Spinal MRI and lumbar puncture - My MSAA Community

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Spinal MRI and lumbar puncture

GerriG profile image
11 Replies

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

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GerriG profile image
GerriG
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11 Replies
melack01 profile image
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 profile image
GerriG in reply to melack01

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

Morllyn profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
jimeka

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

Purple_Lady77 profile image
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 profile image
erash

GerriG wishing all goes well for you!

mrsmike profile image
mrsmike

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

greaterexp profile image
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.

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