Migraine

I had a lumbar puncture last spring, and it was a cakewalk. My neuro did the numbing injection, but I agreed to let the med student who was with him do the actual tap, and it was his first one ever. I was up and dressed and out the door within about ten minutes or so, with no problems, other than I got bored staying put on the sofa for the rest of the night. If I ever had to have another one, I'd have no qualms.

quote:

Originally posted by BonLou:

I too have pressure in my head a lot. It is not everyday, but I think I get it at least some every week. I wonder if the pressure can flucuate from time to time. I hate to have a spinal tap, YIKES, but if I have too.....maybe....I'd probably chicken out.
I'm wondering how bad are they?

Love and hugs,
Bonnie

Hi Nutcracker,

Thanks for sharing this with me. It helps knowing what someone else has experienced.

BonLou

quote:

Originally posted by nutcrackerHOST:
OK, I'll share my experience with lumbar puncture, AKA spinal tap. I'm told that "how bad it is" is greatly affected by how skilled the person is who does it, so don't hesitate to ask the doctor how experienced he/she is with the procedure.

For me, there was almost nothing to it. They numb the site, and that is almost the worst part of it. Apart from that, the prick felt more or less like having blood drawn. Afterwards, I lay down and they brought me breakfast. After awhile, when I was ready, I got up and went home. And that's all there was to it.

A small percentage of people get a severe headache following the procedure--I didn't. Ask the doctor how long you should let that continue, in the event you get one. At the end of that time, if it's still going on, call the doctor back. There is a "blood patch" procedure which can stop the headache.

Thanks dragondrool,

You make it sound so it is not scary at all. I might go along with it after all.

BonLou

quote:

Originally posted by dragondroolHOST:
I had a lumbar puncture last spring, and it was a cakewalk. My neuro did the numbing injection, but I agreed to let the med student who was with him do the actual tap, and it was his first one ever. I was up and dressed and out the door within about ten minutes or so, with no problems, other than I got bored staying put on the sofa for the rest of the night. If I ever had to have another one, I'd have no qualms.

quote:

Originally posted by BonLou:

I too have pressure in my head a lot. It is not everyday, but I think I get it at least some every week. I wonder if the pressure can flucuate from time to time. I hate to have a spinal tap, YIKES, but if I have too.....maybe....I'd probably chicken out.
I'm wondering how bad are they?

Love and hugs,
Bonnie

You're welcome, Bonnie. It really was a breeze. I was a little miffed, though, that I couldn't watch. The picture on the wall I was facing was kind of ugly and boring.

Okay you guys, you got me going!

Monday I called the dr. office and asked if I could see the dr. about headaches. They had me come in Tue. a.m. She listened to my concerns and said I should try to get to the bottom of it. First off she wanted blood, for Magnesium, SED rate, and B-12. The nurse took care of that. My dr. called today to say they were normal. That was good!

Also, she wanted me to have an MRI of my head. And low and behold they got me in today. Can you believe how this is moving along?
I know the Lord's hand is in this. So, today I go for the MRI.

She said the MRI's can tell them a lot of things. Then, possibly she said she might send me to a headache specialist next.

So...you can see I'm at least doing something and not just putting up with my head problems.

I want to thank everyone here who encouraged me to look into this, and for all the helpful articles and links I've found here.

I will let you know how my MRI turns out.

Blessings to all,
Bonnie

I'm so happy to hear you took this step!

Don't be surprised if the MRI doesn't show anything, that is also very possible.

A lot of migraineurs have clean MRI's - which of course is great!

Keep us posted! and good luck!

Bonnie, I'm so proud of you that you're looking into treatment for your headaches! Do keep us updated, ok?

Eileen and MaxJerz,
Thank you for your concern and encouragement.

I just got word from my dr. that the MRI turned out good too! PTL
I'm so grateful that there is nothing in my head. Well, you know what I mean.

She wants me to take a half of Lorazapan .5mg every 8 hrs. as needed for headaches. This is a trial thing to see if it helps. If not, I'm to call her and she will set me up with a headache specialist.

Well, I hope and pray I will get to the bottom of this. So, must be migraines do not show up in an MRI? Right? But, having an MRI must rule out a bunch of other things it might be?

Blessings,
Bonnie

quote:

Originally posted by MaxJerz:
Bonnie, I'm so proud of you that you're looking into treatment for your headaches! Do keep us updated, ok?

Right, migraine disease rarely produces anything that can be seen in an MRI. The MRI is run to be sure the head pain isn't caused by something else, which would require a completely different treatment plan.

It's me again with another update. I have been trying the Lorazapam a half of 5mg dose when I am going to do things that I think gives me headaches.

Last week one day I went to lunch and shopping with friends and I normally come home with a bad headache, not so this time. That was encourging. I even enjoyed the shopping which I seldom do. I can say I "had fun."

Then, on Sat. my husband and I went to visit my sister who is in rehab after hip surgery. It was an hour's drive there and another back and we stayed for about an hour. We also drove around and saw some places where I used to live. I did not cover up my eyes at all this time and I didn't get a headache! That was a big test! And, I got to see and enjoy all the beautiful spring flowers and trees that are in bud.

Yesterday, I took a half of pill before going to church. I always take a lot of notes and ususally get a headache. I did not get one yesterday either!

Today, I took my half of pill and I've been doing bookwork at home and now on the computer. I do not have a headache but I do have quite a bit of pressure in my head. ??? So, we shall see how it goes.

I think I've had some improvement in my overall conditon so far. It will take more time to find out if those headaches do come back. My dr. will send me to a specialist if this doesn't work. I was thinking it would be possible that I could be having a couple of different types of problems. Perhaps headaches (tension?) caused by my goofy eyes, and also migraines at times. Just a thought.

Well, thanks for all your help, and just listening.
Blessings,
Bonnie

quote:

Originally posted by nutcrackerHOST:
Right, migraine disease rarely produces anything that can be seen in an MRI. The MRI is run to be sure the head pain isn't caused by something else, which would require a completely different treatment plan.

Great news, Bonnie.

Hi Bonnie,

I haven't read the whole thread but I noticed that your computer bothers you - that is my main trigger; and I know that it is incredibly inconvenient. I bought a MAC laptop which can be set to greyscale which makes all the difference in the world.

Good luck,
Marylynne

Thanks Marylynn, I will keep that in mind. I know it doesn't take long using my computer and I've got a headache.

Bonnie