Hi all just wondered what experience anyone had of a lumbar puncture. Did you find it useful for diagnosis and was it worth going through it and would you do it again to find out what you know now.
UCHL have given me an appointment for one and don't know if weighing up the pros and cons if it is worth putting myself through the experience. Thank you.
They treat the area they take your CSF with anaesthetic so you won't feel any pain. You have to lie in a fetal position for a long time which can be quite uncomfortable. But it is worth it to rule out other conditions/check if ranges are normal.
Beth, my daughter who has a learning disability, got a lumbar puncture. I was dreading it, but she was unbelievable. She had everyone in the room singing George Ezra Shotgun during the procedure 🤣 and honestly barely flinched. After 23 years she got a diagnosis of SCA on the back of it, it was defo worth it!?!
Excellent diagnosis tool, have plenty of pain relief and sugary drinks after and lie down as long as possible. I’ve had 5 and all weren’t nice but very much worth the diagnosis outcome
Always worth it to rule out treatable conditions but I declined after 3 .. it's important to lie flat and sip water for 24 hours
I had a lumbar puncture which I was dreading. They give you a local anaesthetic first so you don't really feel anything. I was taken to a day ward afterwards and had to lie flat for a couple of hours before I could go home.It wasn't as bad as I imagined it to be. Sadly it didn't help with a diagnosis. I don't think I would have another one.
It sounds worse than it really is. With anasthesia you really don't feel anything . May have to be in somewhat of an awkward position I was bent over so they have access to your back. Doctor and nurse in the room , both very professional , pleasant , attentive. I wish I could have watched it happening. Really was ok. Helps with diagnosis.
I had no anasthetic and fel nothing. Afterwards they told me to drink lots of water and lie down for two hours. You need a straw to drink the water because you cannot drink lying down. I did get a headache afterwards, has I had no straw and sat up to drink the water. It did help to get a diagnose. Goodluck, I am sure it will be easy
I had a lumber puncture years ago to rule out MS. I had no local anaesthetic or anything and really it was just a bit of discomfort.
I also had a trainee trying to do it at first, but she couldn't get the needle in the right place so the Dr took over. Even with that it really was ok.
Was told to remain lying down for 24 hours afterwards and in reality I needed to rest lying down for about 48 hours, otherwise I got headaches.
I would recommend it as for some things it's the most accurate way to make a diagnosis.
Good luck and really don't worry about it
Xx
I had one when I was first diagnosed to rule out MS - not my best day out! I did yogic breathing (look on you tube) and it really helped if you decided to go ahead
Hi i had one to rule out ms . Ive had epidurals with with my kids and it felt the same. You will be fine.
Why are you having it?
Looking for CANVAS sufferers
Newly nearly diagnosed waiting for further confirmation - question re medication please.
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Oxford Ataxia Centre at John Radcliffe Hospital
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