blood patch #2 didn't help!

[adventurer53]

I sure was hoping for relief from this three month ordeal with a spinal fluid leak! The blood patch itself was one of the least painful I've ever had! This time the doctor let me get up and just take it easy for axfew days. On a lot of my others they have had me lay flat and not travel for two days. I think that might have helped and if he will give me the third one I plan to follow that plan.  Anybody else out there that has had success with staying flat for a longer time period after a blood patch? My Doctor told me they don't really know how long it takes for it to clot and hold. Happy new Year!

[selmaS]

  The dura patch would have been used during ur PFD surgery......and can be the root of the leak issues.....

Diamox is a  diuretic....and helps reduce the amount of fluid....

Just keep flat and still do not read or even watch TV.....u need to rest completely.....

[adventurer53]

I looked a little harder at DIAMOX and I can see where it might be helpful because it reduces the amount of fluids that the body produces, thus allowing for the healing of the leak because of less pressure on the site. I can talk with my doctor about it. Thanks!

[adventurer53]

Hi Selma,
     I am getting lots of rest and drinking lots of water and also caffeine to help the head pain. I have only had blood patches with my own blood for this leak so far, no duraplasty. I've never heard of DIAMOX. I looked it up  and wonder how it works to reduce the CSF flow? Just in the last day, the intensity of the pain has been lessened, so I'm still hopeful that it will seal up on its own.

[selmaS]

  Hi, I am so sorry this did not work....did u ever find out what type dura patch was used for ur duraplasty?

And have they tried DIAMOX to help reduce the CSF flow to allow it to heal?Are u resting and drinking plenty of water?

[linnielou232]

So sorry to hear the blood patch didn't work.  As my experience after having surgery 2 times I had another leak so the NS had me go in and have a drain put in to drain my SF out and I layed there for 10 days on an angel.  They turned it off and let me lay there and I was so excited as in 4 in the morning I was good, no lump and I thought Yeah this worked.  Well by 8 in the morining it swelled up again so I had to go in and have another surgery #3,  It took awhile but it worked this time.  I know how disappointing this can be and I'm sitting here feeling really bad after reading your post, but do know it will get better for you.  It just takes a lot out of you when this leaking goin on.  Please take it really easy, don't bend and lay it will help keep the fluid off.  Wishing you the best and praying that the next one will work for you.
Linda :)