**LP headache from hell**

[rachy1]

Hi guys i am really worried as i had my Lumbar Puncture 6 days ago and since then have been left unable to lift my head up without getting severe pressure and pain from hell..Also presure behind my eyes and my eye sockets are dark i think its from lack of sleep. My hubby rang hospital where i had procedure who explained its normal but im really scared .. My GP gave me strong  codiene but it only  takes the edge of the pain. It dont hurt to look at bright lights and sound aint a problem its just pressure ..  
Any tips or advice welcome :)  

Thanks Rachy x

[sllowe]

Ok Rach,

If you decide to go back to the facility where you got the LP from for the bloodpatch (not sure if that is what you reference w/A&E), call the Dr. who ordered the LP to set it up for you at the hospital.

As you say, you ABSOLUTELY cannot sit right now - I couldn't either.

I feel so bad for you...... hope you are not sitting at the computer right now and that you have someone to get you things.  You have a TV to watch at least? Hang tough, stay FLAT!!!!!!

Your head, neck and jaw should subside when you lay down.  Are you experiencing problems while laying down? If so, do not wait until tomorrow! Call today, and have them line it up.
ttys

[rachy1]

Cheers guys much apriciated,

If i still got the pain by tomoz i think i will go to A&E but dont want to go thru all the pain of waiting around if they aint going to do much to help me. Im too scared to sit around the hospital for nothing. Ohhh its not fair .. I just want a night sleep with no pain !!

I will keep drinking lots and try my best with the meds.. arghh!! not nice at all..

xxxx

[sllowe]

Hi Rachy,

They may have said it's "normal" but doesn't appear they told you what you can do - that was NOT normal.

As all mentioned above - you can get the blood patch.  The only other thing I know of is that you can stay flat for as long as you can and hope it seals it back up and quick.

It's horrible, I know.  I got it too and it was days later.  Please stay as hydrated as you can.  Spinal fluid only repleneshes it's self a couple times a day and the leak causes an imbalance of fluid in your CNS - that's why you have the horrible pain.

ttys,
Shell

[Lulu54]

Hi Rachy,
Don't ask but call and TELL the doctor you want to come in for the blood patch now.  There is no reason for the headache to still be disabling you after 6 days.  Don't wait for the leak to heal on its own.  

let us know how it goes,
Lulu

[Janette2836]

Rachy
They can do a procedure called a blood patch that helps with the headache!  The take your own blood & insert it to cover the hole from your LP so the spinal fluid does not leak internally.  My doctor said he has seen the aweful LP headache last for up to 6 weeks.  If I had another LP & got the headache again - I would not hesitate to get the bloodpatch right away.

Hope you feel better real soon - that headache is aweful!
Take care
Janette