Aa
Spinal headache, failed blood patch, now what?
Hi all, Got the nasty headache, had a blood patch done on Friday. Worst thing I have EVER been through, that blood patch. It was worse than the tap. Anyway, it did not work. (I am flat on my back as I type this thanks to my trusty laptop and a bunch of pillows.) What now? Do I just wait it out? It's getting pretty old. I even asked for vicodin, which I never take but the pain is unbearable. I'm so bummed. Amy
I had blood patch two days ago and today I feel a slight headache again. Does that mean the blood patch failed?
With future head aches coffee and other types of cafiene products help produce spinal fluid that what my neurologist told me.
With future head aches coffee and other types of cafiene products help produce spinal fluid that's what my neurologist told me.
I would talk to your doctor. THey might have to send you to a head ache specialist.
Alex
Alex
Will this headache really go away? This is day 5 after the blood patch, 33 days of the headache and 37 days after a l-5 facet block. This so *****.
Angela, I just had a blood patch and holy crap, I was screaming at the top of my lungs. I felt paralyzed with hot streaming blood running down my back.
May be some pain medication. Sometimes if the pain receptors are set off for a long time they get used to it and you have to break the cycle. I went to my GP and went on Oxycotin for a couple of days.
Alex
Alex
I too need answers, have has a 30 day headache after am lumbar facet block and had a blood patch on Thurs. The headache is back, help I am losing hope of ever having a normal life again. I will never do a blood patch again, I was screaming at the top of my lungs even with sedation, what else can i do?
The radiologist bungled my spinal tap, hitting a bundle of nerves, causing me to lurch, which then likely enlarged the entry hole. They only kept me flat for about 45 minutes and sent me home where I was nauseated and vomiting despite remaining flat for days. Incredibly, they couldn't relate my sickness to its obvious reason - the spinal tap. On my third ER visit after the spinal tap I demanded a blood patch. They followed poor technique to get the blood, starting higher up on my arm and working their way down until they finally got into a vein - which collapsed after their taking just a little blood. I worried that might not be enough blood to cause the desired clotting - but, fortunately, it was enough. Again, I got up soon after the blood patch (an hour later) but within 20 minutes of getting the blood patch I knew it was a success because I felt the symptoms subsiding. What may have happened with your initial blood patch was possibly not enough blood was injected. I will NEVER have another spinal tap!!
I recently had a routine epidural procedure involving cortisone to relieve herniated disc symptoms and review several benign spinal tuors, using a contrast material (dye).
Unfortunately my practitioner nicked the dual and I ended up in Accident and Emergency Department for 36 hours lying on a gerny waiting for a blood patch. Initially, they thought it was chemically induced Meningitis (from the contrast material). After a battery of tests including MRI, blood work and multiple doctors consulting (neurological specialists and anathetatists) they decided to do the first blood patch. 25cc of my own blood injected back into around the affected area (just below).
Within a few hours I felt some improvement and they released me the next morning. I took it easy for a day and then being an architect went back to work. I didn't carry out anything too strenuous (that I was aware of?) but within another 3 days I was back in A and E Department waiting for a second blood patch.
I agree with everyone here. They are excruciating procedures. I had 25cc of my own blood injected into around the affected area (this time a little higher with the thinking the blood will trickle down due to gravity and collect on the Dura.)
Again I found relief. But there was far more consultation the second time around. The anathetatists were reluctant to carry out a second procedure for the following reasons:
With every procedure there is a risk of infection in a precarious location of the body. An infection here can be catastrophic.
The presence of cortisone negates the effects of the blood patch. The cortisone is there to avoid inflammation and yet the blood patch relies on clotting.
As a male with large inter-vertabrae spaces, the likelihood of clotting is less. The clotting relies on tighter spaces to collect and congeal.
The cortisone lowers the immune response.
The cortisone masks the initial symptoms making detection slower.
But with so many other risks like continual CSF leakage creating pressure on the brain, bruising and potential blood clots and stroke... I finally yielded to the second patch.
It's early days, as it's currently Monday and the patch was put in on Saturday night. But there is improvement. I spent almost all of Sunday on my back. I will try sitting up today but advised not to do any heavy lifting for at least three weeks (<3kg). The anethatists suggested longer. But the neurological specialists suggested 3 weeks and then ease back into things. The patch should have taken by then. But to drink lots of water (hydrating the brain), lots of coffee (as it is suggested to reduce the production of CSF) and try to avoid anything strenuous.
There is still pressure on my lower back which is considered normal. In fact it's critical that there is... Ideally, with this pressure the clot will eventually form over the Dura. There is a little neurological irritation which is typical too. Some tingling in the buttocks and lower back. Nothing debilitating though. All should subside in a week?
