Post Epidural Blood Patch backache

[Sarahsmom46]

Hi you guys.  I wanted to let you all know that I was advised by my doctor to go to the ER for the blood patch yesterday.  I got to the ER at around 9:00 and was finally discharged at 6:30 after almost having to spend the night in the hospital.  I thought this was going to be an in-and-out procedure and even told my supervisor before leaving work that I'd be back later.  That didn't happen.

The patch went ok, except that that there was more bleeding than expected probably because I had been on Motrin nonstop since the LP.  The hard part was the severe back pain after wards.  I don't know why it happened and no one could give me a good answer about it, but my pain was difficult to control for several hours.  They talked about doing an MRI to see what was going on, but I refused to have an MRI.  So, when my pain finally got under control I was able to go home.  

I was sick as a dog because they gave me so many pain meds without giving me a bite to eat.  I did not have anyone with me during this "simple" procedure and really regret that now.  You really need to have an advocate whenever you go to a hospital.  I will not make that mistake again.

Today I am still sore, very sore, and a bit nauseous but no worse for wear.  The headache and initial nausea is gone - Horrraayy!  I'll be better soon.  

Take care you guys and thanks so much for your help.

Julie

[Sarahsmom46]

I did read your post about your ER visit.  Funny thing too is that I recall the photo you took in your room and when I looked up at the wall, which I was doing for 9 hours, I saw the same things as in your picture and thought, "oh I wish Kathy were here she would tell this doctor off".  

No one mentioned a thing about not using Motrin right now.  Geez, what would I do without you guys.  I'll switch to acetamepharin instead of the Motrin.  The anetheseaologist asked me if I had been on aspirin products for the 2 days before the procedure and I said yes.  He said he could tell because he was getting a lot of bleeding at the puncture site.  There was blood all over the sheets of the bed when he was done and even under my back where I laid back on the bed.  They didn't even put a bandage on the puncture site.  I guess they didn't need to or what.  

I am still having some mild nausea that can easily get out of control if it weren't for the zofran.  I think the BRAT diet, bland and boring as it is, is worth a try.  I think I'll join you on it for now.  

I have to feel better soon as I told my mean supervisor that I'll be back for sure tomorrow.  My assistant is taking care of so much though and that has given me a lot of relief today.  

Thanks for your caring comments and the gentle hugs.  I hope you are felling better soon too.  

Your BRAT sister,

Julie

[Fluffysmom]

I can't believe they did such a mucked up job!  First, if they knew you had been taking motrin, then they should have been exrta careful.  Where did they have the bleeding problem, from where they drew the blood, or put it in?

Second, with all the pain medication, they should have given you some anti-nausea medication, easy to do, zip it right in your I.V. Sheesh!

I wish I could have been there for you; I would have advocated for you big-time!

So, are you icing the sore area on your back?  Did they tell you to avoid things like motrin  and aspirin to allow the patch to clot properly?  Is your nausea under control?  You can join me eating bananas,rice,  applesauce, and toast, blahhhhhh!  

Oh, I hope the pain eases up soon.  The whole idea was to get you feeling better!  :o)

I agree about the health-care system, as you can probably tell if you read my post about my ER visit.  I'm all for self-advocating, and if your not able, bring some along to speak up for you.

Mostly I'm all for you feeling much better soon.

Sending you gentle hugs

Kathy

[BOK2Bjan]

Thanks for your response.  And you're welcome to be on a soapbox anytime!  I went to Mayo in the 80's where dx with a very rare vaso-spastic disorder - Erythromelalgia.  Not good.  Now I'm divorced poor and on Medicaid. Afraid I'm stuck.  Doctors are running from me after being interested because they don't know what to do.  I'm ready to be "raptured".  Blessings,Jan

[Sarahsmom46]

You have a full plate, for sure.  I agree with what you said about our ailing health care system.  We all know that things are bad, very bad and only going to get worse if the medical community and the government doesn't get sustainable policy to regulate it.  After what happened to me yesterday at the hospital, I can say without any hesitation that I've received better health care in Third World Countries than I received here in the states.  I don't want to be negative or cynical either, but there is a serious problem in our medical community when a physician has no problem discharging a patient who is in significant pain from the hospital. OK, I'll get off my soapbox, but just wanted you to know that I understand where you are coming from.

