A lumbar puncture is one of the tests used to diagnose MS as well as many other conditions. It was one of the first tests we had, and although it was rather quick (about 15minutes altogether), it can also be one of the most scary! Dizzy and I were very worried before we had it. :/ We have also realised that there are not many tips online for how to make the whole experience a little easier and a little less stressful, which is why Dizzy has put together this list, which does just that. 🙂
The donkeys looked everywhere for tips!
- Know what to expect. The unknown can make things seem even scarier! I found it helpful to know what the test would involve. A lumbar puncture is actually very quick. It involves a small injection to numb the area ( which did sting a little), but does mean that the actual lumbar puncture shouldn’t really hurt at all. This is when a small needle is inserted between the two bones towards the bottom of your spine, and a small amount of spinal fluid is removed. Mine didn’t hurt at all, it just felt rather strange.
Although it can be helpful to understand the procedure, try to resist googling to much! There are always scary stories online about everything, so stick to medical and trusted websites, such as the NHS. 🙂
2. Practice relaxing activities beforehand. This can really help to settle your mind before. I got really nervous before I’d even got to the hospital, and felt as though I was going to be sick by the time I got into the room. Simple things, such as breathing exercises and stretching, can help with these feelings. 🙂
3. Drink plenty of water. Stay well hydrated beforehand as this can help the fluid that is removed to flow easier and quicker. It is also important to keep hydrated afterwards to help prevent or relieve any headaches that lumbar punctures can sometimes cause.
4. Take calming remedies. Please check with your health care professional before taking anything before, but Dizzy and I found rescue remedy really helpful. You can also pop to the doctors who can prescribe something a bit stronger to help.
Dizzy swears by ginger nut biscuits for this one… 🙂
5. Take someone with you. This isn’t always possible, but if you are able too, take someone with you to stay with your during the procedure. I took my partner, Sid, whose hand I held throughout. Having someone with me also stopped me from running away (which, embarrassingly, I did do the first time…).
6. Take some music! Or a book! If you can’t take someone with you, take something which can help to take your mind off what’s happening. The procedure involves your back, which means that you can’t see what’s happening and you’re free to focus on something else. 🙂 Listening to some music, or taking a book can really help – as long as you can stay still whilst doing it. Staying still is very important. 🙂
7. Lie flat immediately afterwards and keep things light for a day or two afterwards. Doing these things can help with any discomfort afterwards. It can be common for people to get a headache or experience backache, but keeping things easy can help to lessen these.
8. Take a Dizzy! This one is fool proof. A Dizzy helps in all situations, including this one. 🙂 And if you are Dizzyless, another little friend will do – although, Dizzy does warn that they might not be quiet as good as a Dizzy… 🙂
My eldest son had a emergency lumbar puncture when he was three, and that was the first time I had an internal meltdown because I had to keep a brave face for him. I accompanied my mom when she had a spinal tap, and she was such a calm, easy-going person, she sailed through the procedure. Her attitude definitely helped me several years later when I had one.
It is a really scary sounding procedure. I was terrified! Did your one go ok? Mine was fine. The worst part was the anesthetic, which did sting. The doctor was lovely though, and I was able to hold Sid’s hand the whole time. 🙂 xxx
Everyone raise your hand who has done “Dr. Google” – Heather, you are wise to say to only go to official medical websites to get the most-accurate information. I had to giggle at Dizzy using ginger nut biscuits instead of sniffing some lavender from the field as a calming remedy. That would be my mindset too Dizzy – cookies rule!
Hehe, Dizzy says that ginger nut biscuits help with everything! 🙂 xxx
Well tell Dizzy that I feel that way about Pepperidge Farm Goldfish … I am addicted to them. The fact that I eat the whole grain Goldfish tells me it is smart – the amount I eat tells me I am not smart. 🙂
What are Pepperidge Farm Goldfish? Dizzy’s asking if they come in ginger flavour. 🙂 xxx
They are wonderful Heather, just these tiny crackers that are shaped like Goldfish and at one time they only came in plain cheese, but now they have become spicy, or parmesan cheese coated, or graham crackers or pretzels, all shaped like tiny goldfish. I just checked as I only buy the wholegrain cheese variety – sorry Dizzy, no ginger flavored Goldfish. Maybe we should suggest it to them?!
Good post. Lying down flat for as long as possible afterwards is really important. I survived the actual puncture but because I didn’t lie down enough, I was in great pain for three days if I stood up. It suddenly stopped but until it did , I was in shocking pain that I was not prepared for.
I have heard other people having a similar experience. 🙁 Hopefully, it will be one of those things that we never need to have again. xxx
Absolutely! Once in a life time definitely!