Spinal MRI and lumbar puncture

[GerriG]

9 a.m. appointment. Kind of nervous as I've never had a L.P. Fingers crossed.

[melack01]

I was apprehensive and though I don't want another one, it wasn't so bad. A burning sensation when they did the anesthetic. The actual puncture just felt strange but didn't hurt. The 3 hours I ad to lay flat in my back before they would let me go home were the worst part.

[GerriG in reply to melack01]

Okay, headphones, check! Maybe an audio book even.

[Morllyn in reply to melack01]

The first lumbar puncture that I had I had to lay flat on my back for 8 hours, no pillow even. The second one, I told the doctor that I was going to hate having it and he said that it wasn't going to hurt much at all. I told him that it wasn't the puncture it was the laying on my back for 8 hours. He laughed and said, "Why would you do that?". I told him that is what I had to do the first time and he said that was in the dark ages, that I could get up within a few minutes but that I shouldn't jump around or be to active or I could get a really bad headache. He said to go home and take it easy. Now you say you had to lay for 3 hours! I wish the doctors would get their stories straight. Ha ha!😄😂

[Raingrrl]

I had an L.P. done by a radiologist as part of the diagnosis process years ago. It was a lot easier than I expected. I'm very squeamish and was completely freaked out about it but it went smoothly.

One thing I can suggest is to make sure that you are well hydrated before you have the test. This helps prevent a really bad headache that can happen as the result of the test. Good luck GerriG !

[GerriG in reply to Raingrrl]

Thanks so much for the tips, I've always prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. Not sure it's always a good thing!

[dianekjs]

GerriG , mine wasn't bad at all during the actual procedure, more of an unsettling or slightly creepy sensation for me than any real discomfort. I had a little trouble over the next 48 hours at home with a bad headache, but got through it fine. Just make sure you follow the instructions religiously, with plenty of fluids and take it very easy. I had to lay flat for an extra day at home due to some concerns, but I'm always the exception. You'll do great. Good luck!

[jimeka]

Hope it went well GerriG. How is the swelling in your legs doing? Blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[Purple_Lady77]

The LP wasn't too painful itself just the worst was a severe lost of abdominal and back muscle for a couple of days. I really hope the procedure goes well for you without any sides effect. I keep you in my prayer GerriG. God Bless you and Mary keep you.

[erash]

GerriG wishing all goes well for you!

[mrsmike]

Good luck. The LP itself isn't too bad, it's the laying flat on your back is the hard part.

[greaterexp]

GerriG , prayers on your behalf. I hope you tell us how it went. I was glad to have them behind me, but if you have skilled people doing them, especially the LP, they aren't too bad for most folks.