Spinal tap

[Ndobbins]

I had it done yesterday & made it thru ok without a mega headache.

The fluid was crystal clear which they told me was a great sign of no infection.

Question is have any of yours been clear but still have MS show up? The radiologist told me that being clear didn't mean no MS.

I was sore in my bones today. Hard to walk. Probably from staying flat for so long.

Nancy

[HVAC]

Hello sounds scary. This is a MS forum you are welcome here. We have Spinal taps to diagnose MS which is a different kinda test all together. I am not sure how much experience we could share with you.

Alex
  

[jeanjean1960]

My son has extreme head and neck pains until after he has a spinal tap done. This is his second spinal tap in 5 months. With the first spinal tap, doctors said he had a "mild" form of meningitis (bacterial). 2nd spinal tap, fluid was clear but pressure was at about 27. Soon as fluid was drained off, headache and neck pain subsided. Additionally, they are now saying that he has a hole in his heart and an enlarged heart. They have no answers as to what is going on with him. Does any of this sound familiar?

[Lulu54]

About a year ago we were hearing that the LP had grown out of favor and was slowly disappearing as part of the dx regimen.  One can only hope that some day that will be true.  An LP does not prove or disprove MS, but can only add supporting evident  The LP is just a walk-on actor in this play.

Here's the explanation about the LP and laying flat (which I did not do, and was told by my neuro was not necessary, and I had no ill effects):  Unlike our blood, our spinal fluid has no clotting agent.  The body has to find its own way to mend the entry hole wherre the needle was inserted to withdraw the CSF.  that can take a while- and sometimes movement or nothing at all, will cause that process to not work.  The optimum position to do this in is flat on our back.

The CSF can leak through the puncture site, and cause the dreaded headache.

My msologist said the big difference is the size of the needle and the skill leve of the person doing the LP.

I'm gald you are not much worse for wear, Nancy. Keep feeling better.
Lulu

[Ndobbins]

You need to recline your car seat as much as possible. I live about 20 minutes from the hospital. They want you to lay flat as much as possible. Of course drinking that much makes you have to go to the bathroom plus I can't eat laying down.

I feel better today. Still sore in my left hip.

Take care,
Nancy

[figuerpa]

I am glad you got through the LP ok. I know for me the worst part was the expectation of what it would be like was much worse than the actual LP. I felt no pain, they game me a local anesthetic and I seriously felt nothing.

I did use a pillow but a small on and I layed around for a day or so, I did get a slight headache, probably because of lack of caffiene, if I ever have to get another one I will be sure to drink caffiene. :)

Hope you get the answers you are looking for with this LP.

Take Care,
Paula

[drsdonthelp]

I have bad hip problems all the time, if i am in one position for too long, I have a hard time just standing up, I am 38 and I feel 98 sometimes.

Why did the doctors repeat it?? Is it like a re-check?
I love coffee, so I will not have a problem with that! :)

Please take care too,
Nancy, I feel like I have known you forever!!  
Pamela

[jumpinjiminy]

How do you stay flat on the ride home? Just curious. It's looking like that's a next step for me. Is it anything like having an epidural?

[Ndobbins]

This was my second one with first one four years ago. It is uncomfortable & not something I care to repeat but by no means not the worst test ever or most painful.

If you have one just be sure to drink tons of caffeine & water afterward & stay flat, no pillow for at least 20 or more hours.

My hips hurt today. Probably from staying flat so long plus I have osteoporosis. It hurt to walk today.

Please take care.

Nancy

[drsdonthelp]

I have not had a spinal tap done, which I know at this point I should.
I hear it hurts like H****. I am glad to hear yu got thru it ok.

Good luck with getting the answers you need!!!

[essdipity]

Hi, Nancy. Clear spinal fluid is a good thing, but it's what they expect of anyone not acutely ill. It really has nothing to do with MS.

What is of interest if MS is suspected is the presence of oligoclonal bands that are not present in one's blood. Also an elevated IgG index.

Did they tell you you'll have to wait several weeks for the results? That's pretty standard, so don't worry if you don't hear from them soon.

ess