Getting the local pre-lumbar puncture needle for the tap is very normal. In fact, I don't know if they do the tap without doing the local first. I was so thankful, discomfort or not, to have the local first. That spinal tap needle would have hurt like a beast I'm quite certain!

I'm glad to hear you've avoided the spinal headache thus far. You don't want this. Worst headache ever (that I've experienced at least). Had to get an IV and blacked out from the pain. Stupid me didn't listen to the good advice on THIS board, I listened to the nurses at the hospital who said "Oh you can go after 4 hours and go about your day, no problem! Don't need to rest!". Wrong!

At least 8 hours horizontal and lots of fluid/caffeine. Now I know. Lesson learned.