Lumbar Punctur info

I had one during the diagnostic process. It was a helpful test for me. It wasnt a lot of fun; a bit uncomfortable for a few minutes. They can do real time imaging to make sure they aren't jabbing away without success. Sorry to be graphic.

I didn't have any issues after. You'll need to rest and drink lots of fluids. Caffeine helps for some reason. If you leak CSF afterwards then you are at risk for a nasty headache. Let your doctor know if this happens.

thanks Gretchen I am booked in to have one in a weeks time and they said I have to lay flat for 2 days after it, that will be interesting . and Yes I'm a Bit Scared

Hi I had to put the lumbar puncture off as we moved house (unexpectedly - landlord wanted to sell) So just settled in here and now booked for Tuesday , it gets done in hospital and I stay for 4 hrs. after then home I've got a 50 minute drive to come home from the hospital so not looking forward to that considering they said I have to lay flat for 2 days after it, ?

I had a lumbar puncture while in hospital for a 3 day steroid I.v. I didn't think it was bad at all....had to lay on my side and curl in ball (like going to do a cannonball into the water)...my neurologist pushed around the vertebrae to find the right spot...gave me a pain shot in that spot...so I didn't feel it when he actually drew out the spinal fluid. I had to lay flag..nurse told me to raise the hospital bed 1 inch every 10 min to prevent the headache. I had no problems. They said if i get the headache they would have me drink a mt. Dew, and if that doesn't work they said they draw out some of my blood and inject it in the spinal cord & that's supposed to fix the problem. Mine went well....my spinal fluid came back fine showing no antibodies or whatever they were looking for but I still have multiple sclerosis. Good luck to you!

Didn't have any problem when I had my tap - not even minute headache. Just laid down the day of tap. Next day was up on feet having a normal day. The test was extremely useful because it kind of sealed the diagnosis for me.

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MS keeps me company for over 8 years now; body rejected every single med we tried from injections to infusion to oral. So we now only treat relapses when possible. :D

I had one done back in December. Just like any medical procedure it comes with with it's associated risks, that is something you should speak with your doctor about. As for me I was perfectly fine. It wasn't pleasant but in hindsight my anxiety from the thought of it was worse than the actual procedure. I mean who enjoys needles period? After the lumbar puncture i went out for brunch and then took it easy for the rest of the day. I took two days off of work as a precaution and skipped the gym for 7 days. Over all i had no complications and would not hesitate to do another one if i had to based on the good experience I had. I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck!

Post Edited (Chris_1234) : 3/3/2015 11:39:11 AM (GMT-7)