Sept 16th, I'm going to have two MRIs, one of my neck and the other of my top spine I think they said.

I am also having a spinal tap done. I talked to my new neurologist the other day on the phone and asked her if I should prepare for it. She said no. I said ok, and remembered what I've read here on the forums. I mean she is a really great doctor, way better than my last one. I spent two hours discussing the last 7 months with her, and she told me before they diagnosed me with MS officially, they wanted to do the MRIs and Spinal tap first. I had my first one done back in May, and it showed a white lesion on the right back part of my brain. I have to get those cds from my previous neuro and bring them when I go Sept 16th.

So my questions are:

1 - Has anyone ever had a spinal tap done before, and if so what was your experience? My new neuro said I would have to lay on my side, etc...

2 - Even though she said I didn't have to prepare, from your experiences is there something I need to do to prepare for it to reduce any pain i might have afterwards?

3 - Whenever I tell someone that I'm having a spinal tap, they sort of cringe at those words - so in all honesty, does it hurt really bad? Do they give you a lot of numbing medicine so you won't feel it? I'm really nervous about it. I've taken a lot of shots in my lifetime, and never been afraid of needles but this time I'm really nervous about since its concerning my spine.

Any more tips is much appreciated!!!!