Posted by JenStar on September 26, 2005, at 21:33:23
In reply to anyone? I'm scared about the spinal tap.., posted by spriggy on September 20, 2005, at 17:35:14
Spriggy, I'm sorry I just saw this. Did you have it already? I've had one before and it went just fine. It didn't hurt at all, and it was over quickly. :)
I had to have mine done in the hospital so they could use an Xray machine to see where to go in between my vertebrae. My doctor had tried in his office, but couldn't get the right spot, so he sent me in to get it done by the experts.
I was scared but it was OK to take Xanax before it, they said! Yah! I did that and it hreally helped me relax. The anxiety over the procedure was WAY worse than the thing itself.
After it was over, they tell you to lie flat on your back for a day to ensure that the spot heals up OK and also to prevent a spinal headache. I lay on the couch and watched movies all day. I lay in bed the next day too, just in case! (A friend of mine said that SHE got the awful spinal headache, but confided to me that she went out on 100 degree heat and did gardening directly after her LP...so I'm not surprised she got that reaction!)
I have a feeling it's probably easier than an epidural. I've not had one, but from what my friends tell me, the LP sounds pretty similar but epi's are worse b/c you're already in pain from labor!
If you have to get one done, bring a Xanax if you have them and think you'd need one. Or ask in advance. But it's not that bad and it's quick. Just make sure to stock up on movies or DVD's or books on tape...and get ready to baby yourself for a day or two. :)
I hope you're feeling better!
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:556510
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20050411/msgs/560017.html