Had LP yesterday

[Zacksmomi]

I did all the right things the Dr's ordered and I didn't get much of a headache.  My eye issues became 10 times worse but I am not sure if that was related. Probably just from lack of fluid.  

I did nothing yesterday except lay on the couch.  Today my lower back hurts like there is no tomorrow.  I am not sure if it is just angry with me for laying around for the day, or if this LP caused my spastic muscles to go into overdrive.  Has anyone experienced muscle pain after an LP?

Also, my creepy crawlies are running up and down my spine like crazy.  I assume that since the fluid is refilling my lesions are extra sensitive.  Should I be concerned about this?  How long should it last?

Oh and just to vent, I am supposed to take it easy today and you should see this house after I let my hubby and son "take care of me" yesterday UGH!!!  I hope I don't trip on all the stuff on the floor cuz I am not going to pick it up or DH will be mad that I did too much today :)

Thanks for being here
D

[angela5674]

I do not wish the LP on anyone!  Mine was awful!  I too had a doc who sent me right home and, sure enough, I got the dreaded headache!  I suffer with migraines, but this was nothing like those!  I ended up in the ER 2 or 3 days later and got the blood patch (which hurt something awful but at least it took the headache away!).  I hope all goes well with yours!

[PastorDan]

Laid on my side (fetal position) on the neuro's exam table.  His nurse did the LP; she does several a week, so she is the one with the most experience.  I do vaguely remember laying there for a while, but it really wasn't long.  They told me to push fluids before and after; I did, and I had no problems at all.  Didn't prove or disprove anything, though, so it was an exercise in futility, but I think I'm used to that now.

[Lulu54]

You're right D, it is crazy.

I'm with Dennis and had no problem at all.  i said something to my neuro about staying there for a while and he said I could if I wanted to, but they close the offices at 5 and I would have to leave by then.  He said it was not necessary to wait, so immediately after my LP I got off the table, went outside and sat on a park bench, drank a diet coke,  and waited almost an hour for my husband to come back and get me.

It wasn't his fault that I had to wait  - I told him I understood it would take a couple hours and he went off to see a customer in the area.  

I feel so sorry for everyone who has a bad experience because many of us know that it can different.

be well, Lulu  

i took it easy the next couple days but probably didn't need to.

[Zacksmomi]

It is so crazy to hear how many different ways LPs are done.  I had mine in a hospital outpatient center and had to lay down for 2 hours before they would let me go.  They even ordered me food to eat laying down from the hospital cafeteria.  I am gluten free so that was kinda funny to listen to the nurse try to do :)

Then they told me I had to recline my car seat all the way  and not elevate my head more than 30% until the next morning. I could get up only to use the rest room.  I have heard of others driving themselves home.  I have heard of people having it done right there in the neuro office.  Crazy to hear all the stories.  

D

[Sailorsong]

Man I must have had the worlds greatest LP doer ever. The hardest part was waiting for the 20 minutes before I could get up. This was because after the procedure ( and I mean immediately) I had to go to the bathroom. After about 15 minutes I finally talked the nurse into letting me go. Oh what a relief that was. I really had no pain at all that day or ever. In fact the day after the LP I was out mowing my lawn.

Dennis


PS the neuro was teaching students on how to do an LP so she was probably more careful on how it was done. This might account for how well it went.

[Ovieloverinla]

My LP was nothing short of a nightmare for me!  They hit the wrong spot and it literally felt like someone got a pair of hot pliers, grabbed my spine and twisted it.  Not to mention that they sent me right home and I got that dreaded headache!  I wound up in the ER with the worst headache ever!  The doctor on duty was a jackass and told me that the headache would last me 2 weeks and that I needed to deal with it or get a blood patch that would have a 20 percent chance of working. I went with the blood patch, I was so nervous that the only place they could get blood was from my ankle, but the patch worked.

It's been about 3 years since that and it's still not known if I have MS or not.  My records say I have "Probable MS".  Luckily I have a new neuro who is really sympathetic and helping me out as much as he can.  The one before told me I needed to take vitamins and exercise!  I already do that!

Best of luck to you!

[HVAC]

D,
  My back hurt so bad the first night I cried the whole night. The next night it was only when I moved, then it was better. The third day is when I stood completely up and bam the headache. I had this jerk of a Doctor who said "I do not care if your head explodes". Later my Neurologist said oh yeah classic LP headache. It did get better. It is a test I never have to repeat and I am glad of it. I did get my diagnosis and for that it was worth it.

Take care of yourself we need you around.

Alex

[Zacksmomi]

Thanks, I am taking it as easy as possible. Put some ice on my back and it helped.

Alex if your back hurt, then I don't feel bad complaining cuz I know how tough you are.

So I am Home on the couch again YAY!!!

Thanks Kathy for the info on the eyes.  My eyes got sooo bad, but I am in the middle of a change of dx or additional dx possibly, so I didn't think the additional eye issues could be related to the LP.  Hopefully they will calm down a bit more.

I think bribery will work better than suggestion as far as the house goes.  I have a plan :)

You all are the best
D

[Fluffysmom]

Please do continue to take it easy today.  I've heard that you can get "the" headache a day or more after the LP, so give yourself time to heal.  

After my LP, my vision was full of floaters and more blurred for a while.  I was told that it was due to the temporary loss of fluid.  I had a leak and the headache and needed a blood patch, which worked like a charm.  My vision did mostly clear, and the floaters became less noticeable.

I hope your pain and creepy crawlies go away soon.  Let yourself be taken care of; maybe you could make a gentle suggestion that you would feel a lot better if someone picked up the house a bit.  :o)

Kathy

[HVAC]

An LP is more traumatic than a blood draw. My back hurt for two days. Everyone is different. It took me a good two weeks to fully recover. Take it easy and push fluids.

Alex

[Sarahsmom46]

By all means, take it easy today and let the house go.  I know it is hard but if you don't give your body time to heal after an LP, then symptoms can resurface with a vengence.  

I don't think the "creepy crawlie" sensations have anything to do with the fluid.  Your fluids have already refilled awhile ago.  

Again, take care of yourself today and even tomorrow so you won't end up with the symptoms coming back.  

Take good care and keep positive thoughts that the test will give you some answers.  

Julie