Had the LP - oh, boy!!!

[PDY3]

Hi everyone!  I posted a few weeks ago that I was scheduled to have a lumbar puncture on Dec. 28th.  So many of you were kind enough to send your encouragement, assurance, and advice...thank you!!  To update you all, I had not one lumbar puncture that day, but two...!!!  My neuro, a highly competant and skilled physician, did the first one; however, he was hitting nerves which were sending electrical shocks / pain down my right leg, so after a few more attempts (and lots of "ow!"s on my part), he decided to schedule the procedure with the radiologist.  The radiologist, using flouroscopy, was able to guide the needle more effectively...still painful, but not nearly as bad as the previous procedure.  I think the worst part of that particular experience was having the cylindrical roll under my belly, which made it difficult to breath.  All told my husband and I were at the hospital for seven hours...during a snowstorm...fun, fun!  

I did, unfortunately, get the spinal tap headache.  HORRIBLE...you all were right on the money with that!!  After three days of laying flat and drinking a ton of beverages, I went in to the hospital for the blood patch.  What should have been a simple procedure ended up taking over an hour, as the anesthesiologist was having difficulty with inserting the needle (my vertebrae, apparently, are very close together...coupled with the fact that the puncture site was very low on my back).  He said that I was a skinny girl and it should've been easy for him, and he felt very badly that he had to keep poking and prodding me so much.  I was VERY glad when it was over!  All told we were at the hospital for four and half hours...in another snowstorm...on New Year's Eve.  More fun!

I didn't feel a huge difference immediately...it took several hours for the headache to dissipate, but when it did, I felt like a new woman.  Such a relief!!!  I'm still very sore in my lower back, but am mobile and am almost back to my normal, stay-at-home mom duties.  I have a follow-up appt. on Thursday, so hopefully will the results by then.  

Thanks so much to all of you on this forum - your input, advice, comments, etc., have helped me tremendously while I wait in "limbo land" for a diagnosis! :o)

Hugs, Patti

[Rena705]

So sorry to hear about the he** that you went through!  That is so unfair!  Some of us just whiz through it and others seem to have to have sooo much trouble!

Again, I am so sorry to hear that you had so much trouble and I hope that the next report we get from someone who has just had one is not so painful and a little bit easier!

Keep in touch with the result when you get them ok?  Best of Luck Honey!

Lots of Hugs,

Rena705

[RIDDICK_777]

Hi thanks for the run down on the lp something which i will no doubt have to go through too, gives me a bit more idea of whats involved, pleased to know you are feeling better and yes keep us up to date on the results
David.

[young at heart]

SORRY TO HEAR WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH MY FIRST LP A YEAR AGO WAS BAD.

THE RECENT ONE I HAD DONE BY A NEURO RADIOLOGIST AND ALL WENT WELL.

THIS TEST CAN EITHER GO WELL OR IT ENDS UP WITH THE DREADED HEADACHE.

GLAD YOU ARE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

KEEP US POSTED ON THE RESULTS.

T