I am unsure about my neruo...and today made me even more unsure.

I was scheduled for a Lumbar Puncture in the neuro's office, she wasn't able to get a sample. She tried for over an hour. She poked me at least 7 times with the numbing medication that burns, but she went in with the lumbar needle almost 30 times. I felt like a voodoo doll...jolts of pain down my legs, across my butt, in my groin, my spine, my tail bone...it went on for an hour. She never did get any fluid. I have to reschedule with radiology.

Is this common?

A Neuro who cannot do a lumbar puncture, ought to go back to school. That is awful to put you thru that...sheesh!.

There's no way I'd let her touch me again. Talk about "practicing" medicine! How many of these has she done?

Just be glad she ordered it to be done with the radiologist. That's the only way I will have it done because he/she is guided with xray going in! Good luck and I hope the doctor didn't charge you anything

The word that comes to mind from your story is the same word I used to describe my own LP. Barbaric!

((Shudder))

Thanks for responding...

This is all so new to me. It's been one crazy thing after another with this neuro...and I really think I need to switch. I just didn't know if this is something that happens frequently or not. I kept asking her to stop, but she kept saying "I am going to try one more time".

My back is really sore this morning...and as you all know, when something gets inflamed it means trouble in my whole body. It isn't horrid pain, but it will result in a flare up. And since I am just coming off of 5 day iv solu medro and 7 day oral taper I don't need anything messing with my mojo.

Ick.

Thanks.

Anyone sticking needles into your spinal column shouldn't be "trying"!

Definitely, definitely get another Neuro. Please don't let that first one ever touch you again.

I've never heard of an LP being done in the doctor's office.

There's other ways to diagnose MS that don't involve sticking needles in your spine. Talk to another Neuro about your options. Your original Neuro need to take a "refresher" course.

The rule is "3 tries and you're done" and you have someone else do it. Thirty is very desperate. It's not like your life depended on the results- not an episode of House!

I am sorry for your frustration and pain.
ANN

Exactly! I was going to post the same thing. Three trys and you're out. Get someone else to do it. This holds true for many things, including drawing blood.

NoWakes - Gosh! I am so sorry you had to go through that. I would not go back to that neuro. Find a new neuro if at all possible. Of note, I was diagnosed without an LP. I don't know your history or anything like that but is it possible that you could be diagnosed without the LP as well? Good luck and try to rest and relax today as much as possible. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day today. (By fluids, I don't mean just water.) Let us know how you are doing.