Well I saw my neuro today to get MRI results and he told me that there are about 12 lesions on my brain and has now referred me to have a lumber puncture 
scary ! Do you think this is pointing towards ms ?? As confused the neuro said it could be one of 2 things old age which obviously isn’t me as just turned 35 or inflammation which when I questioned what he meant by inflammation he said ms Does anyone have any advise on the lp process as heard a few horror stories Also how long does it take for lp results normally ? Thanks
The lp took a few weeks for me. Tip take cola with u, supposedly caffeine helps the side effect. It’s not sore and wasn’t scary just do as they say. Hope you get on ok x
Thanks for that 
My top tip is don’t let them use you for a student to practice on. You don’t feel anything as you have a local anaesthetic, lie down flat for as long as possible afterwards (drink through a straw), drink plenty and stay calm. It doesn’t take long and is a way to a means ie helps the diagnosis.
Tracey x
My LP was fine! It was a few years ago now but all i felt was a slight scratch when the needle was inserted.
It was a lot easier than i expected it to be so try not to worry about it.
In some cases people get bad headaches afterwards but i did not even get a mild one. I drank loads and loads of water and lay flat for hours which i think helped.
Plenty of rest and loads of fluids afterwards is key!
best wishes
Teresa.x
thanks again … Any advise on my MRI results as really curious to see if it is common to have an MRI like mine and not be dx xx
Mine was completely fine. The worrying about it was far worse than the LP itself, which was painless and left no after-effects. I agree with others who have said (1) just do what they tell you and (2) don’t let a trainee have a go - there’s a time and a place for trainees, and the lumbar puncture clinic isn’t it.
Alison
I had lesions show up on a mri scan, then evoked potential tests then a lumber puncture.
I then had an ms diagnosis.
Try not to get ahead of yourself though. The neuro is the expert and he will be putting all the pieces together before he gives you a diagnosis. (whatever that diagnosis turns out to be)
I know its hard waiting but try to be patient as the diagnostic process can sometimes take a while.
Teresa.x
I had lesions showing up on a scan but they still wanted to do a LP as it helps to put the pieces together. As Teresa says, neurology is a complicated area of medicine. It’s more a case of eliminating other things as there isn’t a test that can categorically tell them it is MS so the neuro will not be rushed into making a firm diagnosis.
Tracey x
Thanks again I no I’m probably thinking to much into the future it’s just a scary business all this I need to be more patient and try not to look to much into everything … Just easier said than done sometimes isn’t it Thanks again for all your replies
Hi Cody01,
If you’re a woman and have had an epidural then it is exactly the same (except no pain from contractions).
As others said - lie flat for as long as you can- get someone to drive you home. Drink plenty of water/coke and take it easy.
Hopefully it will be on a nice sunny day and you can sit on a sunlounger outside!!
The results will be another piece of the huge jigsaw that is MS.
Good luck, Jen x
Bless you as others have said do as they say I have had 2 lp s both done by trainee doctors and both were fine had to lay down flat for 4 hours after. my neuro wants to send me for another as the lab didn’t complete ob band test properly on both times I was diagnosed on MRIs alone