by Author Name Withheld 61

Created on: June 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 03, 2009

Having a spinal tap doesn't have to be one of the scariest tests ever. People need to educate themselves first. I did! I started off seeing a respected neurologist that comes regularly to my home town and sees patients.

I started off telling my recommended neurologist my systems. They were:

* Tripping and falling

* Dizziness

* Sleeplessness

These were just a few of the systems I told him. My neurologist told me he was getting to the bottom of this once and for all. He started out doing a nerve conduction test to rule out certain illnesses. A good doctor can help any test seem less painful. He did!

Now! My neurologist knew what he must do. He started telling me about scheduling me for a spinal tap. I was a little apprehensive; however I trusted this man's intelligence. He told me that the nerve study test showed what I didn't have. Now he told me he wanted to do a spinal tap to help determine the reason for my ill health.

He explained how a spinal tap is a procedure preformed to examine a person's cerebrospinal fluid, also know as a lumbar puncture. I ask him if it would it hurt and he reassured me that it wasn't that bad. I needed reassurance and he gave it to me. I was a little apprehensive, however I trusted this doctor very much.

I was told that spinal taps are done for various reasons. A few of them are:

* To test for multiple Sclerosis

* Meningitis

* Seizures

* Headaches

I heard all about the possible reasons why I needed to give approval for this test. All these reason gave me a reason to find out what my problems were really all about. Was it M.S, or was it just all about why I had a tendency toward having headaches.

I gave consent for him to schedule this spinal tap. I wanted it to be over with, however I knew my doctor was not going to stop until he had an answer. That alone made me feel comforted and trusting.

I wasn't as scared as I thought I would be. I'm sure it was because of the compassionate anesthesiologist and nursing staff that was there to give me reassurance.

I do remember telling them I was a little scared. The anesthesiologist reassured me what he would be doing and it wouldn't last long. I just wanted it to be over, so I decided just to trust this man's hands and say a prayer. I did this and it helped.

Now I was told I would feel a little stick and to just relax. I tried and it did help. Yes, it did hurt, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would.. A few minutes after he started drawing the fluid from my spine I

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