[Goofy_Coyote]

Had one of these a few weeks ago.

Just putting it here in case anyone has to do it (I hope no one ever needs it): it is NOT painful at all.

I was told “it’s like a grenade explodes in your spine” by a (stupid) friend, it caused me to refuse to do it for the first time, which if I went through with it, things would’ve been very different for me, I would’ve been diagnosed days faster.

Again, it’s NOT painful at all, they use Lidocaine, you’ll feel way less than when they draw blood from your arm.

If it’s needed, don’t hesitate.

[black_lemonade]

I had one of these few weeks ago, and it was the most traumatic experience in my life. They tried 3 times, and it hurt beyond measure. The lidocaine was supposed to be the painful one, but it was like a tickle compared to the punctures.

Then I had a horrible positional headache that lasted a full week. For the whole week I could barely tolerate going to the restroom. And when laying down (only the first 2 days) it ached between my shoulder blades so bad it was painful to breathe. Then for another 3 weeks I started to feel dizzy and weak if I spent over an hour upright.

It was a completely horrid happening

[Goofy_Coyote]

Sorry this happened to you.

This is definitely a horrible experience to have.

You said “between shoulder blades”, was that where they inserted the needle? Mine was way down the spine (near the end)

[n8henrie]

Love that you had a good experience. I perform these procedures semi-regularly, and in some cases they can be painful (even with lidocaine). Most people tolerate them very well though, I usually compare it to the pain of an IV stick, which most people have already tolerated, but which can also cause some people a surprising amount of distress.

[mitjam]

I had one and they Let me walk the next day to other diagnostics, had about 6 months severe headaches afterwards which only were bearable when lying down flat. Glad it went away, finally. If I remember correcly you should stay in bed for 48h after the procedure.

[n8henrie]

Yes, the possibility of severe and prolonged headaches are part of my consent for this procedure. That said, I'm usually only performing the procedure to help exclude (or confirm) a medical condition with risk of permanent disability or death, so it can be a tough decision at times.

[Goofy_Coyote]

Thank you.

As Seneca said, I suffered more in imagination than reality in this case.

[evilsetg]

I am glad you had a good experience. For me it was the most scary medical experience I've ever had. I think they hit a nerve because i felt my foot involuntarly cramping. The feeling is hard to describe. Also I lost vision completely for a minute. I was fine after though, just a little weak.

[Goofy_Coyote]

That must’ve been a terrifying minute.

Glad you’re feeling better and got your vision back.

[onewheeltom]

Agreed, not painful