Hi everyone, im new here and anxious for a definitive diagnosis after so many years, my consultant has booked me in for a lumber puncture to try to confirm diagnosis, the thing is I’m about an hour’s journey away from the hospital and will have to take a taxi home as my carers wont be able to collect me at that time. The appointment cannot be changed or moved to accommodate me so I’m a little stuck. I’m worried whether I shall be too ill afterwards for a taxi ride? For instance, does a headache start immediately or will I be ok travelling home? Ive seen some really awful experiences and am worried how I’ll cope. Any input would be appreciated… Thanks Abs
Hi Whammel, thanks for the info. I’ve read all the blurb they sent to me but am terrified by some of the actual experiences written of it, more over worried if I can journey home for an hour after it. I’m not sure about having it done tbh. Cheers Abs
I don’t know how they do things there, but when I had mine, they kept me in a recovery room for about 90 minutes just to make sure that I didn’t get the headache. You also want to lay down, as still as possible, for the next 24 or so hours. Easier said than done when you have to travel! I was fine after mine, but I couldn’t have driven a car, and I was foggy enough that I wouldn’t have wanted to be alone on the trip back home. Is there any way you can find a friend, neighbor, church member, to go with you for the day?
As far as the puncture itself, the reality for me was nothing like what I’d seen described. There were a few sharp pinches but not the level of pain I was expecting, and it didn’t last as long as I’d thought it would. I don’t know if it’s standard procedure or not, but a nurse sat directly in front of me the whole time and kept me talking.
As you know everyone’s experience is different.
For me the Dr was about 1 hour late arriving but once the procedure was completed within a probably 15 minutes I went out of the room and sat in the reception area for about 15-20 mins. I was then given the OK to leave and went and grabbed a taxi to the railway station (about 10 minute journey) and got a train back home (about 55 minutes). The following day had a bit of a headache so stayed home from work.
I was lucky that I had someone with me incase there were any problems but everything went well apart from the wait for the Dr to arrive.
Hopefully your experience will be a good one.
MS2017
Thanks for your reply, glad to see yours was a positive experience. Given your experience, I now feel more confident about the travelling and have managed to find someone to attend with me. Let’s hope it’s all worth it and I get a proper diagnosis. Thanks again, Abs
Thanks for your feedback, I’ve managed to find someone to attend with me and feel a bit more confident about the journey home. Heres hoping it finally gives me a proper diagnosis Cheers, Abs
I don’t want to give a glib answer, everyone’s experience is different. I have had several LP’s over the years.
Ahead of the LP, drink as much as you can, lots of clear fluid or weak squash. This makes the process easier and also helps to minimise dehydration headaches. You will lie flat afterwards for about an hour, then it’s a good idea to eat and take in some caffeine (it helps).
The process itself isn’t necessarily painful, just not pleasant. Afterwards I was fine to move about, just a slight bit tender.
If you are nervous, it could be good to get someone to go with you.
Thanks for your advice, that’s great, I feel better now I’ve had a few replies saying it’s not so bad, as mostly I’d read some awful experiences on the ‘net’ in general. I do have someone to come with me now for support and although I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to it, I do feel easier about it in my mind, especially if I get a diagnosis after so many years. Thanks for your kindness in replying to me…Abs x
Hiya! I`ve had 3 LPs. The first two about 15 years ago, were horrible…painful…but I stayed flat for the required 4 hours back then. I had no after effects. Last 1 was in December. The doc tried at my bedside…couldn’t get the needle in and said I had a twisted spine…which I didn’t know till then. So he did it under x ray…took an xray first, then got the job done…painless. I only had to lie down for an hour after. I later travelled home, 70 miles on some very bumpy roads. Back was sore, but stayed in bed the next day and was fine. LP showed evidence for diagnosis of MS…so it was worth it. Good luck. Bouds x
Hi, I know you have received lots of replies but also wanted to reassure you. I had a Lumbar Puncture last year, I was dreading it but it was all fine. I had no headache or issues afterwards. It helped me move on from limbo land, which helped me. Glad you have support and wishing you luck. X
Hello Bouds, thanks for the reply, how are you today? according to the blurb they sent with the appt, I lie down for an hour before they let me go. Was really worried about having a bad headache straight away as I have to sit in the car to travel home for about an hours journey but feeling better about everything now people have been kind enough to post and reassure me. I’m so glad I joined the MS society forum, you guys have been lovely and very supportive. Cheers Abs x
Thank you Dizzee, I’ve been very grateful for any advice and support offered. I feel more confident about the whole thing now and as you say, if it gives me the diagnosis I need then all the better. Thanks again, have a nice evening Cheers Abs x
Me again…doc said to up my caffiene levels to help suppress after effects…have extra coffees.
Bouds x.
Hi Bouds, thanks for the tip, full fat coca cola seems to be the order on the day then! I’ll let you know how I get on Abs x
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