A spinal tap? Omg...

[imagirliegirl]

I've recently been "diagnosed" with MS. They're pretty sure that's what it is. One of the tests I have to undergo is a damn spinal tap. I'm upset about the whole thing, but the prospect of this spinal tap is freaking me out so much. So I'm wondering if anyone has had one? They say it's not that bad, but I don't know...I just want the truth so I know what I'm in for.

[Jamo]

I had one 8 years ago for the same reason. It wasn't horrible (and I was really nervous, too). They had me sit on the edge of the bed and then bent me over a table for the procedure. They'll numb you first. I had to stay at the hospital in bed for another hour or two and was instructed to take it easy over the weekend because of the headaches that often develop. I think I had a headache that first night but nothing unbearable.

Sorry I don't remember things more clearly -- like I said, it was 8 years ago. If you have any questions, though, I'll do my best to answer them. Good luck with everything that you're going through right now.

[Adaya]

Okay, I have had 2 in the last 5 years. The first one was like what the PP described. I was on the edge of the table and bent in half. They numbed me and it wasn't so bad. I won't lie to you.....the fear was the worst. Had I not been so fearful, I think it would not have been so bad. I could feel them moving around my back, but no pain. I then had to lay down for 2 hours to not get those "headaches" but it didn't seem to be long enough because I had a headache from hell for the rest of the day and all of the next day.

I just had another one last year and this time it was different b/c of technological advances. A machine attached to a computer screen is part of the process now. I was not pleased b/c it took longer and there was a small amount of pain involved. It was more like a couple of pinches, but nothing unbearable. Again, my fear was paralyzing. I mean I almost couldn't breathe b/c I was so afraid. I don't know why b/c the first time was not bad at all, but the procedure is very very serious.

This time I had to lay down for 3 hours and I was very sore in that lower area for 2 days afterwards. At least this time, I had DH there with me in the waiting room to talk to me and keep me company until I fell asleep.

I hope I haven't frightened you, but I wanted to give you an honest opinion. Overall, it's not bad. It's not painful, just a bit weird at best. Also, it's a pain in the butt to have to lay still on your tummy for a few hours to avoid those "headaches." BORING!

Good luck and I hope everything works out for you. :)

[Julss05]

I had one about 20 years ago around age 9. Sounds like they have made the procedure less painful over the years because I remember it hurting, it could have been the pain from the numbing shot though and not the actual procedure. For me they had me lay on my side the whole time and told me to be real still. Like the others said it wasn't the worst thing in the world, it is over before you know it (takes about 1/2 an hour more or less). The fear is the worst, I remember hearing another kid in the next room screaming at the top of their lungs which scared me. Afterwards they don't want you moving around or getting up for a while. They gave me root beer ice pops:D. My dad had to carry me to the car because my legs were numb but it might not be like that anymore. I felt great afterwards once I took a nap, before the spinal I had 104 temp. and a horrible headache. I'm sure everything will go okay.

[imagirliegirl]

Thanks for the replies!

I had it done today. I was pretty calm about it til they told me my boyfriend (aka my reason for being pretty calm) couldn't come with me. I freaked out and told them there was no way in hell I could do it without him. So they strapped an x-ray vest on him and let him in.

The procedure was painless. I had a great doctor. I didn't even feel pressure! The most painful part of my day was the IV/tube thing in my hand. That, and the pillow I had to lay on during the procedure that was jabbing me in the ribs.

I had to lay flat for about 4 hours, but I napped so it was okay. I'm home now. A little sore in the lower back but I have mandatory vacation from work for the next few days so I'll rest it off.

Anyway, that's how it went. Y'all made me feel a lot more at ease. Adaya is right, it's more the thought than the actual procedure that's scary.

[Adaya]

imagirliegirl,

Glad you are doing okay and that the procedure went well. Hopefully the soreness will wear off pretty soon.

Take care and continue to get some rest.