Spinal tap
 

So I have to get a diagnostic lumbar puncture on Tuesday. And I am terrified. I made the mistake of reading about it online just to see what the procedure entails, and now I really wish I hadn't. So many horror stories. I do not want to get a spinal headache. But apparently the incidence is anywhere from 30-40%, and there's nothing the patient can do to prevent it. I don't like the idea that the difference between this procedure going smoothly and an excruciatingly painful headache lies in the hands of another person, who may or may not take the appropriate measures to prevent it. But is it really all that bad? Are severe complications and horrible headaches as common as they seem to be, or does it just seem that way because more people come online to vent about bad experiences than discuss ones that went okay? Anyone have any advice for dealing with the anxiety?

Two spinal taps
 

I also heard nightmares about this and wondered why people would say such things after having my first one.....I don't want to make matters worse but the second one I begged them to stop and it ended up in a spinal headache, after three days had to go to same day surgery for a blood patch and got immediate relief. It's a shame their is not more local support groups that can tell you which places to stay away from and also assure you when you choose the right one. I am sure yours will be fine and it seems like your doctors have it under control...... Silver