Tomorrow is my LP and I'm honestly a little frightened.

How badly does it hurt?

Is it worse than an EMG? Cause I cried during my first EMG.

At least the day has finally arrived.
But I wish it came with better pain management.

I kinda hoped someone would give me some idea.

My doctor said it was like an epidural.. but I don't have children. (so it was a very unhelpful analogy)

I'm trying to not get too worked up about it, because I know it needs to be done.. and lots of people do have it, and if they can then so can I.

I should get to bed sometime soon..


Not looking forward to this or the EMG next week.

I had a lumbar puncture a couple of years ago and had no problem with it, pain wise at all. After the procedure you should lay down in the office for a while, dont let them rush you, and then lay down as much as possible the next few days to avoid a headache. Also make sure you remain hydrated. My neck was only a little sore, i never got the headache. It wasnt bad all in all and i wouldnt hesitate to have another one if i needed it.

My procedure was painless - but the doc didnt have me lay down flat for very long afterwards and got severe neck/headache that laid me up for days.... make sure they are careful about having you lie flat and still for several hours just in case...!!!!

An EMG, done correctly, should be no more than a bit uncomfortable.
Yes, the shocks they do for EMG/NCV are a bit like putting a finger into a light socket , but they aren't too many and can be tolerated. (I jokingly call my doc, who does it - Dr Frankenstein )
The only discomfort with the needles is when they ask you to flex and the muscles contract around the needle, but this should not be a major discomfort either. A good technician or doc, who knows what they are doing should not cause you to cry or be in pain, only some tolerable discomfort.
Given the ability to see what is hapening with your nerves and track any differences from test to test (time interval) I gladly have it done every 2-3 yrs and track the results. (www.lizajane.org has test tracking, downloadable frorms)

I am sorry I am late to this but wanted to send thoughts. I know how hard tests can be when touching a sensitive area. Try to stay in the moment and focus on getting more answers. That is what I have tried to do. Also sometimes and I am not sure with this but the doc can give you some meds for after or even during to help you feel more comfortable. I know with my emg/nc/ssep not during but after I had to take as needed though during I could of used it. Anyhow please take care and hopefully the worry before will be worse then the actual

I've never had an LP, but I have had two epidurals with my two cesareans. They were somewhat uncomfortable, but were quickly over with. Nothing horrific thats for sure. You will be ok.

My word.. that was the most painful thing I have gone though in my 23 years of living.

They hit a nerve root no less than 4 times!!

Each time they hit it I jumped up off the table and screamed out in pain.

The doctor was impatient.
The fluid was draining, but was coming out too slow for him, so he would shove it around and then he'd hit something, sending the horrible pain into my bum.

The last painful episode was so bad I was off the table (my front end).. and would have tore the thing out myself.

Soooo glad this is a 1 time event.

If you do in fact have CMT, you could have greatly enlarged nerves called onion bulbs. I would never have an epideral for that reason. The anesthesiologist has to be very aware of this.

However, if you do not have CMT, things still can go wrong and it sounds like the one who did the procedure wasn't all that careful. Of course, many people have the procedure with no problems. Hope you are better soon.