LP

[Sailorsong]

Well I am hoe from havi my LP done this morning. It was done by a different Neuro than the one I have been seeing at the VA. Well actually by a student doctor and her instructor. At first I was feeling pretty anxious about the proceedure because the doctor was having troubling finding the consent form on the computer but then I noticed her badge was for the University and not the VA. So I guess she just wasn't that familiar with the VA software. As the proceedure took place she explained each step to both me and the student doctor. Of course as usual I didn't feel things as the doctor stated I would. Cold was not cold, burning wasn't buring, etc. All that I felt was some pressure on and in my back as they proceeded. The doctor gave the student 2 tries to get it right before she took over. The whole proceedure took about 45 minutes and they had me lay flat on my back for another 1/2 hour. But I actually talked them into letting me get up earlier than that (only about 5 minutes) because I had to visit the boys room. It has been over 5 hours with no problems at all and I have even been out for a walk since getting home.  

Both my friend and I noticed that the vials of spinal fluid were not clear at first (had slight tint of color) but did clear the more fluid they took. Not sure if this is normal or not. The doctor said I could call next Tue. or Wed. for the results of the LP.

On the down side was a nurse came into the room before the LP to inform me that my knee surgery schedule for next week was called off. They decided they wanted me to have a stress test before the surgery since I had not had one in over a year. My left knee has been hurting more and more every day lately I was really looking forward to the surgery so that I would not be in so much constant pain. Hopefully they will schudle the stress test soon and I can then get the knee surgery over with.

Take care all.
Dennis

[Sailorsong]

Ok I just got back from going out for dinner and there was a message on my phone from the nurse that told me the knee surgery was off. I suspect that she has the Appt for the stress tests set and hopfully a new date for the surgery.

I have also notice that now that the local has worn off my lower back is a little bit sore. Felling like the muscles are very tight. Probably the response from the needle in my back. Other wise no other pain or hurting.

I have also gotten a notice for an appt. in the EMG clinic. I'm not sure if this will be just a nerve conduction test or also an EMG. I suspect it will be both as my Neuro noted a marked decrease in strength in my left leg. Also I told him that it seems like the peripheral neuropathy seems to be getting worse. A couple of weeks before my last Neuro Appt. I had fluid (a very large amount) on my left elbow. The doctors in the ER were very surprised that I was feeling no pain from it as the condition is very painful usually. I also had no idea of how or when I hurt the elbow. In fact a couple of days ago I managed to hurt my left shoulder and again have no idea of when or how I hurt it. This is getting quite worry some to me as it seems I could seriously hurt myself without knowing it. I have also noticed over the last couple of years that when I have blood taken for a test I never feel the needle at all. The nurses and doctors that take my blood probably like this fact because I don't flinch when they stick the needle in like most people.

Take care...
Dennis

[Lulu54]

Hey Dennis,
Its good to hear you made it through this with no major problems - just remember to take it a little easy this weekend while you recuperate.  It is not unusual to have blood in the initial draw of CSF but subsequent vials should be clear.

Just to correct a bit of confusion, the blood sample is drawn to also check for oligoclonal bands.  The doctor wants to know how many unique o-bands are in your csf versus what might appear in your blood.  

As much as you want your knee surgery done, you need to have those pre-op tests performed first.  EKG and stress test are pretty much normal ...

Keep us posted,
Lulu

[jensequitur]

Typically there's a bit of blood leakage into the vial.  They try to keep that to a minimum - this is why they draw your blood as well, so they can eliminate it from the sample.