Can you tell me what a lumbar puncture is like?

[ivykaty44]

What it is like to have, is it very painful - on a scale of 1-10 please

How long does it take to get over?

ta - its not for me by the way

Anyone know?

my nephew had it, as a small toddler. Really don't want to upset you but it seemed like a fairly unpleasant procedure - not least because of the size of the needle They did it the best way possible and put the anaesthetic cream on him and gave him sedation so he wouldn't wriggle. this isn't that recent tho - a few years ago so hopefully things have moved on?
Is it for a child or adult?
hope someone can say something more positive or useful soon

I had one earlier this year as ? meningitus. They put local aneasthetic in first which was a bit uncomfortable but then I felt nothing a tall during the lumber puncture despite the needle being about 8 cm long.

An adult and please don't worry it will not upset me, I would like though to know how long for converlesing in an adult aswell if possible?

Thank you giggle

I had one a few years ago.
Like tulip, I had local anaesthetic first which hurt a bit but after that I didn't feel anything. It was a trainee doctor and he did touch something that made my left leg jump about a bit but it only lasted a second or so.
I never saw the needle.
The worst thing was that you are supposed to lie completely flat afterwards otherwise you get a seriously bad headache. Unfortunately I had a d+v and had to keep getting up. Never had a headache like it!

My one piece of advice is dont sit up for about 12 hours afterwards if poss as you get a really dreadful headache if you do.

Ds1 had one of these when he was two weeks old, but we didnt see the procedure. He still has a small scar and he's now nearly 3.

So if it is done on Friday moning - will they be ok by say Sunday? or would they be resting for a few more days than that?

Sunday should be fine.Good luck.