Thanks to the Both of you.
... I just called the hospital to ask them and also looked at the web site for Mayo Clinic.

The MS CSF Panel checks for the O-bands and IgG Index , Alblumin IgG ratio's....etc.
they did say they take the blood at the time of testing too.
and Yes they are gonna do it floroscopy guided.
I told them how VERY NERVOUS I am - they said they will give me IV - versed ..? ( i wanted propofol - like i had for my colonoscopy)

I hope the versed will Zone me Out enough.?

carbreezy,

Current procedure for a Lumbar Puncture(LP) is quite easy, not like it was years ago when I had it

Although I was scared to death I did not use any medication for the procedure. My LP was done the old fashion way...hunt and peck . The Radiologist hit a nerve the first time and almost got kicked...not my fault and he even said so The second try was a winner

I had the LP first directly followed by a Myelogram and I was in the hospital for 48 hours.

When the radiologist withdrew the spinal fluid he showed me what it looked like, it was cloudy. He told me that means there is something going on. At my follow-up neuro appointment my neuro said the spinal fluid had high protein and I had 5 o-bands. He gave me the diagnosis of MS.

Good luck on your LP. You will be fine

Thank You Snoopy.!!
... I see that you are not taking the DMD...? if they find me positive ... I dont know if i will take them..? also about the O-bands...you said u had 5...
any difference having more or Less... or Just having One is as bad as having say 10..!!??

any info helps me...THANK You..

PS. what does Low EDSS mean

Your welcome carbreezy.

EDSS = Expanded Disability Status Scale
http://ms.about.com/od/multiplescler.../a/ms_edss.htm

O-Bands: One or 2 can be normal depending on the lab. Usually anyhting over 2 o-bands is considered abnormal and in MS usually means demylination. Abnormal is abnormal whether 3 or 4 or 10.

No, I have never used a DMD. I was diagnosed about 8 years before there were DMDs. Find out if you are dealing with MS then worry about taking or not taking the DMDs

...Yes..LOL..One step at a Time.!!!
Thank You again.!!! you have know idea how much you have helped me.!!

one of the reasons they do a blood draw at same time as LP is to compare markers that may show up in one or the other (blood vs. spinal fluid) or both. For example mine showed certain auto-immune antibodies had crossed the BBB (blood- brain barrier). It helped them come to my diagnosis

Remener they are looking for what your issue is- not just hunting for proof you have MS

Can they test the Versed on you first, to make sure you are not allergic?

i've had versed and it works well.
i was very nervous too but the dr put me at ease. they also numb the area first and i didn't feel much pain at all.

i had 2 O-bands and my dx was confirmed. i was however, initially dx'd just by my neuro exam and mri.

remember to drink lots of fluids before and after to stay hydrated. it will help prevent any LP headache. drinking caffeine will also help. when you get home lay flat as much as possible for 24 hrs. they should give you instructions.

you'll be fine. take some deep breaths in a quiet, darkened environment. it helps you de stress.

Oooo Crap Sally....!! ... Lets Hope i am Not...!!!... should i worry that i might be,..?

Thank You Judy.!! ... I have been noticing myself Not breathing right today - ever since i made the appointment ... I am Just So Nervous...the thought of it CREEPS Me Out...and of Course the Results too. I was also pretty much diagnosed from My MRI too. I guess the highlighted Lesions are in the right spots..? Subcortical and perventricular ... says i have Deep Chronic white matter ischemia disease.... Which to me sounds good.!! But i am only 45 yrs. old and I have Low blood pressure...Never get headaches...No diabetes... But i do have some symptoms of MS