My boyfriend is having a lumbar puncture this week.?!
Question:
My boyfriend is having a lumbar puncture this week.?
How will he feel after the procedure? Are there any after effects and if so what can he do that may help?
Answers:
hi!
in 2004 i was hospitalized for an undiagnosed illness which thank God was only due to my chronic sinus problem. but they ran so many tests on me that my family paid the doctors so much.
one procedure to test the pressure in my head (they went that far!) was the same one as your bf's- lumbar tap or puncture. it is not a big deal but due to apprehension, i had to have my cousin to keep my mind off it & another lady friend happened to drop by on the second time so she was there to keep me company.
just make sure they (the medical technician) apply a topical before they puncture. if you are squeamish, DO NOT WATCH THEM DO IT. the needle is about 3 inches long!
the puncture itself is painless (due to the topical) but when they probe around for the spinal fluid, it sort of sends some mild shock to your brain when the needle hits a nerve.
there are no after effects. you can walk home after that but the doctors won't advise. it is a day procedure- you need a day to prepare, do the procedure, 6 hour bed rest then leave. in my case, i was confined already so i did not need much preparation.
just don't let him move during the procedure! the doc will tell him this:)
MAKE SURE HE GOES TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE THEY DO IT or he will have to do it in his pants (LOL)