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Lumber Puncture
Hya -Good to be with you I`m going in for a lumber puncture Tuesday4th May 2010 and would like any help with information and recommendations . I suffer from flop foot and slight muscular imbalance below the belt. Hope you can help
I am glad that you went through the LP without any hitches!
I am also glad that your results came out well. As Lulu had mentioned though,
if your symptoms persist...keep in contact w/ your Neuro....
Have a great rest of the week :0
~Tonya
Loyndsy, congrats on making it through the dreaded LP :-)
Please keep in mind that only 80-90% of MS patients show signs of the disease through o-bands in their spinal fluid. If your symptoms persist, don't overlook this possibility. In the meantime remember that the odds are definitely in your favor. Good luck in finding the answers to your problems.
be well, Lulu
Please keep in mind that only 80-90% of MS patients show signs of the disease through o-bands in their spinal fluid. If your symptoms persist, don't overlook this possibility. In the meantime remember that the odds are definitely in your favor. Good luck in finding the answers to your problems.
be well, Lulu
I am astounded and delighted by your response and advice-The LP was successful and after effects slight-The advice of "plenty of liquids and lay still" worked to a treat. As was mentioned the LP was for analysis of infection or trace of ms.I am delighted to report the results were negative. I must thank you all for wise and practical advice- I must add thet all contributions were helpful- respectfully Loyndsy
Please - even if you feel "good" - take it easy the day after! I made the mistake of agreeing to a road trip the day after mine because I felt just fine. Boy, I paid for that later. It wiped me OUT! So just plan to relax and watch some bad TV :)
Hi there,
Adding on a belated welcome. HOpe we are not overwhelming you.
I'll agree with the above comments reference the procedure itself - it's mostly uncomfortable and you'll feel pressure.
But, there are some things you can do in advance of this. Get good and hydrated today and plan on laying as long as they want to keep you at the facility they are doing the procedure in. Do you know if it's being performed under flouroscopy?
Also, the dreaded headache that was briefly mentioned. It actually occurs as a result of a leak. Sometimes you get a leak from the LP site. It's not as if you will feel this leak in your back - you'll feel it in your head! It's horrifying and there will be no guessing if it happens. You get instant relief from laying flat if it's a leak.
Spinal fluid only replenishes a couple times a day. So, a leak causes an inbalance of fluid between the brain and the spinal cord - this fluid bathes the cord.
It can, and does happen. So, prep today to do 'nothing' much the next few days. The leak can happen days later. So, for example if you are feeling chipper on Wednesday, don't overdue it and don't be on your feet long, or lift heavy things, or go up and down steps. Plan on eating and laying down w/some good movies or programs over the next few days.
I wish you a successful LP! And one where they see what they need to see! Thank you so very much for joining us. Ask anything!
See you around,
Shell
Adding on a belated welcome. HOpe we are not overwhelming you.
I'll agree with the above comments reference the procedure itself - it's mostly uncomfortable and you'll feel pressure.
But, there are some things you can do in advance of this. Get good and hydrated today and plan on laying as long as they want to keep you at the facility they are doing the procedure in. Do you know if it's being performed under flouroscopy?
Also, the dreaded headache that was briefly mentioned. It actually occurs as a result of a leak. Sometimes you get a leak from the LP site. It's not as if you will feel this leak in your back - you'll feel it in your head! It's horrifying and there will be no guessing if it happens. You get instant relief from laying flat if it's a leak.
Spinal fluid only replenishes a couple times a day. So, a leak causes an inbalance of fluid between the brain and the spinal cord - this fluid bathes the cord.
It can, and does happen. So, prep today to do 'nothing' much the next few days. The leak can happen days later. So, for example if you are feeling chipper on Wednesday, don't overdue it and don't be on your feet long, or lift heavy things, or go up and down steps. Plan on eating and laying down w/some good movies or programs over the next few days.
I wish you a successful LP! And one where they see what they need to see! Thank you so very much for joining us. Ask anything!
See you around,
Shell
mine was a month ago and it was fine (don't fancy another anytime soon lol),
the Dr touched ''something'' but all I felt was an ache down my left leg, I agree with JJ - try to lay flat for a couple of days and take it easy, my back stung a bit when the anesthetic wore off and it niggled for over a week.
Drink plenty caffeine and hopefully there'll be no headache,
Good luck
Val
the Dr touched ''something'' but all I felt was an ache down my left leg, I agree with JJ - try to lay flat for a couple of days and take it easy, my back stung a bit when the anesthetic wore off and it niggled for over a week.
Drink plenty caffeine and hopefully there'll be no headache,
Good luck
Val
COMMUNITY LEADER
I was well prepared for the worst experience when having my LP, so many people tell the bad experiences but few have anything to say when there is nothing to worry about. So on that note, i was prepared for the worst and didn't have a problem before, during or after. Well there was more drama coming from my mother in one of her moments than anything to do with me or the LP.
