Does anyone have experience with lumbar punctures?

[toepick]

I had one early Thursday morning with no apparent side effects. Then they tried to do it again on Monday afternoon on but they aborted it after 4 attempts. They didn't get (any? Enough?) fluid. 

By Tuesday afternoon I started getting a headache and significant neck and shoulder pain when I stood up but it goes away when I lie down flat. From what I understand this is a fairly normal complication. But my doctor says this is not what is happening because they didn't take fluid at the second procedure. 

I have been lying flat on my back since Tuesday evening and it is no better. Getting up to use the bathroom is excruciating and I have had to have two people come by to bring me food and feed the cats. And you know how I feel about asking for help.

my doctor - despite my calls on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning - wouldn't see me until this afternoon. I honestly don't know how I am going to get there. I definitely can't drive and it will be really painful to get there even with a ride. And I don't know if my Doctor will even be able to help. 

Does anyone have any experience with post puncture pain? I am wondering if I should just keep waiting this out  

[noodleskooze]

That happened to me. I had to have a blood patch to close the "leak". I could not have driven to or from the appointment--do you have someone who can take you? I just laid the seat down as much as I could.

[toepick]

I am approaching the 72 hour cutoff for the patch, and my doctor doesn't do them. I guess they would send me back to the ER. Third time this week.

But it's complicated because she insists it can't be from the puncture because they didn't get fluid.

I'm so frustrated and uncomfortable.

[happyholiday]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Honestly, since you're so close to the cutoff, I would just go to the ER. I really hope you get so.e answers and relief.

[Deleted]

I would go to the ER.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you

[thinkofthesoldiers]

I had the spinal headache after my second. It far supassed healing frim a c/s. I had to wait it out because the doc thought it was related to my blood pressure (which was under control). I was under driving restrictions anyway, but even after they were lifted, it was incredibly difficult to drive or really just to function.

Eta: just go to the er. Your reg doc won't be able to help you.

[lovelyshoes]

You should definitely head to the ER. I would t rely on a gp to deal with this. Best of luck.

[toepick]

I know I should probably just go to the ER. Every time I have waited to see my doctor despite my reservations, she has sent me to the ER after talking to me for two minutes in her office - and after dismissing my concerns on the phone.

But if it's true that this can't be a lumbar puncture complication because they didn't get fluid, it would be a wasted trip to the ER. I don't even want to think of what this week has cost me .

[fryjack2]

Sept 3, 2015 7:43:40 GMT -5 toepick said:

I know I should probably just go to the ER. Every time I have waited to see my doctor despite my reservations, she has sent me to the ER after talking to me for two minutes in her office - and after dismissing my concerns on the phone.

But if it's true that this can't be a lumbar puncture complication because they didn't get fluid, it would be a wasted trip to the ER. I don't even want to think of what this week has cost me .

They attempted 4 times without getting fluid.  Maybe they knicked the area and CSF is leaking inside causing the headaches. 

Spinal headaches get worse with sitting and standing.

Go to the ER and have someone look into it more than your GP is willing to do.

Good luck, sorry about your HAs

[toepick]

I called my doctor again to see if there was any chance they could get me in with a neurologist today so I could avoid the ER. And said specifically that I was thinking about heading straight to the ER asinine my doctor probably wouldn't be able to help. She says that she strongly recommends that I keep my appointment. I don't know what to do.

[lovelyshoes]

Go to the ER. The gp doesn't know how to deal with this.

[lurknomore]

Sept 3, 2015 8:24:28 GMT -5 toepick said:

I called my doctor again to see if there was any chance they could get me in with a neurologist today so I could avoid the ER. And said specifically that I was thinking about heading straight to the ER asinine my doctor probably wouldn't be able to help. She says that she strongly recommends that I keep my appointment. I don't know what to do.

Your doctor has dismissed your concerns on multiple occasions and just sent you to the ER anyway.  I *think* you can get a spinal headache just from the puncture if any fluid is leaking regardless of whether they drew fluid.  The ER is the place best equipped to help you right now, as much as it sucks.  I'm so sorry you're going through all of this.  If it was me, I'd be heading to the ER and then finding a new doctor when I got out.  GL!!!

[toepick]

I'm going to the ER. And abso-fucking-lutely getting a new doctor.

[lurknomore]

Sept 3, 2015 8:54:48 GMT -5 toepick said:

I'm going to the ER. And abso-fucking-lutely getting a new doctor.

Hugs, lady.

[Eagles]

Sept 3, 2015 8:54:48 GMT -5 toepick said:

I'm going to the ER. And abso-fucking-lutely getting a new doctor.

I'm sorry that your doctor is a smacked ass and I hope the ER can help quickly. Let us know how it goes!

[Deleted]

Dude, I am not an MD, but even I know that whether or not they got fluid, they entered the spinal cavity and that can cause all manner of things to happen, including leaks. I am glad you're going to the ER, I just want answers for you. I am angry for you and worried that you're being blown off and this is something that the right MD can Dx.

[1confused1]

Good luck and keep us posted

[sparkythelawyer]

If you lived near me, I would come and nag people in the ER to actually help you. I'm so sorry this is happening to you.

[lookforstars]

I have no advice, but I've been reading your posts, and just wanted to say I hope you start feeling better so soon. That sounds so miserable and scary.