Re: spinal tap

[Guest guest]

I have had a spinal tap also with the result not showing " clear " also. The

procedure itself was not bad, but the after affects were bad. I ended up with a

very bad migraine headache that last about 1 week; similar to one if you have

ever had a milogram.

After the procedure, be sure to lay down flat for at least 24 hours. I did not

and paid for it!

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi Gretchen. I had a spinal tap about 4 years ago. My fluid was clear but

whatever protein they were looking for was elevated. That can be a symptom of

CDPN which I do not have, so go figure. I don't have very fond memories of the

spinal tap, the headache afterward wasn't much fun.

Wade

[Guest guest]

I had a spinal tap three weeks ago to determine if mine was CMT 1 or CMT 2. The

first time he went it with the needle he got between two vertabra that were

sensitive and it hurt like the dickens. So he decided to go between two other

vertabra and I never felt a bit of pain. They determined that it was CMT 2

(axonal). He said there was not much else to do for it except manage it and to

come back in six months. He also said he would let me know if he heard of

anything new for it. This doctor had a lot of self confidence and bragged that

he was very good. He was compulsive to a felt in checking and re-checking and

making sure that everything was sterilized to prevent infection. I had no

headache or other side effects excepts soreness for a few days. He deadened the

area with an anesthetic so that there would be less pain. I would go back to

him if I needed another one. Except for the bit of pain on the first try it was

tolerable.

Carl

[Guest guest]

yes I have one every six months. they keep ck for dicp if i got it right.

another neur problem because I can not walk in the dark. Its been pretty easy

for me. The tech is great and uses the tinest thinest needle and then off to

lay down for 6 hours before i leave and lay in the back seat all the way home

and on the couch till morning. never a problem. key to it is is to remain

flat as possible.

Elaine

[Guest guest]

I had my spinal tap at Mayo Clinic and had a bad experience. Not the

procedure itself - I didn't feel a thing, but I got one of those darn

spinal headaches afterwards from leaking fluid. It lasted for nearly 3

days. They offered to do what they called a " blood patch " in the original

needle hole to prevent the leaking.. They told me it would most likely cure

the headache almost immediately, but there was a slight chance it could make

it even worse. I couldn't stand the thought of that, so I decided to tough

it out and it eventually went away. They also told me to drink as much

caffeine as I could tolerate until it went away. From what they told me,

most people do not get the headaches. Lucky me! K.

[Guest guest]

I'm curious why, when CMT can be diagnosed by a blood test, people are having

spinal

taps done. A spinal tap sounds barbarically hideous to me, but I hate needles

with a

passion.

~

[Guest guest]

I had my spinal tap when they were still trying to determine what type of

neuromuscular disorder I had. This was done 16 years ago.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

I have had that experience. It is very painful procedure even with a generalized

local it still feels like they are driving a 2x4 stake in the

lower part of your back.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Gretchen, Carl and everyone for the information regarding spinal tap.

My son 14 years old will have foot surgery this summer. Doctor suggested to

operate both feet at same time instead of one at a time. His reason is my son

may not want to come back after the first surgery because of the pain and it's

easier for parent to take care of him as well. Any advice???

Betty in Canada