Welcome to NeuroTalk, J7. I hope you will be able to find some answers here. Sounds like you have plenty of questions...
Sorry for all your troubles and struggles. Don't worry about the lumbar puncture -- it'll be a piece of cake after all you've had to endure.
I'm serious! I've had one and there was nothing to it. The worst part was having to lie down for 24 hours afterward.
Best wishes to you.