Spinal Tap

[Sidesteps]

I have my spinal tap tomorrow. EEEK!

I've been thinking, funny how this process makes me question so many different things.... my new MSologist indicated that in the absence of obvious MRI findings that the spinal tap was the most cost effective and fastest way to go about getting a diagnosis.

I have one area that was missed on my MRI but she indicated that it was not necessarily specific. The doctor did feel I have spinal signs with decreased sensation and hyperactive reflexes on my left leg...and right foot weakness but she felt having MRI's right now would be a fishing expedition" since I've had a brain and cervical MRI. I did have an abnormal Rhombergs and INO and ON symptoms documented. When I expressed hesitation she told me that we COULD do the MRI before the spinal tap if I wanted but this was the fastest less expensive route.

OK.

How so? Clinical signs with spinal tap? She is also running the labs for the mimic's she wants to rule out besides ANA, Sed Rate, Lymes, Sarcoid, Thyroid, B12 since I've had all those ran and they were negative. I guess, I've become so used to feeling like my clinical signs don't exist that I find it hard to believe they are actually using the spinal tap for dx. Does that sound right to you? Thoughts anyone?

P.S. I am getting nervous. I've had three epidurals before so I am not totally freaked out but I am a bit fearful of the headache. I guess the pain I was in labor outweighed the fear of the headache. lol ~

[tripnstumble]

Yawhoooo I'm glad to hear it all went good and no pain :) Now the waiting ughhh I dislike waiting lol

[Lulu54]

The anticipation is so much worse than the procedure for most everyone.  So glad to hear it all went well.

Now we will all sit back and wait with you.

best,
Lulu

[Sidesteps]

Update:

You know you pushed fluids when you have peed more than 5 times by 11am. lol ~

On a serious note; it went fine. No pain. No issues at all. The doctor said I won patient of the day. :) I didn't take valium or anything. I am just to not lift anything for a few days and take it easy.  I do have a little headache but I've had that for the last 24 hours so I think it's unrelated.

The fluid was clear as they expected and they did draw the blood sample to go with. I get my results in two weeks at 1:30pm.

My Mom came with me and LOVED the doctor - and my resident doctor - she was highly impressed with their team. Yay!

....so now I wait.

[Sidesteps]

I think I'm kind of surprised that a positive is not part of the MS criteria. Seems wanky.

I guess if I have OC Bands, it tells her that all things subjective or borderline are highly suspicious.

I just can't believe with a single test, my life could change in a matter of a week or three but with the way my tests are going, it will be negative. lol ~


I'm glad to see her, I had a really severe case of double vision yesterday that lasted most of the day. I will mentioned it as it was rather freaky!

@Rogers, I hope you continue to feel well. I am pushing fluids today and tonight because my spinal tap is first thing tomorrow morning. If I don't have to get up once at night then I know I haven't drank enough.

[rogers5]

Laying here tight now after my lp. No headache. They said just drink water, some caffoene, and tale it easy today. The actual lp was a bit uncomfortable but just for a moment. Nothing bad at all, I wouldn't stress at all if I had to do it again. Now the wait for the results

[COBOB]

I've had two LPs.  One when I was 16 and another one last year.  No headaches either time.  The hardest part was the anxiety leading up to the test and waiting for the results after the test.  

High levels of MBP, IgG synthesis or OC Bands can really help a neurologist make up their mind as far as an MS diagnosis.  Even with my brain lesions, they would have liked to see OC bands in CSF to "seal the deal."  Just keep in mind, that 10% of people with "clinically definite MS" will not have unique OC Bands in their CSF.  They ended up making the diagnosis without unique OC bands in my CSF anyhow.

Bob

[tripnstumble]

I've never had one (yet) but I have thought about if I do end up with one. I as well had en epidural but being in so much labor pain of course I didn't feel that needle for the c-section so of course it's not nearly the same thing LOL I deal with headaches 24/7 so I guess for me what would it hurt?? I'll have one anyhow :)

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope no headaches!!!

[Lulu54]

The anticipation of the test is usually 10 times worse than the test itself.  The LP does not prove or disprove the MS dx by itself, but it is helpful as collaborative evidence.

Good luck tomorrow - remember over 80% of people have no problem at all with the headaches.

Lulu