Spinal Tap

[Melody_lane]

Anyone ever had one?

Does it hurt?

 

[R Nitelight]

Melody_lane

I'm sorry. I haven't, and I don't suppose a snide reference to Christopher Guest will help you much. Still, I didn't want you to think you were being ignored, and I hope things turn out well.

 

[teresafannin]

Hi Melody, I have never had to have one, but I would imagine it would depend on who is doing the procedure. My ex-husband is a nurse & many times, he assisted on things like this. I wish I had more information for you. Take care of yourself & I also hope things turn out well.

 

[Melody_lane]

Re: Melody_lane

Still, I didn't want you to think you were being ignored...

Me, ignored? I don't think that's likely after my J. Lopez thread.

Thanks for the well wishes, but I'm just trying to prepare myself, not looking for sympathy.

 

[Silverlily]

My youngest had to have one when she was very little. The only thing I remember about it was the possibility of severe headaches. She wasn't fussy afterward, so I believe we missed out on that. Also, they sedated her, so I'm not even sure how much pain is involved.

Good luck, we'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

 

[Merelan]

I have one every other year. No, don't hurt alot. Yes it is wierd as they numb you and you cannot move as they do it. Worst part is being mostly nude and being cold. A bit stiff the next day or two, and tender on the injection site. Never got headaches, but I don't work the day after as a precaution.
May I ask why?

 

[Melody_lane]

Merelan....

I have to have one the day after Xmas. I had a few MRIs recently, and although my asshole of a doctor told me that it was perfectly normal at first, he later conferred with other doctors and found some kind of abnormality. Don't ask me what, I didn't talk with him. All I know it that he ordered a lumbar puncture and CBC (complete blood count) and something else I can't seem to recall at the moment. I have heard that these punctures were unpleasant, and wanted to get some first hand accounts. I like being as prepared as I can get for these things.

Ho ho ho-Merry Christmas!

 

[Merelan]

Honestly, the apprehension and being cold is the worst part. Not telling you they are fun, but hey, not the worst. Take it easy for the next day or so, no lifting or heavy activity. How about writing us a story? Was that too subtle?
Good luck with all this. I am sure it is just a precaution, and be glad he checked with other doctors, many won't.

 

[Melody_lane]

Well then, what IS the worst?

 

[Merelan]

Not on a public thread... though from what I have read here someone would get all hot and bothered....
Possibly the upper GI series.... yuck...
or the lower one....
or the gammasysternagramn.(Sp?).. takes three days, you have to keep coming back in... It's a weird feeling knowing you have radioactive dye injected into you on purpose. They put in in my spinal fluid to watch the activity and see how it was flowing.
Blech...
though it didn't hurt and the lab tech was gorgeous!!!!

 

[Budman]

Melody, despite the initial discomfort, there is a possibility of severe headaches after a spinal tap. Follow the doc's orders TO THE LETTER, and they shouldn't be a problem tho.

 

[Chuckus]

Re: Merelan....

I have to have one the day after Xmas. I had a few MRIs recently, and although my asshole of a doctor told me that it was perfectly normal at first, he later conferred with other doctors and found some kind of abnormality. Don't ask me what, I didn't talk with him. All I know it that he ordered a lumbar puncture and CBC (complete blood count) and something else I can't seem to recall at the moment. I have heard that these punctures were unpleasant, and wanted to get some first hand accounts. I like being as prepared as I can get for these things.

Ho ho ho-Merry Christmas!

Melody, you will be in my thoughts. Ho Ho Ho Merry XXX Mas!!

 

[Melody_lane]

Severe headaches-anything like a migraine? I used to get those SOBs.


Chuckus, thanks sweetie.
<kiss>

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

Sweetie,

I'll be thinking of you. Much luck. And here's to good news and happy new year.

Dixon

 

[Melody_lane]

Thanks Dixon dear...


Just know that if it isn't I will be kicking myself for missed opportunities.


<wicked grin>

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

It's a couple of days after Christmas. Thinking of you.

 

[Melody_lane]

Thanks Dixon.
I survived the lumbar puncture. It actually didn't hurt at all. I do have a bit of a headache today, but that could just because everyone has been over and calling to check on me all day.
However, I was at the hospital for like 5 hours! I would LOVE to know what the hell their idea of an appointment is.

My neurologist seems to think that it is an auto-immune disorder known as Gullian Barre Syndrome. We're hoping that it is because it's completely treatable. The results should be in within the week, and if it is GBS then I will have to get a sort of blood dialysis, ridding my blood of the antibodies that are attacking my motor neurons.

It's cool to work in the medical field and known what the doctor is talking about with his medical terminology. I kick ass in that class.

Anyway, thanks for thinking of my Dixie. <MuaH>

 

[Chuckus]

Melody oh Melody........

Well I have been thinking good thoughts about you as well and am glad that it was not a horrifying experience for you. Please let us know the outcome........

 

[Wizard]

Glad to hear things went well.......as for hospitals you don't have to tell me the horro stories I remeber many.....

 

[teresafannin]

Hi melody, glad it went okay for you. Take care of yourself & let us know what the tests say.

 

[Silverlily]

Good luck

I never thought I would actually wish for an illness, but I'm crossing my fingers for GBS.

 

[Melody_lane]

Thank you.

I'll let you know what the results say...

Right now, it's just maintaining sanity with this hellish headache. OH my god, it's terrible! I thought that I had gotten lucky, because I woke up this morning with no signs of it. Got up, got dressed for work, ate breakfast-all good. Step outside into the bone-chilling cold and WHAM! A rush of a headache.
Silly little me, goes to work anyway. I make it about 3 hours, before I ask (with tears in my eyes and a paled, cringed face) to go home. Spent the rest of the day in bed, until about a half hour ago.

The real killer of it all is, whatever I have doesn't cause me any pain. But, all the tests that I have gone through, aside from the MRIs, have!

Glad I went to work though, I got to do my first EKG.
There must always be an upside.

 

[Chuckus]

Sorry Melody...........hope you feel better soon soon soon.