Progress? MS Specialist and LP...help!!

[luvnGod]

Hi everyone,

I was in a deep dark place yesterday that I pray I don't go back to.  I "officially" got the results of my MRI's from my doc's office yesterday and it just threw me in a tailspin.  Brain MRI simply stated sinus thickening and some long word that they said looked like sinus disease (whatever that is).  Cervical MRI showed the disc that was protruding last year (degenerative) was a bit worse this go around.  Still no lesions, but dr. wanted to do the LP, which I am grateful for.  My grandmother told me about a MS specialist in Wake Forest who is world renowned and I  am in the process of being referred to him and will see him  in February.  In the meantime, all at once, I have been scheduled for a LP tomorrow at a local hospital at 1pm EST.  Prayers appreciated :)

I feel like all of this is progress, but at the same time, I guess I'm a bit disheartened.  I'm usually not the type to think pessimistically, but I can't help but feel this is just one more test that will come back normal and I will still be on this near 5 year journey to nowhere....I'm sure you all have felt this at one point, especially the limbolanders.  

It's hard to say I don't want a test to be normal, but when I KNOW that these symptoms are real and test after test is coming up with nothing, I begin to feel nuts and as if I will never get the help I so desperately need.

On another note, I am very nervous about the LP tomorrow....any advice?  I have read a couple of things but I feel so unprepared.

Thank you and many blessings to all of you!  You have been such a life line for me and I can't thank you enough!
Stacie

[luvnGod]

Okay guys, well, I guess one of the unfortunate ones :(  I know I am the exception here and most I'm sure go well....my LP was done at a hospital and a technician performed the procedure.  There were two other women in the room as well.  I was asked to lie flat on my stomach on a table (they were using the fluoroscopy? x-ray).  When she numbed the spot I felt slight discomfort and then when she put the needle in, she definitely hit a nerve, I gasped and screamed as quietly as I could.  The pressure/pain went down into my left leg (the one that gives me trouble already).  She moved the needle a bit and asked if it was better, it was, but only slightly.  They tilted the table to where it felt like I was going to stand up and I held on to the top for dear life, even though I wasn't going to fall, I just tensed up (not good).  

I know the rushed through it b/c I was so uncomfortable, which I regret in a way.  I hope they were able to do a thorough job.  Afterward I was very dizzyand shaky and they had me lay back down.  After drinking soda the dizziness wore off a bit and then they put me in a wheel chair so I wouldn't have to walk.  As soon as I was sitting up, you guessed it, the headache started.  I honestly am okay, just pray this headache doesn't get any worse.  I have been laying flat as much as possible, but my left leg and low back feel torqued a bit (the nerve).  

One thing I will say is the women were very nice and sympathetic, I could tell they honestly felt bad for me, and then I turned my attention to helping them not feel so bad...hahahaha.  They did tell me he was also doing another Lyme test....this will be the 3rd time in 2-3 months, but they were explaining that sometimes it shows up in CSF and not in blood??

Anyway, there  is my experience.  I think had it been done in a curled position I would've been much better off!!  All I kept praying for was for it to be worth it and shed some light on what is happening to my body.

Thanks for reading my "book"   :)
Love to all!
Stacie

[Lulu54]

Stacie,  

I posted the details of my LP here -

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/42150/My-LP---in-all-the-details---not-new-but-here-for-reference

Reading this might help.

My neuro did it right in his office and sent me home immediately.  I had absolutely no problems, no waiting time - he says his record is 100% - he has never had a headache patient after an LP.  But he also took a lot of time to do the procedure

Good luck and let us know when it's over.
L

[luvnGod]

Thank you all SO VERY MUCH for your responses.  It helps more than you know.  I am trying my best to keep busy so I don't focus on it, I believe it was a blessing that it was scheduled so quickly.  My husband is taking me, which I am so grateful for; he hasn't been involved really, so that too is a blessing.  We definitely will be stopping to get some coke on the way to the hospital so I will have it afterward.  It's about a 45 minute drive on very curvy roads, so I'm a bit concerned about that...we live in the country. How long do they usually ask you to lie still?  I have heard 1-4 hours and up to 24 hours.

Thanks again
Stacie

[zoefromsussex]

Hi Stacie,
I hope all goes well for you. You've probably already had your LP by now but I just wanted to tell you it's nowhere near as bad as you might imagine! It's painless so long as you keep very still. Try and make sure you lie flat and drink lots (coke!) afterwards. I didn't because I had the test done about an hour's drive away and was rushing to get back for my kids...result: one week out of action with all sorts of repercusions! Anyway, am sure all will go well for you, Zoe

[HVAC]

Do not read up on LP or think about it. The anticipation is worse than the test. Drink lots of caffeine after the test and lie flat for as long as you can. Most people are fine. Fear is the worst part. After I thought that was nothing I got so worked up. Of course I had a long time to think about it.

Alex

[Lulu54]

Stacie,
it's great he ordered the lp and is moving forward with the tests.  It will all be fine and I'm glad you don't have too much time to worry about having this done.  It is a test used routinely and the majority of people have no problem with it - I didn't.

Here's hoping that something shows up that will give your doctor some direction.

hugs,
L

[debgen]

Hi Stacie,
My prayers are with you :) I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. I know that LP's can be scary, but I'm sure you will do fine. I have had a few LP's and they have all gone well. Remember to lie still for as long as they tell you to so you can avoid a headache. I really hope you will come out of this with answers!
Hugs,
Deb