Lumbar Puncture

[kittykat5]

I must have one tommorrow? Is it painful? I am frightened

[Mike_Shuswap]

I had an LP the begining of Dec. No real problems, other than my dr was unable to get the needle in for a sample, so he gave up and got an ultra sound tech to do it. After scanning with the ultra sound, the tech did the proceedure in minutes. I was very nervous b4 i got it done, but now I'd have no fear doing it again if required, but I'd insist it be done with ultra sound.

Mike

[Valerie64]

I'm waiting for my LP too and I am total wussy, I've already freaked out before Xmas and talked the Dr out of it...

you've put my mind at rest a bit now, I know I have to have it but that doesn't stop me freaking out

thank you so much

Val x

[DogTrainer]

I was told to drink lots of caffeine and stay flat on my back for a few days after my LP.  I did and never got the headache.
The procedure itself was more uncomfortable than painful and mine only lasted about 15 minutes.  Staying relaxed through it will help a lot.
Good luck!

[HVAC]

The fear is much worse than the LP.  Try not to freak out it will be over be for you know. I had a migraine last night and threw up 40 times that was worse than the weekend with the LP headache. Take care and contact us afterward.

Alex

[Sarahsmom46]

Hi and welcome to our MS forum.  We are so happy to have you join us.

Your question is a common one around here especially from those who are going through an LP for the first time.  I have had 2 LP (spinal taps) myself and each experience was a little different from the other.  But, knowing what to expect can really help relieve the anxiety about it.  

I'm sure you have already been told by your doctor about the LP or even looked it up on the web, but it's not the same as hearing from people who have been through it.  

There is really no pain in the procedure itself.  You might feel a sensation of something pusing into your back, but really it is not painful.  I recall feeling an electric shock go down my leg which is fairly common when the needle gets near a nerve.  But before you know it, it is gone.  

I had a radiologist do my first one and a nurse practitioner do my second one.  The NP was the best.  Before you know it, it is over with and you are told to rest a bit before you go home.  

The tricky part comes when you go home.  Drink lots of fluid before you go in for the procedure and caffeine when you come home.  Stay lying down as much as possible to avoid that dreaded headache, which not every one get just so you know, and you should be fine.  

I hope this helped.  If you have any other questions, just let us all know.  We have been there and done that and are happy to help.  

Good-luck tomorrow.  Let us know how your are doing.  

Julie