spinal tap

Hey all,

I just had a quick question. My doctor talked me into a sinal tap to be done in his office. I get there and he can't get the neele into the right space. He tried 4 times and missed every time. Has that happened to anyone else?   He really wants this test done but I am having a hard time finding a local hospital that will do it. They are telling me that I have to go a doctors office to have it done.

Gretchen,

I had to find a new neuro when my old one got sick and had to close down. My old doctor didn't make me do one bc he said that all my other tests pointed him in this direction. So now I have a new doctor and he wants it done. He told me that I probably have MS, but the spinal tap will confirm or deny it. If I had known this before I'd have done it a couple of years ago. But the neuro found about 7 lesions and my eye tests and all my other blood work and the neuro exams I did in his office made him comfortable enough to treat me for MS.
My new neuro gave me test orders for a spinal tap w/ flouroscopy, but I have to find a hospital that will do it. I may have to drive about 2 hours to get to the hospital. I have one local option left and I am calling them today. I have 4 more MRI's scheduled for friday for brain, cervical spine, lumbar and thorasic spine with and without contrast. And I start Copaxone once my pharmacy by mail tells me how much it's gonna cost me.

I wish my old doctor would have told me about the spinal tap 3 years ago when I started seeing him and then I wouldn't have to go through this now. Right now is the worst time of year for me. I don't know why but my pain and tiredness are always worse in the spring and summer.

Heather