September 15, 2020 - Lumbar Puncture

Today was my Lumbar Puncture and I didn't sleep at all. I was too anxious and nervous. Once we got to the hospital I was shaking because I was terrified. While Kurt and I were waiting I joked about just sneaking out but I wasn't kidding. I have to admit, when they called me back for the lumbar puncture I was holding back tears. In fact, there was a moment when I was seriously ready to bolt. Thank God Kurt was with me or I am sure I would have ran.

It was difficult walking with the nurse. Call me a whimp but never in my whole life have I ever wanted my grandmother so so much.

The nurses were so nice. They told my husband he had to wait in the room next to mine while they put the needle in. It was separated by glass so he could see me. Because of the way I was lying, I couldn't see him so I just kept telling myself, reassuring myself that he was right there, I was in the hospital if anything went wrong, and that everything was going to be okay.

The nurses told me to lay on my left side and relax. They numbed the area and started to stick the needle in. At one point I felt a lot of pressure and a really sharp pain. I told them to stop and they stuck me with another needle and numbed the injection site more.

Once they got the 5-inch needle in, they let my husband come back in with me while they got my spinal fluid. Then I was done and had to lie down for a little while.

My husband and a nurse had to help me to the car because I was very dizzy and tired. My adrenaline wore off and I was crashing. On the way home we kept my seat reclined and as soon as we got home I went straight to bed. My husband was amazing and left to get my favorite soup. I had a difficult time eating it because I couldn't lift my head but I managed. Then I went to sleep, which was much needed.

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