lumbar headache

[maggs970]

hi i had a lumbar puncture on the 12th may this week the doctor had problems getting the fluid he took at least 6 attempts as it was very painfull he used 2 viles of anesthetic and i still had pain eventually he got it, i have had a severe head ache since and only get reief when flat on back can anyone tell me when this will go away as i feel i cant wait until it does its making me feel sick, i sit up for a few minutes and it returns like so much pressure i have to lie down again i am flat on my back just now typig this any advice would be much appreciated thanks

[Janette2836]

Maggs
:)  Looks like we are all saying the same thing - I just took longer to write then the others so sorry for the repeat in advice  :)

[maggs970]

thanks for the advice i think i will keep on my back apart from going to loo for the now see how it goes hopefully it will plug up shortly as i dont want another needle in that area unless its a must cheers i have posted a picture on my profile of lp not to put anyone of just to make sure it looks ok compared to everyone elses lp areas thanks

[Janette2836]

Maggs
So sorry you got the LP headache!  Lie flat as much as possible, drink lots of fluids (My dr told me to drink caffeine).  The one good thing about this headache is the felief you get when you lay down - thank you God!!!  Anyway - the headache can be fixed with a blood patch where they put your own blood back in the site to help heal the hole that the spinal fluid is leaking from internally.  My vice grip headache lasted a week!  The doctor said he has seen people have it as long as 6 weeks!  The patch is alway an option!  Take care & stay flat.  Keep us posted.

Janette

[Ufrustrated2]

my experience has been, after about 5 days the headaches/nausea will begin to subside.  i had  a few blood patches when on active duty, and they work in an instant. if you can get one i say go for it. otherwise, it is about a 5 day storm to ride out.

hang in there they will pass

[sllowe]

Oh, and I layed even longer than 24 hrs - I was hurting from that too - but nothing compared to the leak pain......It will get better soon

[Palollypop]

I had to have a blood patch with my first son after an epidural.  It is really quite simple.

They take the blood from your arm, then insert it into your spine into the same location that the LP was done.  The relief was immediate.

I think you should call today.  After my LP, I had a headache for about 4 hours, but then nothing.  I would think that you are having abnormal reactions to it, why suffer needlessly.  You are paying a LOT of money to have this test done.  After care is generally included.  CALL THE DOCTOR!!