Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

I had a lumbar puncture when I had meningitis. I am not gonna joke, it is not pleasant, but obviously your doctors feel it is necessary. Nothing special to prepare, just have to lay still for 1 hour after the procedure. Mine had to be done twice because of my scoliosis. Couldn't get in the first time, had it done in x-ray or something. I was so sick, I don't really remember, just that it is not pleasant. Let me know how you make out okay?

Erin, so nice to have a name now...
Angio gram and Vienogram are x-rays with dye in your viens. those should be easy. The lumbar puncture will be last i expect, and that one is quick. Not comfortable, but they numb the area, and usually it is just 2 to 3 minutes to get the fluid. then time to lie still so the area heals a bit and hopefully no leakage, the side effect can be a headache but by the next morning they will be able to manage that too. They need to be sure there is no infection in the spinal fluid that bathes the brain so they take some from the spine. The grams are to see if there is any area they need to be particularly attentive to during surgery. If they see anything they think needs attention, the will do that when they are working on the other stuff.

Mostly you want to be prepared to try to relax totally the night before. Have your favorite foods, and plenty of fluids before the Nothing by mouth NPO status that night, and maybe soothing video, music, whatever... No fighting with the In-Laws... If it were my inlaws, we would send them away for the night, even if just to our house!!!

I am so glad it is all coming along and working out. Sending you patience as the days pass up to the surgery.

Can't wait to hear you are doing GREAT post OP!!!
Sending you strength and prayers, Shawna

I had a lumbar puncture as part of my diagnostic tests. It was a radiology kind so I laid on my stomach and it took less than 5 minutes. It didn't hurt me at all. They numbed it for me and it was a piece of cake. But I did have to lay down for an hour before they let me leave the hospital. They advised I stayed laying down flat the remainder of the day. I did that but still got a mild headache. I was left alone and did fine. I made myself some peanut butter sandwiches and put them by the bed. I also had a bunch of water there too. Not a winning moment but it worked.

I haven't had the other tests so I can't help you on those.

Ive had a lumbar puncture too, I was in the intensive care unit at the time. I dont remember too much, they had given me plenty of pain relief. I hope all goes well for you. Kind Regards Sarah

Ive had a lumbar puncture too, I was in the intensive care unit at the time. I dont remember too much, they had given me plenty of pain relief. I hope all goes well for you. Kind Regards Sarah

Ive had a lumbar puncture too, I was in the intensive care unit at the time. I dont remember too much, they had given me plenty of pain relief. I hope all goes well for you. Kind Regards Sarah

Ive had a lumbar puncture too, I was in the intensive care unit at the time. I dont remember too much, they had given me plenty of pain relief. I hope all goes well for you. Kind Regards Sarah

Ive had a lumbar puncture too, I was in the intensive care unit at the time. I dont remember too much, they had given me plenty of pain relief. I hope all goes well for you. Kind Regards Sarah