I had my 2nd neuro appointment today - he thinks he’ll stick with a diagnosis of M.E and Fibro - but says many people have unexplained progressing neuro symptoms and if tests can’t show the answers then he can’t do anymore with what he’s got.
I was shocked to see how far I’ve lost pinprick sensation - it’s now only sharp from my chest up- so has really spread.
He has however ordered another brain / neck MRI and also a lumbar puncture. He says that will be explained to me nearer the time- but I wondered if those of you who have experienced that (LP) have any advice? I was reassured when the neuro said “I do my own - and I’m very good at it!” I had to smile at that!
And drink plenyt of fluids afterwards (but be aware that you maybe like me and have trouble standing up quickly straight afterwards, so make appropriate toilet arrangements!!).
I was so worried about getting a headache afterwards, but actually I felt better for the couple of days afterwards than for ages before. The whole thing turned out to be a breeze It didn’t hurt at all and I had no headache whatsoever.
What I didn’t expect was to be there so long before the actual procedure, so take something to eat just in case, and yes, fluids, fluids, fluids… as I’ve been so unwell anyway I didn’t have any plans to cancel and so just lounged around at home pretty much as usual for a couple of days afterwards.
The other thing that really worried me was that if the doctor hit the leg nerve, I would jump and the needle would do some damage, she did hit the nerve, I did jump, but it didn’t matter, oh and it isn’t a pain if they hit a nerve, just a sensation iykwim.
The SHO used the smallest needle, so it took ages but she said that doing it that way reduces headache.
In summary: I would rather have an LP than a routine hygiene appt at the dentist.
I didn’t feel a thing during the procedure and was happy it was so easy until I got home and the headaches started and laid me low for a week. I had to stay in bed as the only way to stop the pain was lying down. I think my reaction was in part due to the extra jar of fluid the guy decided to take. I think because I was not feeling any discomfort he decided for just one more extraction. I think it was this that gave me the bad headaches. I am sure you will be fine and do look at the link someone gave you.
That is the best possible news on the matter - I was in the same fortunate boat when I had an LP a thousand years ago. I was a bit anxious, but there was no need: it didn’t hurt and there was no headache afterwards. I hope that you find the same.
It didn’t hurt at all and I had no headache whatsoever.