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Original poster

Lumbar puncture

17 replies

nickyschof · 06/03/2024 09:39

Has anyone driven themselves from a lumbar puncture procedure? I've got one on Friday, and there's no one able to go with me. The hospital is about 20 miles away so a taxi is stupid expensive.

OP posts:
NefertitiV · 06/03/2024 10:05

You need to stay lying down, completely flat, for at least 2 hours afterwards. You must rest for 24 hours - really. Otherwise you can end up with an awful headache. Try and have someone drive you.

Original poster
nickyschof · 06/03/2024 10:38

I'll be able to lie down in the hospital afterwards, I think, for up to 4 hours. There's really no one who can take me. DH can't as he can't take time off work.

OP posts:
mondaytosunday · 06/03/2024 10:38

My DD has one last year. She did lie still and still had a headache. I don't think she could have driven as she felt a bit whoozy.

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Original poster
nickyschof · 06/03/2024 10:42

Oh god, I may have to take the taxi cost hit. I didn't think of dizziness. Thanks everyone anywayFootball.

OP posts:
MalewhoisLaffinalltheway · 06/03/2024 10:44

Don't think you'd be covered insurance wise either.

SpringSprungALeak · 06/03/2024 10:45

nickyschof · 06/03/2024 10:38

I'll be able to lie down in the hospital afterwards, I think, for up to 4 hours. There's really no one who can take me. DH can't as he can't take time off work.

Can you not stay at the hospital until he's finished work?

people can be surprisingly helpful & willing if actually asked. I'd do it for any of my friends or neighbours. Happily, but wouldn't know to offer.

also ask the hospital if they have any transport or know of any.

you could also ask for any suggestions on Facebook.

salvation army/Red Cross have services in many areas.

i had one many years ago. My partner at the time took me & brought me at the time. I don't remember having to lie down for 4 hours, but I was so ill at the time. Lying down wouldn't have been a hardship.

DSD9472 · 06/03/2024 10:49

Have you asked on nextdoor.com in your area? I often see requests for such help. A neighbour? Could you get public transport there and a taxi home or wait till DH finished work and collect you?

Original poster
nickyschof · 06/03/2024 11:15

He finishes at 8pm and the daycare closes before then. Because of the distance from my town to the hospital, I really don't want to put anyone out.

OP posts:
Original poster
nickyschof · 06/03/2024 11:15

Sorry, daycare ward

OP posts:
Original poster
nickyschof · 06/03/2024 11:16

Public transport there and a taxi back is a possibility

OP posts:
rwalker · 06/03/2024 11:19

ive one but couldn’t of driven not going to lie it wasn’t pleasant but wasn’t that bad
just felt a bit off

Original poster
nickyschof · 06/03/2024 11:31

Thanks everyone. You've made my mind up, that it's not going to be sensible to drive. 🙂

OP posts:
DSD9472 · 06/03/2024 11:33

If the day surgery unit closes earlier than DH finishing work, you could ask if you could wait in the discharge lounge. Generally its a room/area with seating where people are waiting for collection or transport home. They have staff on hand, often provide tea/coffee and sometimes a snack whilst you wait. They can also assist if you got a worsening headache etc.

IBegYourBiggestPardon · 06/03/2024 11:38

Get the taxi. You may be absolutely fine after laying flat for a couple of hours. Or you could end up like me. I thought I was fine. Laid completely flat for a couple of hours but as soon as the head part of the bed was raised I was hit by the most horrendous headache, neck and chest pain. For the first 7 days I was kept in hospital because I couldn't even move my head without throwing up every where. I ended up dehydrated because I couldn't keep anything down. On the upside I did lose over a stone in a week because I either couldn't eat or the small amounts I could just came straight back up. It took around 6 weeks before I could even walk around the block without needing to stop and rest after every 10 or so yards.

ZsaZsaTheCat · 06/03/2024 11:45

nickyschof · 06/03/2024 10:38

I'll be able to lie down in the hospital afterwards, I think, for up to 4 hours. There's really no one who can take me. DH can't as he can't take time off work.

Can’t take time off work for you to have a medical procedure-what is he the Prime Minister?

MissSookieStackhouse · 06/03/2024 11:54

Please get a taxi or get someone to run you there. I had one about 20 years ago. The lumber puncture itself was fine, no issues. I went home feeling fine (drove myself) then later on I had the most horrendous headache I’ve ever experienced. Throwing up, the works. My friend popped in to see me and was so shocked she called an ambulance and I was blue lighted to hospital as it turns out I had a spinal tap. (Leaking spinal fluid from the tiny hole in my back causing a massive pressure imbalance.) It’s a fairly rare complication so don’t panic, but do take precautions! The fix was actually taking a little of my blood and injecting it into the hole to create a blood patch when it clotted. Amazingly quick fix and I was right as rain after that!

TheLambtonWorm · 06/03/2024 11:56

I agree with getting a taxi. I could barely sit up without feeling sick and dizzy and the pain in my head afterwards never mind drive.

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