Lumbar puncture - WWYD?

[needasilverlining]

DH in hospital, in agony (headache so severe can barely speak, stomach pain, aches).

Appendicitis ruled out, viral meningitis seems to be the top suspect.

Doctor last night explained all this, but said they would suggest a lumbar puncture to rule out bacterial meningitis. Said it was vanishingly rare to pick it up this way, and personally he's never seen it, but just in case it MIGHT be an idea.

We have two small sons and DH thinks he maybe should do it for their sakes.

I see the point, and would feel same in his place, but given he's been ill for a week and is already in such pain, I'm sickened at the thought of making him suffer so much for what sounds like a boxticking exercise.

Any thoughts from anyone who knows more about it than me (that would be nearly everyone)?

My Dh was in hospital with similar symptoms + rash, they suspected viral meningitis and did the LP as a matter of course, we didnt have a choice. DH has a huge needle phobia so it was awful but the docs said it had to be done.

That's interesting - this has been presented very much as a 'could do' and the doc was clear that it was almost certainly going to show nothing.

DH has no rash, though, and I can't believe he would have had bacterial meningitis for a whole week without becoming very ill indeed.

OTOH, the kids...

They gave the lumbar puncture to my friends 5 month old baby to rule out bacterial. It turned out he had viral meningitis and got well again fast. I thought they did the lumbar puncture as a matter of course.
I've had a lumbar puncture for different reasons and although it's uncomfortable it wasn't painful and only took 10 or 15 minutes.

Thants, really? I've only heard horror stories about them. Is a relief to hear that, thank you.

Just to second Thants, despite DHs needle phobia and him being terrified the LP itself wasn't that bad, it was the anticipation that was worse.

Doctor sounds muddled. If they are considering bacterial meningitis he should definitely have lumbar puncture. Presumably he's already had a brain scan?

No brain scan, but blood tests showing no signs of infection (which I wd have thought would suggest strongly no bacterial cause?).

Dr did seem bit muddled. And DH could barely talk so couldn't discuss at all. He's hoping to speak to the doctor doing the rounds this morning and find out exactly what their thinking is.

I would have the lp like a shot. It is a mildly uncomfortable test which sometimes gives a day or two of side effects. I authorised this test on my 5 week old son even though he was actually pretty much recovered by then. The dangers of untreated bacterial meningitis ( of which there are several kinds) far far outweigh the discomfort and slight risks of the test.

Thank you all. I can't speak for DH (he's at hosp and I'm at home with DC) but I know if doc thinks it at all advisable he will have the test.

It would be really unusual for an adult with bad headache to have a lumbar puncture before a brain scan, I would check that's the plan.

Just another one weighing it to say that lumbar punctures can be uncomfortable but are absolutely not as bad as people say in most cases. Obviously, as with anything, a small number of people may have a bad experience which is awful for them, and that is what then gets passed around. I'm not belittling those who have a bad experience with them AT ALL, just saying that they're usually not horrendous. I'm sure they'll tell him in hospital, but if you speak to him and he decides to go for it, make sure he keeps himself as hydrated as possible, and particularly with caffeinated drinks, as they are reported to help with any after effects. Hope all is well and gets sorted, OP.

I've had two lumbar punctures and am due to have another. They are uncomfortable rather than painful. Hope your dh is on the mend soon.

See, this is why I love MN. Sensible advice and reassurance from all sorts of people who've been there, within minutes.

Now I just need DH to turn his sodding phone on so I can share the wisdom...

I've had 3 honestly they are fine, there are so many worse procedures,
Once the local injection is done all you feel is pushing its over in about 20 mins and i've never had any after effects i'd take a LP over a smear test anu day of the week.
Hope hes better soon

Like others have said, I've had one & honestly it's not that bad. A local anaesthetic & a bit of fiddling around til they hit the spot (you don't feel much) & then you just have to lie still for a good while after. Honestly not as odd feeling as spinal /epidural. Your DH has my sympathy, viral meningitis is not fun! Hope he's on the mend soon, must be stressful for all of you.

I've assisted with loads of lumbar punctures, there are fairly routine TBH.

I would definitely expect scan of head before LP though.

If you feel the doctor sounded muddled and has left you and your dh unsure of what you should be doing and as there has been no diagnosis for a week I would be putting my foot down and asking to see the consultant neurologist and refusing further intervention until you have done so. I would also be making it crystal clear that if further delay caused any deterioration to my husband's condition or put him at any unnecessary risk then I would hold the hospital entirely responsible.

Agree with others saying lumbar punctures are uncomfy but doable,I didn't think it was any worse than my epidurals as far as needles in backs go and no one bats an eyelid at those.

The lying flat after was the worst for me as I was so bored!

He's home now, and unpunctured.

Second doctor said he'd be in a much worse state if he'd had bacterial meningitis for a week so no point testing.

Still feels lousy, but just painkillers and rest now.

Thanks everyone for the advice and support.