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!!!!

That's over 2 weeks away. Please don't spend that time in worry .

I'm glad that you have found a neuro that is good and one that you like. Seems to be very thorough .

For the spinal, you lay on your side with your knees curled up in the fetal position or in some cases you sit on the edge of the bed while leaning forward.
They paint a bunch of anti-septic wash onto the area and put in a local; but you'll barely even feel that. From there on out it is pretty much just remaining still for 10 minutes or so while the spinal fluid is collected.

Afterwards, they'll have you lay on your back and observe you for around a half an hour before they let you get up.
As soon as you can, lay down on your back again and stay laying down for at least a few hours. It is good to remain laying down for the rest of the day or 12+ hours so that the spinal canal has a chance to heal.

Drink a couple of quarts of water in the few hours before the proceedure, because being well hydrated prevents getting a headache. Also drink plenty of fluid afterwards.
Getting some caffeine in the couple of hours before the proceedure also helps to ward off the headache (I take 2 or 3 caffeine tablets called 'Wake ups'.)

If you get a really bad headache, and I mean a headache like you've never had before, go back in for a blood patch. That nasty headache is the result of continued spinal fluid leakage and the blood patch plugs the hole.
It gets rid of the headache straight away.
For the blood patch, they take some blood from your arm and inject it into the spinal tap site. It too is fairly painless...just a little poke.

If you are really nervous about having the spinal, you can ask to see if they will do it under fluoroscopy by a radiologist which pretty much ensures that the needle will be placed with precision.

With love, Erika

I never had a spinal tap...but I want you to know that I will be thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way I'm also really happy that you found a Neuro you like.

Hi skywalker,

I had a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) many years ago, I refer to it being done in the 'dark ages'

My experience will be different than what yours will be. The Lumbar Puncture is done under fluoroscopy which makes it simpler and easier for the patient. Mine was not done this way plus I had a Myelogram directly after the Lumbar Puncture.

As Erika mentioned, it's too soon to spend time worrying about this procedure.

Information about a Lumbar Puncture (LP):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003428.htm

Like Karilann, I've never had a spinal tap so I can't give you any advice. I do agree with Erika and Snoopy that it's too soon to worry about. You'll only work yourself up and create stress and anxiety. Also, if you are really nervous and anxious about the spinal tap, tell your neuro and ask if you can take something like a Xanax before they do the tap. It might help you stay calm during the procedure.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Ive had 2 LPs in my MS journey. One was in the beginning 21yrs ago and I curled up in the fetal position and it hurt like nothing I ever felt before, no headache tho. I had to lay flat for 24hrs. It was done in inpatient hospital stay. My 2nd was done 2 yrs ago under that fluoroscopy thing, I layed on my stomache on a tilting table and it was quite painful. I also had to go back for the blood patch as I had the spinal fluid leak. A lot of folks have no problem with the LPs, I was not so lucky. I am in no way trying to scare you, but everyone told me "oh it doesn't hurt" and it was quite painful FOR ME. FOR YOU, it may not, it may very well be quite painless. I hope it is. But I do believe in getting experiences from many, and not just some. I do pray its painless for you and you don't get the headache.

i had 1 done and it went very well. it was done outpt in the hosp by a radiologist under fluroscopy. i laid on my stomach but different drs do things differently.

they will give you some numbing medicine into the skin. you may feel a little pain but like i said it went well. it's still a good idea to drink at least water to stay hydrated. that makes it easier for the dr to get enuf spinal fluid and will keep the headache at bay. i didn't get a headache.

laying flat afterwards is also important.

skywalker I think if you had 200 replies here you would get 200 different answers. For me, I have had 3 of them and if I needed 10 more I would not hesitate at all in having one done. Erika did an excellent description of how the procedure is done and also gave you excellent advice not to worry about it this early. But we are all human and worry anyway. Good luck and keep us posted.

1. I just had a spinal tap in June. It wasn't too painful and it was fairly quick. You will have to lay on your side. I was told to drink LOTS of water as it will help replace the spinal fluid they will be taking. And prepare to be laying down for at least 2 days afterwards.

2. There's not much pain afterwards. It's kind of like someone hit you in the back. Unless you get a spinal headache (like I did - but it's rare), it's relatively painless.

3. You're psyching yourself out. It's not that bad. In and out. I spent more time doing paperwork and waiting to be released than i did getting the tap done. Plan on chilling out there for an hour afterwards so they can get some extra fluids in you.

Best of luck!!!

Hope you get whatever answers you're looking for, skywalker! And I hope it goes smoothly for you.

Many thank to Erika for explaining the reason for laying down after the procedure. So many people say to do it but no one ever says why. I would like to know something else, please. Why the caffeine?