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

[sllowe]

If it subsides when you lay down - it's a leak.

It will seal back up eventually - but my Dr. told me I had 2 options:

1) lay flat for 24 hrs
2) go to the hospital for a blood patch

Your spinal fluid only repleneshes itself a couple times a day.  So, when you get a leak, spinal fluid leaks from the puncture site.  A blood patch I've heard provides instant relief and laying flat takes a bit longer.

My leak occurred 3 days after the tap.  I chose to lay flat and knew I'd not be able to stand long enough to get the hospital.

It's horrifying Maggs, but it happens despite you and your Drs best efforts.  Keep lots of fluid in you, add a little caffeine here and there, and park your butt in bed in front of the tv and just get up to eat...lol  (oh, that's if you don't go for the patch).

Keep us posted - and, notify the Dr!
So Sorry Hugs,
-Shell

[maggs970]

hi i am sorry and dont wish to put anyone off i think i must be 1 of the few who have problems with it, i had it done in the southern general in glasgow i ndont know the docs name , i dont like to jump the gun by phoning the doc but if i have to by tomorrow then i will,i fear that by the amount of times he was in and out then i may have an infection or leak i will give it untill tomorrow and if i am no better then i will go to a&e or dial nhs 24 there was no pain with the needle going in it was only when it was in that i had pain he managed to get it that was the main thing as i wouldnt like to go through it again my friend had it done with no pain first time so i think it was my spine that had problems thanks

[roncart]

hi, I am so sorry that you had to go through that. I have to go this wed. for a puncture and your scenerio  is what I fear most. I have read on this forum that if you have a headahe like that for more than 2 days you may need what is called a blood patch. you need to call your doctor and tell him what you are going through. who did your test?