was great and made sure I understood everything he was going to do.    

Who is doing your LP a pain management doctor or your Neuro.  My Neuro does not like to do them because he does not have the Xray machine that the pain management doctor uses.  My neuro told me that he did not like doing LPs blind and at first I did not understand what he meant but after I went I understood.  The pain management doctor used an Xray machine (or some kind of machine) that showed on a screen where he was putting the needle in my spine.  

Getting ready for the LP and my stay in the recovery room(laying flat on my back) was longer then the actual procedure.

Just relax and everything will go fine.  I stressed about the LP for weeks and almost cancelled it but am glad that I did not cancel.  

[MissLauraI]

Thanks Maggie and Alex for the encouragement! I am not really too worried now. I may still ask for a quick demo though just so I do it right :D

maybe I will suggest the nurse do the demo on my neuro since he is the one doing the exam :D I always thought part of medical training was to feel what these things are like.

So if not, maybe it should be.

In fact, based on many of the threads here, I think that neuros should have to wait as long for the results of their licensing for as long as they make patients wait for a diagnosis...2 months...two years...however long they think is prudent.

That would be fair right?

[figuerpa]

My words of wisdom just echo what Alex first said. Staying hydrated is very important before and after the procedure and you will need someone to drive you home.

Laying as flat as possible for the day and maybe the next day is a great idea also. The only thing I was told before my LP was to get it done and forget about the rest of the day, to go home go to bed and stay there.

Keep those fluids flowing though it is very important.

Good luck and keep us informed.
Paula

[LisaJF]

Congratulations on a success of your eye surgery! Colors YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That's fantastic!

I realize it is nerve wrecking to even contemplate a procedure with a needle going into your back, but honestly, they numb you first with the smallest of needles, barely feel it -- then once inside you don't feel a thing! At least I didn't.  Sometimes people complain of feeling a nerve on their leg or their leg swings a bit, but it doesn't hurt.  

I myself, drove home 2 hours after the procedure was done.  I drove!  A standard to boot! :D

I was fine the day after too.  Felt a slight bruise type feeling in the general area but other than that, it was fine and dandy!

Just make sure there is a blood draw during the time or after the time of your LP.  It is important to have the serum blood for 0-bands to compare with the LP -- as you are probably aware.

I have a great feeling you are going to do fine!  

Good luck to you and congrats on the new colors!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa

[cheesymum]

Congrats on the eye surgery!  I know that must be a great relief for you!  YAY!

On the LP, I haven't had one yet but my doc has mentioned doing one after the results of this last round of blood tests come in.  I'm so glad you asked these questions.  I've been reading (obsessively it seems.  @@ at me!) up on it but there is nothing like personal experience.

My friend's husband in NJ has had 2.  His first one went okay.  He laid down for a few hours; his wife drove him home and he slept the rest of the day.

His second one, he laid down for a couple of hours and then went to work!  Show off!  LOL  But, it just goes to show, the same person can react differently at different times.

I have had migraines and regular headaches all my life.  I hate, hate, hate, loathe and despise head pain.  (Did I mention I'm not fond of headaches????)  So, I'm sure I'll be a big ole wimp when it comes to mine.  Time to stock up on the PG Tips...

[cheesymum]

My friend's hubby in NJ had the fluoroscopic guided LP, too.  My friend is an RN at the neuro center in NJ and she swears it makes all the difference in the world.

[MissLauraI]

Thank you all! yes it is so good to see real color again! i can't wait to get the left eye done now.

Cheesymum and Paula-  As far as the LP, I am going to hope for the best and prepare for the "not so best". by that I mean I will have a positive attitude and drink a ton, lay down, and have my honey drive me :D

Lisa- Wow that is good to hear! Driving a standard...you show off LOL! And I did not know that about the blood draw. I will be looking for that. thanks for the tip!

Thanks you guys. i will let you know how it goes. And...cheesymum...you will be OK too if you have to get one :D