LP reaction

[MissLauraI]

Hi everyone- I had my LP today. I was pretty calm about it. I ended up having to bend over with a pillow on my lap and arch my back out. The neuro kept giving me "bee sting" shots (that was a pretty BIG bee) to numb me. About 6 in all. I think he was having a hard time getting the needle into the right space (no xray, this was done in the doctor office).

So during the procedure my breathing got pretty labored because basically my face was in a pillow. I also got really super hot and began sweating profusely. My internal buzzings were going crazy too.

After it was over, my right hand shook so bad (never had this happen before) I could not take the wet towel the nurse gave me to place on my forehead as I laid there for the 15 min. recovery before sending me to the lab for a blood draw. I felt so weak that they had to wheel me to the lab and then to my car where my hubby was. So far no headache YEA!!

My questions-
1. Do you think my reaction was like an exacerbation?
2. Has anyone ever broken out in a sweat from the LP?

Just a side note- the neuro said if the LP comes back normal the next step is a psychiatrist...really???

Thanks for your thoughts :D

[cutie4747]

I had almost the same reaction - my Neuro thought it was an adverse reaction to the freezing but I think my body just went into shock. I started feeling sick then broke out in the sweats and then felt very sleepy after it was done. After about an hour, I started feeling better but they made me stay there almost 3hrs.  

[MissLauraI]

Alex- I am pretty sure he was not going to send me to a neuro psych. I think he may think it is a mental issue based on his comments. Thanks for sharing that...maybe I am misreading him :D

I woke up with a headache on my left side today. Not the screaming bad headache, just a regular coming from the back of the neck and into the front of my head kind.  I am taking it easy again today.

[HVAC]

Neuro Psych tests are different from being evaluated for mental stability. They see deficits in cognition.They can pin point parts of the brain where there could be damage. If that is what the Neurologist wants to send you for.

Heal fast. Take it easy for a couple of days. No fast standing up.

Alex

[MissLauraI]

Lulu- Mmmmm...I can almost taste it. I am taking it easy today :D As far as the psych test I would like to get it out of the way so maybe I shouldn't avoid it any longer.

I was just told by the HMO psych dept. that once our HMO drs. sees psych on my chart, they just assume it is in your head and don't go any further. I guess I will see what happens when the LP results come in...sigh...

[Lulu54]

In honor of you I just ate  a second piece of double fudge nut cake . Im sure you would have enjoyed every bite!

As for the mental angle  -all too often we recommend people here to go ahead and meet with the psyciatrist/psychologist and clear up this question once and for all.  Do the tests, be told you are normal, and then go right back to searching for answres.

Just keep taking it easy and don't push yourself too soon.  

[MissLauraI]

Thanks for all the replies. I went home and slept for 4 hours and still felt pretty weak but I have a feeling it may be as Bob said- reaction to the shots. Whenever I get numbing shots, even at the dentist, it takes me a good day or two to feel better so I may be sensitive to them. The sensitivity and the fact that I was hot probably all just took its toll.

Bairdy- oooh so sorry about your reaction too :( 6 times seems to be a little harsh huh?? The shaking for me was only in my right hand and it continued and slowly subsided until I went to bed. Today it is fine.

JJ- I am ready to just take on crazy! It seems to be where my dr. wants to go so maybe I should just go with it and get it over.

Shell- yes still taking it easy today. I have a full 3 days of plans ahead so I can't get that headace- just too busy for that nonsense LOL!

Alex- doing good today. I feel so much stronger so I am glad for that.

Lulu- you are a rock star! I went in thinking "piece of cake" and came out thinking like "mushy pudding" instead LOL.

[Lulu54]

So glad you got through this part .... I also got up off the table and went home.  My neurologist laughed when I said something about sticking around - he said it is not necessary if the procedure is done correctly.  

I agree with the others - this is not an exacerbation.

I hope you get answers soon.
Lulu

[HVAC]

Elevated temperature and shaking can be common stress reactions. Let's face it an LP is a stressful procedure for anyone. How are you doing now?

Alex

[sllowe]

HI Miss L,

This sounds like a pseudo exacerbation to me. One that once you get away from the trigger, you see much improvement - they can last a little while until you cool down, or are able to rest..

Still laying around? I hope so. That leak can come days later  - so continue to take it easy :)

Hope your feelig better.

[COBOB]

They use a local anesthetic with epinephrine during the procedure.  Many people have a reaction to the local.  It is usually related to the preservatives in the drug rather than the drug itself, but problems breathing, flushing/hot flashes, etc can be common.

This would not be an exacerbation.  An exacerbation would have to last more than 24 hours.  It really sounds more like a sensitivity to the local.

Bob

[bairdy]

hi
sorry you had a bad time with it
but i did too when i had one in march the doc could not get the needle in cos my muscles in my back were so tight he said he could not tell between bone and muscle ( ouch) so after six attempts he gave in and said i would have to have it done under xray. i was shaking like a sh---ing dog lol towards the end of the procedure and i was in pain for at least two days and muscle spasms to boot . sooo not nice.
sorry i dony have answers but can relate to it so take it easy and try not to worry about what might be and take each day as it comes..
hugs bairdy !!!!

[supermum_ms]

Sorry everyone missed this (including me), I wasn't allowed to move off my back for 2 hours at the hospital, 15 minutes doesn't sound long enough to me.

Overheating often brings on 'old' sx but if like you said the right hand shake was new, then i'd usually be thinking no but i'm not totally sure it wasn't from being weak, it sort of depends on the shake. Hope someone comes in with a better thought on this.

I've not broken out in a sweat but having your face stuck in a towel for a length of time would do it for many people, regardless of sticking a dirty great big needle in your spine.

Embrace your inner crazy, kidding but seriously dont look at psychiatry tests as anything but one more thing to cross off the possible list, no matter the outcome its going to do you some good. They should do more than chat, and work out your depression and anxiety scales, if you can get cognitive assessment it will give you a base line if you need one again down the road. Dont worry about it, I know easier said than done but please try.

Cheers..........JJ