The whole ordeal has been almost two weeks. The headaches, photophobia and nausea associated with the initial leak were awful. We all know that from what I have read here. For what it's worth I can truly empathize. Let's face it, if the headaches were mild none of us would have endured such an excruciating procedure as a blood patch. No way!
But the statistics for the initial patch working is around 80%. But that doesn't take into account the presence of cortisone. A second patch success rate is around 90%. Again, not taking into account the presence of cortisone. But there are some alarming statistics on infection with more and more procedures.
I was in some way lucky to be treated through our public system here in Australia. Even though I am a private insurance holder. I truly believe it was better to be treated publicly. I had access to more doctors, more equipment and tests in a shorter space of time, I still go a single room ALL at no cost! Yes, that's the beauty of the public system in Australia. MRI's, bloods, two procedures, countless IV's, doctors and specialists around the clock and quite frankly, pretty darn good care by all. I asked myself why I would use private again after all this? It was in a private hospital where the initial procedure which created this whole problem occurred. It was the private hospital staff that ushered me away to the public Accident and Emergency Department when things appeared very wrong. It was in a public hospital where it was more carefully attended to... And hopefully, the second time around?... Resolved. The Australian public health system in this instance was very good. Sure there was more waiting involved. But the care, attention and no out of pocket expenses was reassuring.
I have even more pressure to be well as after 10 years of saving and planning my wife and I have a ski trip to Canada in February. It's end of November now. With a bit of luck, the patch takes and I can try to recommence training for the trip? Otherwise, it's out for me and I will no doubt spend the rest of my days cursing these past two week's events. Sighs.
I feel so much better reading this forum and all of the accounts. I can truly empathize. Despite having slightly different circumstances, there are similarities to take heart from.
I sincerely hope we all make a full recovery without complications. I will keep you posted on progress if it assists anyone else through their trials and tribulations?
What I understand is any Epidural procedure requires surgical precision and very specific techniques to avoid damage to the spinal cord and dura. It can be achieved with high success rate... But we all know here that if you're in the other side of the percentages, it's little consolation.
I know that for any patch to work aggressive rest and horizontal positioning for at least the first day is critical. Avoiding strenuous exercise is also critical for the first week. But while experienced in the symptoms I am simply paraphrasing the advice of the practioners regarding the post-procedural recovery.
I have fingers and toes crossed.
I will not have a third a blood patch. Instead, consider passive, non-invasive alternatives. The risks are too high for me.
I hope this helps others here?
Regards,
Raj.
Unfortunately my practitioner nicked the dual and I ended up in Accident and Emergency Department for 36 hours lying on a gerny waiting for a blood patch. Initially, they thought it was chemically induced Meningitis (from the contrast material). After a battery of tests including MRI, blood work and multiple doctors consulting (neurological specialists and anathetatists) they decided to do the first blood patch. 25cc of my own blood injected back into around the affected area (just below).
Within a few hours I felt some improvement and they released me the next morning. I took it easy for a day and then being an architect went back to work. I didn't carry out anything too strenuous (that I was aware of?) but within another 3 days I was back in A and E Department waiting for a second blood patch.
I agree with everyone here. They are excruciating procedures. I had 25cc of my own blood injected into around the affected area (this time a little higher with the thinking the blood will trickle down due to gravity and collect on the Dura.)
Again I found relief. But there was far more consultation the second time around. The anathetatists were reluctant to carry out a second procedure for the following reasons:
With every procedure there is a risk of infection in a precarious location of the body. An infection here can be catastrophic.
The presence of cortisone negates the effects of the blood patch. The cortisone is there to avoid inflammation and yet the blood patch relies on clotting.
As a male with large inter-vertabrae spaces, the likelihood of clotting is less. The clotting relies on tighter spaces to collect and congeal.
The cortisone lowers the immune response.
The cortisone masks the initial symptoms making detection slower.
But with so many other risks like continual CSF leakage creating pressure on the brain, bruising and potential blood clots and stroke... I finally yielded to the second patch.
It's early days, as it's currently Monday and the patch was put in on Saturday night. But there is improvement. I spent almost all of Sunday on my back. I will try sitting up today but advised not to do any heavy lifting for at least three weeks (<3kg). The anethatists suggested longer. But the neurological specialists suggested 3 weeks and then ease back into things. The patch should have taken by then. But to drink lots of water (hydrating the brain), lots of coffee (as it is suggested to reduce the production of CSF) and try to avoid anything strenuous.
There is still pressure on my lower back which is considered normal. In fact it's critical that there is... Ideally, with this pressure the clot will eventually form over the Dura. There is a little neurological irritation which is typical too. Some tingling in the buttocks and lower back. Nothing debilitating though. All should subside in a week?