As for the "luck", it sounds like we are both the "luckiest" people when it comes to things that can go wrong with a procedure.  I don't even question this anymore.  I figure if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all as the old saying goes.  

I think that the root of your problem has to do with your body not being able to handle inflammation.  Obviously you have systemic inflammation issues that have led to your other concurrent illnesses.  Have you ever thought about going for a comprehensive evaluation at a university or research center like Mayo Clinic or your nearest state university?  You would certainly be an interesting case for them to look at and figure out.  

Thanks for your comments and I sure hope we both can keep our health as long as possible.  

My best,

Julie

[BOK2Bjan]

I'm glad for you that that's "over".  I saw your original post, but wasn't able to read the whole thing or respond, but wanted to.  I too had the dilemma of whether or not to get a blood patch after an LP.  I was fine at first and then got the headache, which seemed to get worse.  At first I was told by the nurse that it was normal and to wait.  Wait I did.  I kept telling them I was still having severe back pain and the headache was getting worse and worse.  I was so sick I couldn't get myself to the hospital when I realized I really needed to go.  I thought about calling an ambulance, but there's something about it that you (I) just try anything not to do.  FINALLY I got enough better that I went into the hospital to carry out additional tests that my Dr wanted to do - some were just due because I have them once a year.  I have Systemic Sclerosis, Interstitial Cystitis, Hypothyroid, Osteoporosis, Barrett's Esophagus & Scleroderma Esophagus etc. Anyway, I had my 3rd MRI there (due to having had lesions found in the white matter on the last 2 MRIs that were growing, changing etc.)  My headache continued but I was still so sore in my back, I was timid about the blood patch and was told they don't always work and sometimes make things worse!!!  Since that would be MY luck, you know - you just don't jump into these things.  So, the neuro walked into my room - I didn't really know her - and matter of factly said "Well, you have MS - a slam dunk case of it I might add....." I was numb.  I wasn't looking for any more dxs.  Anyway, we decided to go for the blood patch.  The pain in my back was terrible.  There was inflammation already and when they put the blood in, it added pressure and increased the pain.  That was the end of November.  I still have pain but only when I bend over all the way or get into a position that exerts pressure.  I figure some are just going to have different experiences with procedures and we have to act to the best of our and our Drs judgment.  It's difficult tho.  I'm not reacting well to Copaxone now and feel very "lucky" again.  I obviously need someone who will look at the BIG picture to figure out why all the diseases.  Why am I reacting to everything negatively - including myself?  We all as patients have to be such strong advocates for our care.  The medical system is no longer a health care system, but a drug care system.  Forgive me, that was a cynical comment and very negative.  I have a very caring internist, but you know what I mean.  As a whole, the system is unfortunately not working for the patient's best overall health.  Some days I feel like giving up, but God sends encouragement in some way and my kids need me terribly (18 & 19)  I'm glad for this site and for knowing I'm not alone.  I thought you might like to know you weren't alone in having a problem with your LP.  Blessings, Jan

[biowham]

Yikes. That was a terrible experience for you. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Thank goodness it's behind you now.

PastorDan...when people have an intractable headache after an LP, the patch is literally blood ( your own) used to seal up the hole where the draw took place so that the spinal fluid pressure equilibrates.

Bio

[buriedinfur]

Man, sorry that you had such a problem with that. I had a backache after both the LP and the patch but nothing like that.

Well, whew for it being behind you now!

[PastorDan]

Glad to hear you're on your way to relief.

Being a relative newbie here, could you (or anyone, of course) explain the blood patch procedure, and perhaps what it does?

Peace & blessings.