Spinal fluid?

[Floosie5uk]

Hi everyone! Martin is still in hospital having tests - day 11. Yesterday they gave him an epidural and took samples of spinal fluid which they had trouble finding so Martin feels sore like a pin cushion now. They haven’t let him get out of bed since. Does anyone have any idea what they might be looking for, or indeed trying to rule out? MS sprang to mind but I haven’t got a clue!

He’s missed his COVID vaccination but it’s rebooked for next Friday - hope he’s out of hospital by then!

Thank you, Sue.

[Derkie54]

Hello Sue,

It must be a worry for you and I hope you are reunited soon.

An MSA diagnosis is not that easy, it can take a while.

Sorry I can't shed any light on the spinal fluid test but one test L had was a table tilt test which monitors blood pressure in various positions as the table is tilted. L used to get dizzy and had balance problems, the consultant had already diagnosed MSA and this test seemed to backup his diagnosis.

We were in your position for a while, we wanted a label, a diagnosis and one consultant said

" What cannot be cured must be endured, you must be patient. "

Not a lot of help for you I'm afraid but look after each other, enjoy every day as much as you can and hopefully in time you'll get some answers.

Derek

[Floosie5uk in reply to Derkie54]

Thank you Derek. Yes true words from the consultant there! You’ve just reminded me of the table tilt, Martin had one of these from the audiologist about two years ago as his balance was starting to be a problem at the same time his hearing was rapidly deteriorating. I’ll remind Martin of this in case that historical test might help them now. I remember my Nan saying “ patience is a virtue and a little wouldn’t hurt you” how right she was too! I’m just glad they’re taking it seriously. Best wishes Sue

[Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

HiI seem to recall my Sue had that test some time ago. I think it was to see the levels of proteins as.

An abnormal protein level in the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid )suggests a problem in the central nervous system. Increased protein level may be a sign of a tumor, bleeding, nerve inflammation, or injury. A blockage in the flow of spinal fluid can cause the rapid buildup of protein in the lower spinal area.

it is another test to rule in or out a condition.

hope this helps.

Paul

[Floosie5uk in reply to Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

Thank you Paul, that’s really helpful to understand what’s occurring! We will await the results. Best wishes Sue

[brianski]

Hi sueYes I reckon they just want to rule out MS

I'm due to have a spinal tap next week and I was told it's for that very reason. Because the msa I was diagnosed with is thankfully progressing very slowly they went to rule out other possibilities

Wouldn't it be great if they diagnosed something other than msa, something that can be cured?

Wishing you both the very best

Brian

[Floosie5uk in reply to brianski]

Wouldn’t it just! Wishing you the best for your check next week. Sue