It took several goes for the doctor to get the needle in and the nurse gave him advice as it hurt. My back still hurts, I feel a bit sick and a headache has started. I’ve taken the day off work, which I hate to have to do. Any advice and how long til it gets better. Thanks.
Hi Dextersmum
Sorry you had a bit of a rough time with the LP going in. My back hurt for a few days, but not badly, but watch out for the headache/sickness thing. Give it a day or so, try and drink plenty, avoid caffiene if you get migraine, but it is supposed to help with ‘regular’ headaches, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you can tolerate it. If the headache gets worse, or doesn’t ease off, ring your GP or the ward you had the procedure done, as you may need a blood patch, to seal up any leaks! I hope you feel better soon x
Great advice already so I’ll just add another “Feel better soon!”
Karen x
Thanks. I was expecting to get a headache not for my back to hurt so much!
My back did ache for a few days. I took strong painkillers and lots of coke to avoid the headache. I did have a bit of a headache that lasted 2weeks but nothing too bad. Hope you feel better soon x
Hi,
Your asking after the bolted has horse.
The actual procedure is not painful; in fact the only thing you feel is a scratch when the anaesthetic goes in. The actual removal of fluid is just a feeling of pressure if done properly. I must stress if done properly; do not let anyone practice on you insist on someone who is experienced.
It’s after you MAY get something called ‘the headache from hell.’ To cut down the chances of getting this you should lay flat for at least 3 hours do not even get up to go to the loo; use a pan. Drink at least 2 litres of classic Coke, not diet; it’s the caffeine that aids replenishment of your CNS fluid. Being your drinking a lot take one of those bendy straws otherwise the bed will get more Coke than you. If you want a change of drink very strong coffee.
These things will drastically reduce your chances of getting a headache that could last about 8 days. If you have a couple of days off work and rest if you do not get the headache, if you do 10 days off work.
Good luck.
George
Thanks. I did consider asking the nurse to do it as although the SHO said he’d done them before he was updating his skills. However as a teacher I thought it would be a bit bad to say no as he has to do it on someone or he’d never get the experience! I’m going back to work tomorrow as Im used to having headaches and it is manageable now.