Bad experience with Lumbar Puncture

[Suzie9]

I had a bad experience with my lumbar puncture the other day.
The doctor was just about finished when i said i felt very sick and thought i was going to be sick.I then passed out and when i came round i was sat up in bed with 5 people around me shouting to get back down and forcing me onto my side.I didn't know where i was so think i was resisting them for a few seconds.I still had the needle in my back so they were worried i may fall back on it or knock it.When i realised what had happened i lay on my side they gave me oxygen and i began to feel better.I was worried i had done some damage and was asking if everything was ok.The doctor at first said no,but she just ment she hadn't finished.I finally got out of them i was ok and no damage caused.They said i passed out but then bolted up all of a sudden trying to get out of the bed.I think this is becsuse when at home asleep and i hear a noise i jump up to check on the kids.
Well the reason i am posting this is to warn others to have a good meal before your Lumbar puncture and don't drink alchohol the night before.I am on a diet at the moment so hadn't eaten much and they think thats why i passed out.They said nothing like that had happened before,although people had passed out they had never seen somone leap up after.
I have to go back for it now in a few weeks.I freaked myself out a bit so i am dreading it.
Does anyone know weather i really have to have it?How important is it?I have CIS and am recently having new symptoms.If  my diagnosis changed to MS would i still need or be adviced to have the Lumbar Puncture?

[Suzie9]

My neurologist called me and said the LP wasn't necessary for now so i am happy for it to be postponed for a while as i was dreading it.I have to go in and see her though to discuss new symptoms.Not for a couple of months so waiting game again!
Suzie.

[MrsAristotle]

I was told one minute by my neuro that I COULD have an LP. Then when i said to him well your the boss if you want me to i will, to be told, no it isnt necessary as even if you have one the treatment wont change.

Make of that what you will.  Subsequently been told I am being treated as THOUGH I have MS and that will do for me.  I get everything I need so a label wont change anything for me apparently. Mariax

[Suzie9]

Thanks for your posts.Kind of wanted to hear it wasn't necessary but if it is i will just have to do it.Really not looking forward to it.
Other tests i have had are MRI,lesions found, blood tests,normal and VEP normal.I have a lymes test the same day as the next LP.
Suzie.

[slightlybroken]

You don't have to have an LP to be DX with MS but..if you need evidence to meet the criteria sometimes an LP is what will do it along with other test.  What test have you had so far? Jensequitur is right that most neuros won't DX based on symptoms and MRI. You have to have other abnormal test results as well to confirm the DX.

I had a bad experience too with my LP and I wouldn't want to do it again but if it would give me a DX..I would. Maybe they can give you a sedative before hand. It might help.

Take Care

[jensequitur]

It's possible to get a diagnosis without the LP, but it's rare to find a doctor that will diagnose you based upon MRI and symptoms alone.  I would recommend getting the lumbar puncture - if your symptoms are active, it sounds like you might be developing MS.

[Heather3418]

bump