LP Question

[nicholeserena]

i also want to know does a spinal tap hurt? and if so do they put you to sleep for it?

[Shellshack]

I had a LP a few months ago...and like everyone else, the thought of it was much worse than the actual procedure.  Just pray about it and it'll all be okay.  I had a bad backache afterwards, but no headache.  I stayed flat over 24 hrs. after drinking lots of fluids.  GOOD LUCK!

[Janette2836]

I had one done the middle of September.  My fears going into it were much worse than the procedure itself!  I was not in any pain during the LP!  PLEASE drink as much as you can & they even tell you to drink caffeine!  Stay flat as much as you can.  I started to feel better so I would get up & try to do stuff but I ended up getting the LP headache!  Take care & let others care for you during your recovery!

Janette

[mary_kay]

Since I had one yesterday, I feel qualified to answer this :-).  First of all, don't be scared, it's not painful, compared to what you are probably feeling on a daily basis.  Here is what happened to me:
First of all, I was taken to a room that was to be my "recovery room" afterwards where I changed into hospital gown and robe.  Then they wheeled me down to Radiology where I moved over to another table.  I was on my stomach with a hard pillow under my belly to lift my back up.  Then they put some cold stuff on the spot to sterilize. The next step was actually the worst part! They injected lidocaine to numb the area.  In a few minutes they inserted the needle between the vertibrae...I hardly noticed!  After awhile they had enough fluid, pulled out the needle, and before I knew it I was wheeled back up to the room to lay flat for 4 hours.  Somehow, I managed to eat a sandwich and drink coffee, milk and water while laying down.  Then I took a nap and they woke me up to go home. Everyone was very nice and explained absolutely everything to me beforehand.
My best advice is to drink LOTS of fluids the day before and right after.  Stay down as long as you can, and by the next day you won't even know anything happened.
I was nervous too, but now I feel good about it because I have not had one inkling of a headache.  
It'll be OK, sweetie...you will be fine.  Just follow directions and try not to be too bored laying down!
Mary Kay

[OperaMBA]

The LP can hurt a bit, or not depending, I believe on the skill of the doctor.

I was awake for all of mine.