
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.

deleted_user
If I had an MRI on 9/1 that showed probable MS and then a second MRI confirmed the MS dx on 9/17 with old and new lesions on my brain, optic nerve and spine AND I started Rebif last week, WHY DO I HAVE TO HAVE THE SPINAL TAP???? What is the up side? Is there a benefit to having this incredibly frightening procedure? The neuro said something about meds changing fluid/protein, needing a baseline but I don't really get it. What does everyone else think? Have you had a spinal tap?
Thanks,
Julie
http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Julie
http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com
Posts You May Be Interested In
-
I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
-
theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
I had a spinal tap to fully diagnose my MS along with other tests 14 years ago. I did not find it so bad probably due to the fact I did exactly what the doctors ordered and did not move for 4 -5 hours after.
Peace
Fred
Like the others say just lay flat I did so for 24 hrs and drink lots of water it helps replace the fluid. If you get up too soon you will get that headache. Like Helen says ask for numbing meds and also for the machine which they use picture to pinpoint area.
You will eed someone to drive you home and maybe they can stay with you for a day.
I am newly diagnosed and a medical provider, and a couple things i want to share. My MRI's weren't conclusive and I had the spinal tap, and it was really much less anxiety ridden than i had thought. medically i knew evrything about them as i have performed LOTS of them, but it defintiely is different when its you.
Get it done. It is an important test, and everyone I have spoken to medically that with a positive MRI it is that much more important to get it done.
Request to have a radiologist guided spinal tap. they use x-ray to guide the needle. that is what i had and no kidding, it look 5 minutes to do the whole thing. also, follow the post procedure recommendations: stay flat for 24 hours and drink lots of water.
please feel free to ask me questions, etc.
lisa
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/69/1/68
AND
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20070706/multiple-sclerosis-race-a-factor
tests for MS. They would not want to miss something in the spinal fluid such as blood cells, bacteria, ect. Mine was not painful---just make sure the neuro does it.
It is scarier sounding than it actually is and I add my strong advice to go home after and lay flat for at least 6 hours.
The needle looked really scary but I was lucky to have a Neuro who had done the procedure many times.
Just as I don't think an MRI is a miracle diagnostic too, neither is an LP. I guess I am on the fence about getting the diagnosis.
Once you get it it is difficult if not imppossible to get good, or any, medical insurance, disability insurance and even though most doctors will tell you MS shouldn't affect you life span, life insurance. Thus I recommend you get those before your diagnosiis.
Larry
Larry