Everyone warned to drink plenty of water or caffine before and after, so i took a flask of both, and some yummy snacks in case i felt i needed some pampering lol. Most important was something to read for the 2 hours i was going to be flat on my back before they would let me move, then ultimately go home.
Due to some timetabling i ended up waiting most of the day before the LP happened, i think i was scheduled for 9:30am but in the end it was well after 3pm and i didnt get out until around 6pm, so a long day all up.
The LP was no worse than getting the numbing injection prior to a dental procedure, no pain persay but there was a feeling of preasure, nothing overly bother some. Worst thing was when he hit bone/nerve and my body did a reactive jerk, it didnt really hurt but i think when he hit the nerve my body reacted with over dramatic flare lol. Afterwards i was more conserned with keeping up my fluids and keeping my mind off going to the loo in the pot if i couldnt hold it, didnt help being right next to the sink, which was constantly running every few minutes, omg the torture lol.
I wasnt allowed to drive so had dh pick me up, stayed laying down for 2 days, only getting up to go to the big girls toilet. No headache, stiff in my lower back for about 2 weeks and due to the length of the day i was weak for about the same amount of time, which happens to me if i exert my self so i cant really blame it on the LP.
Overall it was not what i expected, i'm not sure if knowing what to expect and planning ahead for the just in case senarios i'd heard about made a lot of difference, but i do like to think it did.
Cheers......JJ
Everyone warned to drink plenty of water or caffine before and after, so i took a flask of both, and some yummy snacks in case i felt i needed some pampering lol. Most important was something to read for the 2 hours i was going to be flat on my back before they would let me move, then ultimately go home.
Due to some timetabling i ended up waiting most of the day before the LP happened, i think i was scheduled for 9:30am but in the end it was well after 3pm and i didnt get out until around 6pm, so a long day all up.
The LP was no worse than getting the numbing injection prior to a dental procedure, no pain persay but there was a feeling of preasure, nothing overly bother some. Worst thing was when he hit bone/nerve and my body did a reactive jerk, it didnt really hurt but i think when he hit the nerve my body reacted with over dramatic flare lol. Afterwards i was more conserned with keeping up my fluids and keeping my mind off going to the loo in the pot if i couldnt hold it, didnt help being right next to the sink, which was constantly running every few minutes, omg the torture lol.
I wasnt allowed to drive so had dh pick me up, stayed laying down for 2 days, only getting up to go to the big girls toilet. No headache, stiff in my lower back for about 2 weeks and due to the length of the day i was weak for about the same amount of time, which happens to me if i exert my self so i cant really blame it on the LP.
Overall it was not what i expected, i'm not sure if knowing what to expect and planning ahead for the just in case senarios i'd heard about made a lot of difference, but i do like to think it did.
Cheers......JJ
Just one quick note, the post-LP headache you've been hearing about isn't really a headache so much as it is pressure sensation at the base of the skull/back of neck. I told people it felt like someone trying to pull by brain out through the base of my skull by pulling on my spinal cord!!! LOL!! ...not quite as bad as it sounds, but I was surprised by the entire lack of similarity to any headache I've ever had (and there have been plenty).
The sensation is caused by a drop in CSF pressure due to leakage from the puncture site, which causes the depressurization around the brain-thereby leading to the aforementioned sucking/pulling sensation. Just be sure to take it very easy, like everyone else said, and remain as horizontal as possible for as long as you can. Unfortunately for me, 4 year old twins boys and their 10 year old big brother tend to make remaining horizontal for any length of time quite a difficult feat.
Good luck, and remember to take it easy!! And if all else fails, the blood patch will make the brain-sucking stop within 30 minutes. Then the trick is to be even more careful and "horizontal" for the day or so following that procedure...
The sensation is caused by a drop in CSF pressure due to leakage from the puncture site, which causes the depressurization around the brain-thereby leading to the aforementioned sucking/pulling sensation. Just be sure to take it very easy, like everyone else said, and remain as horizontal as possible for as long as you can. Unfortunately for me, 4 year old twins boys and their 10 year old big brother tend to make remaining horizontal for any length of time quite a difficult feat.
Good luck, and remember to take it easy!! And if all else fails, the blood patch will make the brain-sucking stop within 30 minutes. Then the trick is to be even more careful and "horizontal" for the day or so following that procedure...
Hi and welcome to the forum here. I hope you find our information useful.
The dreaded LP is no where near so bad for the large majority of people. About one in seven people will have the post-LP headache, but that leaves 6 out of7 having no problems, at all.
I took it easy the next day after my LP and had no problem at all. Rena is right that you should take it easy and her tips if you encounter the headache will be useful.
Be sure and ask how long you have to stay - my neuro laughed when I asked about staying and I was off the table and out the door immediately for the long drive home. He said I could stay until the office closed, but that it really wasn't necessary.
I wrote about my lp in complete detail and you might find it helpful to read - it is located at
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/42150/My-LP---in-all-the-details---not-new-but-here-for-reference?personal_page_id=865800
welcome again,
Lulu
The dreaded LP is no where near so bad for the large majority of people. About one in seven people will have the post-LP headache, but that leaves 6 out of7 having no problems, at all.