The whole ordeal has been almost two weeks. The headaches, photophobia and nausea associated with the initial leak were awful. We all know that from what I have read here. For what it's worth I can truly empathize. Let's face it, if the headaches were mild none of us would have endured such an excruciating procedure as a blood patch. No way!
But the statistics for the initial patch working is around 80%. But that doesn't take into account the presence of cortisone. A second patch success rate is around 90%. Again, not taking into account the presence of cortisone. But there are some alarming statistics on infection with more and more procedures.
I was in some way lucky to be treated through our public system here in Australia. Even though I am a private insurance holder. I truly believe it was better to be treated publicly. I had access to more doctors, more equipment and tests in a shorter space of time, I still go a single room ALL at no cost! Yes, that's the beauty of the public system in Australia. MRI's, bloods, two procedures, countless IV's, doctors and specialists around the clock and quite frankly, pretty darn good care by all. I asked myself why I would use private again after all this? It was in a private hospital where the initial procedure which created this whole problem occurred. It was the private hospital staff that ushered me away to the public Accident and Emergency Department when things appeared very wrong. It was in a public hospital where it was more carefully attended to... And hopefully, the second time around?... Resolved. The Australian public health system in this instance was very good. Sure there was more waiting involved. But the care, attention and no out of pocket expenses was reassuring.
I have even more pressure to be well as after 10 years of saving and planning my wife and I have a ski trip to Canada in February. It's end of November now. With a bit of luck, the patch takes and I can try to recommence training for the trip? Otherwise, it's out for me and I will no doubt spend the rest of my days cursing these past two week's events. Sighs.
I feel so much better reading this forum and all of the accounts. I can truly empathize. Despite having slightly different circumstances, there are similarities to take heart from.
I sincerely hope we all make a full recovery without complications. I will keep you posted on progress if it assists anyone else through their trials and tribulations?
What I understand is any Epidural procedure requires surgical precision and very specific techniques to avoid damage to the spinal cord and dura. It can be achieved with high success rate... But we all know here that if you're in the other side of the percentages, it's little consolation.
I know that for any patch to work aggressive rest and horizontal positioning for at least the first day is critical. Avoiding strenuous exercise is also critical for the first week. But while experienced in the symptoms I am simply paraphrasing the advice of the practioners regarding the post-procedural recovery.
I have fingers and toes crossed.
I will not have a third a blood patch. Instead, consider passive, non-invasive alternatives. The risks are too high for me.
I hope this helps others here?
Regards,
Raj.
I had a myelogram done last week and it was terrible. Having the needle in my spine to inject dye was awful, the hole never healed and I started leaking spinal fluid. I got really sick for a few days and ended up in the emergency room. They had to do a blood patch on me. I stayed in bed for many days because I was in so much pain. My headaches got a bit better. I am still not feeling the greatest. Today was my first day up and about and I am completely exhausted. I am hoping my patch holds because I do not want to go through that again. I go back to work tomorrow and I am nervous a bit because I do not know how my body will handle working (I work in childcare). I would not wish this on my worst enemy.
Thank you very much Minnie! I will do that now!! It's 5 days after the bloodpatch and only a little bit of improvement, but it's a start! I've kept our son at her mums house for 4 nights in a row so she gets complete rest but he is with us today! So that's lifted her spirits :) really hoping the next week gives her results! Thank you very much
Hey my wife has the same symptoms. The blood patch worked for a day, and the pain/stiffness has returned. Did you ever get any better?
I just wanted to welcome you and express that I am so sorry your wife is suffering so. She is very lucky to have such a supportive husband.
You are replying to a very old post. I realize that most forum protocol is to not start a new thread on an existing topic. However, here it is a little different.
If you copy your post and then click on the Ask a Question button and paste it there it will show up at the top as a new question and people will see it.
I wish I had some useful advice but know that I am praying for you and your wife.
Blessings,
Minnie
You are replying to a very old post. I realize that most forum protocol is to not start a new thread on an existing topic. However, here it is a little different.
If you copy your post and then click on the Ask a Question button and paste it there it will show up at the top as a new question and people will see it.
I wish I had some useful advice but know that I am praying for you and your wife.
Blessings,
Minnie
Hi there. My wife has been suffering from these migranes for 2 and a half years :( we are broken :( she gave birth to my beautiful son Logan 2 and a half years ago, but the epidural took 3 goes and caused spinal leak. She was bed ridden for the first 10 days in hospital then sent home with caffeine tablets. We complained to the hospital so they performed a blood patch which did work. However 6 months later they came back :( then they would go after she spent a few days in bed... Then 3 months later would come back again... Doctors said she has to learn to live with and prescribed heavy medication (useless) the period between the attacks started getting closer. this went on for 2 years. and closer and 3 months ago she fainted on me and started fitting :( we went to a private hospital where we copped a sarcastic desk nurse who told my wife she was putting it on (she is very lucky I didn't pull her head through the glass. They put her on fluids over night then she came home. They suggested a lumbar puncture to see what was going on with the spinal fluid but due to her bad experience my wife didn't want to do it. 1 month ago she had no choice!! She fainted again and convulsed this time loosing her speech and whole right side of the Body numb :( hospitalised for 14 days did lumbar punture found her fluids had emptied and very lucky no brain damaged!! They,performed a blood patch put her on 4 hours lying flat, 2 night stay and sent her home!! It's now been 2 weeks and the horrible migranes are here :( I'm worried I am going to loose my wife to suicide now please someone help me give her more hope!!!!!!!:( she is booked in for a blood patch on Tuesday next week someone please please tell me their second one worked!!!!
