Lying Flat after LP

[yorkieville]

I think ~Sunnytoday~ and I just figured out why, we both got headaches, after our LP's. We did not remain flat, immediately following the LP, we both had to get up and go home.

My sister had the LP, they made her remain flat for 6 hours in the hospital, immediately following the LP, and she did not get the headache.

~Sunnytoday~ also knows someone that remained flat immediately following the LP, and did not get the headache.

So, I would say, if you have to have an LP, find out if they keep you there, remaining flat. If not, I think it's wise to find another place.

Sheila

[Lulu54]

Sheila and Sunny,
That's a good thought, but they had me get up and dress immediately after my LP and I was in a chair when the doctor came back in.  I then met with him for another 45 minutes, all upright.  I then went outside and sat on a bench in the sun for almost an hour before my ride came back for me.... then I rode home in the car slightly reclined but upright for 90 minutes... it was almost 3 hours before I was able to stretch out.

I had no headache problem like you ladies have experienced.  I asked my neuro about leaks and he said he has done over 100 of these and has yet to need to do a blood patch.  I'm thankful I was not his first!!

Feel better Sunny!
Laura

[Lulu54]

Perhaps the bigger clue to this is what size needle was used?  The smaller the better obviously.  But the neuro does have needle choices.....

[Rena705]

I think it has a lot more to do with the amount of fluid that is removed and the space that is there when you are standing and this space fills up somewhat when you lie down...make any sense?

Rena

[Sarahsmom46]

I think we are all right to an extent on what would contribute to these dreaded headaches.  Lying flat if you can, how much fluid is removed, and the size of the needle can all have an impact.  But I think that who gets and doesn't get the headaches is more of an individual response.  For me, lying flat for the recommended 3 hours right after really helped.  If I have to have another LP, I'll remember what helped the first time and try to repeat what worked.  Hope it works twice, because that headache is no joking matter.

Julie

[yorkieville]

Hi, Laura!

Well, that shoots our theory. LOL

I'm glad you didn't get the headache. Believe me, it is the worst headache I've ever experienced, and I had wall-banging migraines in my 20's and 30"s and the LP headache was far worse.

Sheila

[yorkieville]

Hi, Rena.

You make perfect sense, as always.

Hugs,
Sheila

[yorkieville]

Hi, Julie.

Yes, I think it must also be an individual response, as well as the size of the needle, how much fluid is drawn.

I hope I never have another LP! But, if I do, and if I get the headache, I won't wait 6 days to call and complain.

Sheila

[Sarahsmom46]

You had that headache for 6 days!!!  Yikes!  

I did get the headache, but I also got a percocet as soon as they brought me back to my room.  So, lying flat and drugs helped.  I am such a pain weenie that I would have been knocking out a few doctors if they didn't get that headache under control.  I hope neither of us has to go through that again.

Julie :)

[yorkieville]

Hi, Julie.

Yes, 6 days. I was in agony.

When my Neuro's assistant called the hospital to set up the blood patch, they called me immediately and told me, "COME NOW!" And they said, don't bother signing in, just tell them to call us and we are coming to get you. And sure enough, we walked in, I gave my name and 2 seconds later, a nurse came with a wheelchair and took me to the OR.

The anesthesiologist took one look at me and said, "I'm giving you anesthesia".

Sheila

[Lulu54]

I hope all of you suffering  LP headache feel better soon.  you have given me one more thing to be grateful for and feel lucky about.. I hurt just reading some of these descriptions.  

Feel better,
Laura