@srh90 

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srh90

Lumbar puncture anxiety!

I have my lumbar puncture tomorrow, and I’m not going to lie, I am somewhat freaking out. The most I’ve ever had medically is blood tests/injections and dental injections, which used to send me into a blind panic as a child/teen, but over the years, I’ve become a little more relaxed about them. Having read about the lumbar puncture procedure and some quite unhelpful posts online, I can feel my heart rate and anxiety soaring! Family telling me not to worry and that it’s just like an epidural is really not helping and is only making me feel worse! Has anyone asked for a sedative/anti-anxiety medication prior to the procedure? And does the hospital provide this, or do you need to see a GP before the appointment? What I don’t want is to get there and have a panic attack on my way into the procedure, which I feel might happen!
@Stumbler

@srh90 , the thought of what's going to happen is a lot worse than what will actually happen! With most injections, it is your choice whether to watch or to look away. I tend to look away. With the Lumber Puncture, it is all happening behind you. In addition, the needles used are now engineered finer than ever before. Let the medical staff know that you're very nervous and then trust them to look after you. You won't be the first nervous patient they've had. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending positive vibes.

@merfield

@srh90, I was dreading it like you but as stumbler says, the reality is not as bad as you imagine: in my case I had a local anaesthetic and didn't feel any 'pain' - they're doing it all the time. It's more weird than anything. Tell the medical staff how you feel, and before you know it, it's done. It's definitely the thought that's the worst bit. Some people get a headache - I didn't. By this time tomorrow it'll be done.....hold on to that thought. Good Luck.... I'll think of you too and add my positive vibes to stumbler's. Xx