posted
Hi! LLMD wants me to have a lumbar puncture to see if there is nerve inflamation. I have only ever read that they are a waste of time.
Has anyone had one and if so actually found something useful out from them?
Thanks,Sue.
Posts: 801 | From Kiama,Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Lyddie
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posted
If your LLMD wants one it is probably okay, but many of us have experienced having negative results used against us. If your problem fluctuates, the spinal tap might miss something, but if your problem is constant, it might be useful. We take medical procedures lightly after all these years but the spinal tap was more of a big deal than we anticipated, and the recovery took 4-5 days. But again, it is significant that it is your LLMD who wants it!
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posted
It would seem that there would have to be a reason-- i.e., that it might indicate a certain treatment, which would itherwise have a negative effect. If the doctor doesn't come up with a satisfactory explanation of this, I'd be totally apprehensive!
And would insurance fork it?-- sounds expensive! I dtdn't need one-- sure, I probably had lots of nerve inflammation, caused by lyme and co-infections, but the most important thing is to treat the diseases first; the symptoms will resolve if you're attacking the right disease. On the other hand, if you're not really sure what's causing your diseases and the treatment's not doing anything, maybe some more tests are necessary. But even then, a lumbar puncture sounds like something that should be kind of far down on the list of things to try!
Well, good luck on whatever path you head down.
DaveS
Posts: 4567 | From ithaca, NY, usa | Registered: Nov 2000
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posted
I personally wouldn't have one unless my life was in immediate danger....but that's just me. I think it IS significant that your LLMD wants one and that he's not using it to determine if you really have Lyme.
Using it for Lyme diagnosis is a waste of time and money and pain, since you only have a 20% chance that it would show positive.
Just wondering....how is this going to show nerve inflammation????? Can't he tell that by your symptoms?
------------------ Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express! oops! Lymetutu
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