I took it easy the next day after my LP and had no problem at all. Rena is right that you should take it easy and her tips if you encounter the headache will be useful.
Be sure and ask how long you have to stay - my neuro laughed when I asked about staying and I was off the table and out the door immediately for the long drive home. He said I could stay until the office closed, but that it really wasn't necessary.
I wrote about my lp in complete detail and you might find it helpful to read - it is located at
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/42150/My-LP---in-all-the-details---not-new-but-here-for-reference?personal_page_id=865800
welcome again,
Lulu
All the above info is great but just a few little tweaks here:
You should know that this LP (Lumbar Puncture) headache could last a fair bit longer than a few days so be prepared. The pain will ease upon lying down and I got by with walking around the house by bending at the waist...awkward but it worked.
Drink lots of water and Caffeinated Drinks...the water helps to replenish the spinal fluid and no one really knows why the caffeinated drinks help but they do.
Try and get someone to be available should you need assistance post LP...that way at least there is someone aware that you may need help.
I wish you the best of luck with your procedure and I am sure you will come out of it fine! Just take it seriously when we say you HAVE to lie down to alleviate the pain in your head...it's amazing how quickly it does go away on laying your head down...it's amazing!
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
You should know that this LP (Lumbar Puncture) headache could last a fair bit longer than a few days so be prepared. The pain will ease upon lying down and I got by with walking around the house by bending at the waist...awkward but it worked.
Drink lots of water and Caffeinated Drinks...the water helps to replenish the spinal fluid and no one really knows why the caffeinated drinks help but they do.
Try and get someone to be available should you need assistance post LP...that way at least there is someone aware that you may need help.
I wish you the best of luck with your procedure and I am sure you will come out of it fine! Just take it seriously when we say you HAVE to lie down to alleviate the pain in your head...it's amazing how quickly it does go away on laying your head down...it's amazing!
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
We're in the same club! I have an LP scheduled for this Tuesday as well.
In terms of preparing for the procedure, there's not much to do in advance. They will ask you questions about medications, allergies, bleeding disorders, if you might be pregnant and if you are on any herbal remedies that might affect blood.
The one thing that I would recommend before the procedure is to ask how long you can expect to be at the medical facility. This can vary greatly from one place to another. I have been told to expect to be at the hospital for 3 to 4 hours from start to finish. It might be less where you are going, but it is helpful to know beforehand.
Like theseian wrote, the procedure itself is not painful when done properly. I'll second the motion to make sure that you lie down for at least 5 hours after the procedure. It's recommended that one only gets up to go to the bathroom or to eat or drink. Drinking fluids will help to replenish the spinal fluid, just as one drinks water after giving blood.
The reason to lie down after the LP is because the level of spinal fluid is decreased. Spinal fluid runs not only in the spinal cord, but also acts as a cushion for the brain. With the procedure, the amount of spinal fluid is decreased and it takes some time for the level to increase and cushion the brain again.
Given that, the other thing to make sure that you get information on possible complications and when to call a doctor.
Good luck and I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday!
Audrey
In terms of preparing for the procedure, there's not much to do in advance. They will ask you questions about medications, allergies, bleeding disorders, if you might be pregnant and if you are on any herbal remedies that might affect blood.
The one thing that I would recommend before the procedure is to ask how long you can expect to be at the medical facility. This can vary greatly from one place to another. I have been told to expect to be at the hospital for 3 to 4 hours from start to finish. It might be less where you are going, but it is helpful to know beforehand.
Like theseian wrote, the procedure itself is not painful when done properly. I'll second the motion to make sure that you lie down for at least 5 hours after the procedure. It's recommended that one only gets up to go to the bathroom or to eat or drink. Drinking fluids will help to replenish the spinal fluid, just as one drinks water after giving blood.
The reason to lie down after the LP is because the level of spinal fluid is decreased. Spinal fluid runs not only in the spinal cord, but also acts as a cushion for the brain. With the procedure, the amount of spinal fluid is decreased and it takes some time for the level to increase and cushion the brain again.
Given that, the other thing to make sure that you get information on possible complications and when to call a doctor.
Good luck and I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday!
Audrey
Hello and welcome the health pages at the top right of your screen have a lot of information on tests and LPs.
Alex
Alex
I'm not too sure what they will be looking for from the fluid they get from the lumbar puncture, most probably for any infections or autoimmune diseases like MS. From experience I will say that the actual lumbar puncture doens't hurt much at all, if you've watched any medical shows they make it look 1000 times worse. Make sure that you spend at least 5 hours lying down afterwards and you might experience some back pain or muscle spasms. There may also be a post lumbar puncture headache, you will know that it's not a normal headache because it will get alot better when you lie down. That should resolve by itself but sometimes the doctor will have to intervene by hooking you up to a saline drip and if that still doesn't work then a blood patch will be your final option. That's what happened to me, hope yours doesn't have to go as far as the blood patch though. Good luck and take care
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