LP's

[apgoonie]

Will have 9 LP attemps effect the reading of your opening pressure once the 10th LP is done and the opening pressure can be gotten? (no rest in between the LPs)

[Cath278]

Hi tonyad. Under no circumstances, should any more than 3 attempts, be made to do a lumber pucture. First, it should not be that difficult and the person doing it ,obviously  didnt know how .        
Second,More than 3 attempts introduces the risk of infection.
Third, also increases the chance of doing damage to the nerves.
Fourth,I dont think you can get an accurate reading from this.

I have to say, you are one brave woman! I would have fainted by the fourth attempt. ( I have had some lps from hell) If, there is to be a next time, you have the right to stop them, and get someone who knows what they are doing ! Good luck,Cath278.

[apgoonie]

Yes, this is a teaching hopital. And yes she got some sppibal fluid when she hit me the 4th time and she kept tapping the needle and she went thru the space. she kept, "hitting it" so to speak and then missing it for some reason... i was in so much pain sue to the high pressure I could feel in my head and eyes i was willing to go thru 20 LPS just to get the releife... When the did the 10th it was under the flouroscop (SP) and  they said my pressure was only 28.. LOL I laughed... I said only 28 after 9 other LP's....lol..... 28 is high already, but for that many LP's i know my pressure had to have been in the 40's.
Thank you so much for your in put. When I asked at the hospital they would not answer me!

stay safe,

Janie

[tonyad]

Hi there.

   First off I have to say...If they could not get it by the Second or the very last third time around....There would be NO 10th attempt!!!

   OK, as far as your question goes I would think that because it was just that.."An Attempt" then the needle did not get beneath the arachnoid membrane of the spinal cord in the lumbar region to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid. With that being said, then the pressures should not have been affected.

    Now if the needle would have invaded the space that it was supposed to but it was a traumatic puncture (which occurs when a blood vessel is inadvertently ruptured during the procedure)., you would still get your opening pressure and they should not have continued 9 more times.....Is this a Teaching Hospital??

     Good luck, You are a Trooper!!!
~Tonya