Go ahead with Lumbar puncture????

[bwm441]

I have been experiencing the following intermittent symptoms for the last 2 months:
• Started with numbness and tingling in feet and hands (mostly hands while sleeping).
• Sensitivity to light/eye pain (maybe a few times a week on average)
• Lightheadness/mild headaches
• Pinched elbows feeling combined with sensations of mildly hitting funny bone
• Burning sensations on forearms and legs (maybe an occurrence of 4-6 times lasting 15 minutes or less)

These symptoms come and go-some days I only have one symptoms present itself- the next day it might be something else. Overall the symptoms are mild, don’t last that long but are just annoying and worrisome. I have still maintained working out…

I have seen a neurologist and we did the following tests.

• MRI of brain and cervical spine with and without contrast-Normal
• Physical exam-Normal
• Vision Evoked Potential-Normal
• EMG/Nerve Conduction-Normal
• All blood work- check B12, ANA, and tons others- all blood is normal except one high thyroid level (been  taking thyroid meds for 6+ weeks with some improvement in symptoms.)
• Lyme-Negative
• Lead-Normal


The next test suggested by my neurologist is the LP which is scheduled for next week. (He said the fact that my MRI was clear is approx. a 95% good sign of ruling out MS). I am really frightened to get this procedure- but don’t want something to progress or get worse.
I guess I wonder if these symptoms that are so random, and consistent sound like MS?
Should I proceed with the LP? Or wait and see if things improve?

[bwm441]

Had the LP done yesterday.
Overall it was not a big deal. They xrayed me prior to putting the needle in.
I didn't realize I wouldn't be in the fetal position- they had me on my stomach and tilted the table up.
I was a slow dripper...it took about 12-15 minutes.

Took it easy the entire day yesterday.

Hoping for good results.

Thank you all for your support and knowledge.

[bwm441]

Thank you all for the support and insight.
This has been very scary and finding this forum has been so helpful. I truly hope it is just my thyroid....however, the neuro seemed skeptical that I would have so many neuro symptoms with thyroid. Who knows? I have been feeling better the last week. But like I said, I hate for something to be going on and not treat it early....

Also, thank you all for telling me the LP won't be a big deal...very helpful to me. My husband has to be in a meeting that day so my mom is going with me...;)

I do have a bottle of xanax- I probably will take one before I leave...never had anxiety meds until these symptoms started....

[LATW]

I would do the LP.  It is not a big deal.  I even had mine without the fluoroscope.  
I have 8 o bands and got solid confirmation of MS.

LA dx'd 2008

[RedFlame]

For me, my fear/anxiety before the LP was the worst.  The LP was a breeze, it's just too bad I was so afraid beforehand.

The fluoroscope is sort of like a small xray.  The doctor will insert the needle a bit and then ask for a 'picture' to make sure he is headed in the right direction.  My LP was done by a anesthesiologist.  He numbed the area and I only felt a bit of pressure.

I thought it was going to be a big deal but it wasn't

Let us know how it goes

[Rubyrocket]

I had am LP yesterday morning and it went well. Prior to the appointment I would get a little agitated just thinking of a needle in my spine. I just kept busy and put my mind on other things to cope with it. I'm such a weenie!

The LP itself was so much easier then I had thought and didn't last as long as I thought either. I considered taking xanax but decided not to and don't regret that decision. On the other hand it wouldn't have been a negative thing to do, I just don't like the way that class of drugs makes me feel.

I'm told that I will get results by the 7th or 8th.

I hope all goes well for you, keep us posted:)
Joani

[bwm441]

I ended up keeping the appt. I agree....I have gone this far. I need this test for peace of mind. It will be on Tuesday.
I absolutely hate needles- I have a hard time ever letting them take blood from me....!
I am a total chicken.

What does the fluoroscope do? Did any of you take anything for anxiety prior to the LP? I wish they could put me in twilight or something?
How long did it take to get the results?

[hurting007]

I think LP's can be helpful.  I had a horror experience.  I encourage you to ask your neurologist if he will do the test with a fluoroscope (so he can see where he is puncturing).  Ask any questions you might have.

I had an older neurologist who decided I needed the LP because of MS symptoms.  He made a dart board out of me.  I had multiple puncture sites. I didn't have anything to numb me.   My husband works in radiology and was upset that he didn't do it with fluoroscope.  Because I ended up with multiple sites, and because I had terrible continual headaches, they did two blood patch repairs on me, maybe I needed more.  The results from my test were weird, my neurologist didn't know what to make of them - yes, I showed them to other neurologists.  It seems some doctors want to start all over from the beginning.  I have had some doctors suggest that my health problems have increased in part because they believe I probably had more problems from it.

I'm not discouraging you from having the test.  I just didn't know what I could be getting myself into if I did have the test.

[Ufrustrated2]

seems you are close to the finish line after all those previous tests, why not go the distance and get the LP?

at the least, it can be a comparison point in time later down the road if/when tests are repeated.

my .02 worth

[Mike_Shuswap]

Are you sure you want to postpone the LP?

Please don't be afraid of this procedure. I didn't have a real easy time with my LP, but I would not hesitate to have it done again if my Neuro felt I should.  

Just my oppinion.

Take care

Mike

[bwm441]

Thanks for your response.
I really appreciate it.
I think I will postpone the LP and wait and see what happens.

[essdipity]

Hi and welcome.

An LP is not dangerous, and you can be anesthetized so you don't feel a thing, maybe not even remember it. Ask your doctor about this. Only a fairly small percentage, about 1/7, get the subsequent headache, despite what you may have heard. With mine, I got up after an hour, drove home, and resumed my life.

Still, you may not want to rush into this. Thyroid problems, low B12, and diabetes could also cause your symptoms, as can other disorders, I know. Also, despite your test results, I would think you are having problems with peripheral neuropathy, and not MS. That is just my non-medically-trained guess. MS symptoms don't come and go in different parts of the body on different days.

You are more than welcome to come here often for information and support. Let us know how things go.

ess