Hi fatim114 -
The post to which you responded is over 3 years old. Just didn't want you to get the wrong idea about us if she didn't respond :-)
Kyle
The post to which you responded is over 3 years old. Just didn't want you to get the wrong idea about us if she didn't respond :-)
Kyle
Amy,
I feel for you. I went through the same thing a few weeks ago. The headache is unreal. It took 5 days laying flat until I began to feel better. They wanted to do a blood patch but I said , "no way, no one is coming near my spine again". Anyway, because I work in the medical field (Nurse Practitioner) and have connections, I was advised to do a few things such as drink caffeine, eat salty foods (pulls fluid back into the vascular system) and drink fluids. Other than that, there is not much else you can do but ride it out.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
CG
I feel for you. I went through the same thing a few weeks ago. The headache is unreal. It took 5 days laying flat until I began to feel better. They wanted to do a blood patch but I said , "no way, no one is coming near my spine again". Anyway, because I work in the medical field (Nurse Practitioner) and have connections, I was advised to do a few things such as drink caffeine, eat salty foods (pulls fluid back into the vascular system) and drink fluids. Other than that, there is not much else you can do but ride it out.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
CG
how has some of your spinal headches started? were these procedures thats you all had to undergo or was it caused by something that went wrong? Karyn
i had an epidural the fifteenth of August and the next day had a head ache threw my neck up to the front of my head. they sent me home unable to even hold my newborn baby. breastfeeding is terrible if he does not latch rite on hearing him cry i so painful to hear. light hurts my eyes terribly, also walking to the bathroom is so painful. by the time i get back to the bed im in tears! i heard from relatives, not the hospital, about the blood patch and asked questions. i got a blood patch the 18th and had immediate relief. then on the 20th my symptoms came back slowly and i went to get a second blood patch that night. it eased the pain mostly not all the way, then when i woke up the next day (today) it is hard to walk to the bathroom again and all my symptoms are slowly coming back. i called my family doctor an she had her nurse call me back an say if the 2nd patch did not work then it is not from spinal leakage. but if it was not from spinal leakage then why would it have releived the pain for some time? i dont understand, is there any chance that i could still heal from the second blood patch? is there anything i can do besides lay on my back and drink caffeine?? any insite or opinions would be great thank you.
Megan
Megan
Hi tiffp- sorry you are in such pain. My understanding is the blood is injected in the area where the leak is occuring. Call you doctor and let them know it didn't work and you need to have it done again.
I'm sorry you are in agony....
I'm sorry you are in agony....
I just received the epidural injection in my neck on Friday and Saturday I woke up with the worst headache of my life. I got a blood patch done and it did not work. Are they supposed to inject the blood patch where they put the epidural injection? My injection was in the back of my neck and they put the blood patch through my lower back? This does not sound right to me. I've been in tears with this headache for almost a week now. I just recently started an peal steroid the dr. Put me on today. Any help?
Just had a Lp/st/lumbar puncture/spinal tap done on Friday the 22nd and I know they say it takes three days minimum for you to know you have a spinal leak....but I knew Friday night......not by the headaches (that came slowly on Saturday) but by other symptoms......and best advice I can give you its go to the BEST Emergency room/hospital in your area they will admidt you........ put you on iv pump meds (that won't help but they will knock you out some so you can get a lil rest not sleep) but the point is THEY WILL DO THE BLOOD PATCH THERE AND IT WILL WORK .......sounds to me like you have had some bad docs and trust me so did I .....and I had no resources with the same types of thing or circumferences that I had and so because of that I am going out on a limb and putting my email on here AND FOR ALL YOU CREEPS/PERVES//PSYCHOS ECT......I have two just like you no wait worse here at home with me WHO LOVE ME VERY MUCH AND UNFORTUNATELY DO BEFORE THEY THINK...ONE BEING ALSO A COMPUTER GENIUS SO PLSPLS
PLS don't try it it is not worth your time not here.....Amyloo....email me PS put in the sub its you lol
PLS don't try it it is not worth your time not here.....Amyloo....email me PS put in the sub its you lol
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