Unfortunately I drink a lot of caffeine anyway. But I didn't find the procedure bad at all. My radiologist did it with fluoroscope, so he knew just where to go.

He was unable to get enough fluid out of the lumbar area without grabbing a ton of nerves, so he asked if he could go ahead and move up to my cervical area (needle goes into spinal area just behind my ear!) Sounds awful, but it was not painful either.

He said docs should order cervical pokes over lumbar for these kinds of tests because it is easier to get the needed fluid. But I think it just would make too many people queasy!

I knew this radiologist, a religious acquaintance that has an outstanding reputation that I requested. I trusted him totally, and he did a super job. I didn't even stay down all day after, went to work the next day with an ibuprofen, and was super!

Not a horrible experience at all!