Good Morning Bon,

I'm not obsessed with watching videos, but for me it is research. I've read everything I could get my hands on and continue to look for more. Knowledge really is power, so I don't think there is a problem with learning as much as you possibly can.

Now... as for the LP. I'm going to be honest with you. The first one they attempted on me was done in office and the doctor (intern) really botched it up. After numerous attempts and him hitting a nerve that sent me flying I made him stop. After that I was terriefied of having it done to the point that I cried when I thought about it. They decided to do one through interventional radiology where they are guided by x-ray video. My neuro perscribed something to keep me calm and it was 1000% better.

LP's are not always necessary and not all doctors require them, but if they do order one for you request that it be done through IR and ask them to perscribe something to help you relax.

Don't stress over it. All will be ok.

((((hugs))))
Lisa

Lisa, Thank you so much for this information, I will for sure request that if I need to get one. That makes me feel a little better. (((hugs)))

Lisa, Did you get that bad headache from the LP?

No, I didn't. I fllowed their orders to a T though. After it is done through IR they sent me to a 'recovery' type room to lay flat for 2 hours before they released me. Within ten minutes of the test they had me drinking caffiene (Dr. Pepper in my case). I've read that the caffien helps prevent the headaches. I had a 2 hour ride home afterwards so I stayed as flat as my car seat would let me and then went to bed when I got home. I pretty much did nothing but go to the restroom for the next 3 days and just rested. I did try to sit up a few times but I would feel a slight headache coming on when I did but when I would lay back down it went away.

It really is ok if done through IR and you take it easy afterwards.

I had my spinal tap at the local hospital. I was not given anything prior to the test. The doctor used an x-ray machine to locate the exact spot where the needle will go in. Make sure, if you need one, to get this process. Otherwise, you may have a doctor sticking you all over the place until he finds the right spot.

I had no side affects from the process, it was a breeze for me.

Agree with Ichoppel. I had one spinal tap. A year or so later, another doc said "Maybe we need to do a spinal tap". I asked him "are you trying to verify a diagnosis or is this just a fishing expedition"? He backed off.

Spinals are very expensive, plus people make money off of any procedure. I've learned to question stuff that hurts or is expensive to make sure it is absolutely necessary. Co-pays on insurance for MS stuff can really mount up.

My neuro avoids spinal taps. She says many other ways to diagnose. If you don't want to than don't. Your doctor doesn't like that, switch doctors. Don't be a guinne pig for some resident or intern. Good luck and listen to your own intuitions.

I've had 2 spinal taps. The first was done for diagnosis and was guided by x-ray, I was completely numb and had no problems. The second was done by an emergency room doctor who my neurologist had called ahead and requested because of suspicion of PML. He did the spinal tap right there in the ER, but had done many of them and did a great job and I had zero problems after. So I guess it just depends on the experience level of the doctor. By the way the ER doctor's name was Dr. Hooker and was much loved in our area. He recently passed away and will be greatly missed. But when he did the spinal tap on me he wrote his name and phone number on a prescription pad for me in case I had any problems after hours. It simply said Hooker with his phone number scribbled below. My family got a kick out of that. I still have it :) Filed under funny memorabilia.

I had an LP in 2003 in the hospital. I was prescribed Ativan and slept through it. I did get the spinal headache (my fault...I was still high on the Ativan and didn't lay down after! lol!) The blood patch was pretty scary but it took the headache immediately. But I did not get an MS diagnosis.

This time around, I got another LP a few weeks ago and this one was done by x-ray to guide the needle. I had Ativan again. I felt the numbing injection and I remember feeling a pressure (which was probably the needle going through the dura. I go the headache again even though I followed directions this time so I had to go for the blood patch again. It was very quick and I could tell the doctors were pros...the nurse with them was awesome as well. The headache was gone.

I understand your fear, but if your Neuro wants you to get one, ask for some anti-anxiety meds and follow the directions about lying down after...and yes the caffeine helps as well.

Good luck,,,,keep us posted...oh, by the way, I still don't have an MS diagnosis..ugh

I had no problems whatsoever with my spinal tap. A friend drove me since I might have a headache after, but I could have driven myself.

Mine was done to confirm the dx of MS. I had already had the MRIs with and w/out contrast that showed lesions. My neuro did it in the exam room, and a student was observing, so I colud hear everything that was about to happen. (I was in a teaching hospital). I jumped once, don't know if he hit a nerve or it may have been an MS spasm, but it didn't really hurt.

I think he had me lie still for an hour, checking on me every 15 minutes, and then I went home.

Hi Bon,

Didn't know there were videos out there but here's my two cents. I had an LP done 17 years ago by neuro who attempted in office first and after 45 min with no success and a great deal of pain decided to do in the hospital with radiologist assisting, my blood pressure plummeted so we had to stop before obtaining full sample. Was sent home and ended up back in the hospital 2 days later for miracle blood patch. No bands in the spinal fluid found so this year when my arm and hand went numb and neuro said he thought I had MS I actually said he was wrong and just needed to address nerve damage in cervical. They did MRI of neck and brain and found the lesions but report said probable MS. My old neuro said it confirmed his findings and wanted to start me on copaxone afterI5 day course of IV solumedrol. Fortunately my family Dr. had also referred me to MS neuro. Met with MS neuro who insisted on repeat LP as well alot of other lab work to truly confirm diagnosis of MS or find what the actual problem was. I was freaked to say the least. They gave me valium before and I was shaking as I entered the room. The neuro rad who did the tap was so patient with me. No pain this time and he went right in to the correct space. I stayed down for 24 hours and had no problems at all. Completely different experience. I would not ever agree to having one done without radiology assistance and the valium helps too. My csf came back positive for MS this time and I'm now moving forward. I wish you the best and hope you have a positive experience.

Like the majority here, my 1st one was in the Dr's office & it didn't work.
Had my 2nd done under x-ray, piece of cake. I got up right after, had a headache that lasted about 2mins, then drove home.

Make sure you drink lots of water/caffeine & rest for the rest of the day. I drank so much water & caffeine before I almost had an accident:)I was so scared before the test & it was all for nothing.

My test was negative so when I switched Dr's I thought I'd have to do it again. Nope, she said unless your having a flair it won't show. She also diag me that day, by my symptoms & MRI'S.

Oh, and by the way, your not the only one who has been obsessed with everything MS before a diag. I drove my husband crazy.
Hugs,
Tammy

I had one LP and I was nervous of course, it was in the hospital but Dr. did not use X-ray he poked me once, didn't really hurt and I asked, is that it, and he said YEP we are done. Laid there for an hour or so and never had any pain or headache. But glad it was over with.

Neener, that is a great story! lol Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. (((big hugs)))