Dec 14 2008
This is Spinal Tap
As I sit on the table of my neurologist’s office with the standard paper gown on - opening in the back of course, I await my spinal tap. Doc comes in and tells me what to expect during and after this lovely test. A large needle will be inserted (no, I never looked, too chicken) and fluid will be withdrawn. The needle goes in. My face is contorted. My husband squeezes my hand. After what seems like and eternity the needle is removed. The doctor tells me my fluid is clear - he says this is a good sign. I am told I have to lie down for a minimum of 60 minutes. No problem. Then I am told if I get serious headaches in the next few days, I am to sit or lie down immediately until the headache goes away, and take aspirin of my choice. If the headaches do not go away after a few days, I will have to go to the hospital and get a blood patch. I didn’t even bother asking at this point what a blood patch was - all I wanted to do was get out of there and go home and pray that I would not need the dreaded blood patch.
