Hello Everyone!!
Spinal Tap was interesting. Did not go nearly as smooth as I had hoped--but it wasn't the worst one I've been through either. A radiologist did this one, with a little xray machine---it was kind of weird. Anyone who has ever had a spinal tap I would love a message---as this one was different then the others. I don't want to share all the lovely details with everyone, but I would like to have another's input.........
So, bottom line---my pressure was high but not dangerously elevated. My doctor also told me that the pressure could be different in 4 days---so just because it wasn't above the safe line, that I didn't have increased pressure, which I don't understand. Why the heck did I do this then??? if the pressure can read different day to day?
diagnosis:::: Intractable migraines. basically I have a migraine that just does not go away. They don't always respond to my meds, and usually its a matter of damage control. anyone have any info on this type of migraine?? any input??
My doctor and I agreed anxiety is a HUGE trigger for my migraines---so instead of trying topamax for the 3rd time, were trying effexor (anti-anxiety med). My Dr was very upfront with me--stating that our goal right now is to aim for reducing the frequency and intensity of my headaches by 50%--meaning my daily pain of a 7-8 should go down to a 3-4. Its kind of depressing when you state it like that, but I know its a give-it-time matter. I am also taking a yoga class with my mother, doing meditation, deep breathing excerises, along with my medicine regime determined by my dr.
Maxalt as abortive, bacolfen as step b (muscle relaxer), and thorazine for step c (anyone have any info on thorazine?? I've only used it once, 25mgs---and it made me nervous feeling, like I had tremors/twitches??)
Anyone have any info on getting additional financial help??? I am having a hard time here, because I have missed so much work (I usually average 2-4 days missing a month). I am afraid I'm going to lose my job---and then I won't even have health insurance...........any help on pointing me in the direction of some resources I could look into would be greatly appreciated.
anyway. one day at a time. I am so lucky in other aspects of my life......
hope all is well
chels
Sorry to hear your lumbar puncture didn't go as smoothly as you would have liked.
I'm not sure what your doctor means by your pressure not being "dangerously high". Your intracranial pressure is either high, or it is not. Having chronic, intractable head pain is dangerous in itself. Just because CSF may not have shot out of your back
doesn't mean your body doesn't have an issue.
Migraine cannot be diagnosed with a lumbar puncture. There currently are no diagnositc tools to diagnose Migraine disease. But IIH - Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, (formerly called Pseudotumor Cerberi) can and is diagnosed with one.
Your results are important to know, the exact number of the lumbar puncture. The results of an LP I had my pressure was 285 mm. That was high enough for my preventive, abortives and rescue medications to stop working and be in daily chronic pain. Some people, thin or fat, have pressures of 500mm or more.
Have you seen the information on IIH? Pseudotumor Cerebri (IIH) - The Basics. After you read it let me know what you think, ok?
Nancy,
IIH is not a factor for me this time. My pressure was 190 (when 200 was as high as my pressure should get). I thought I stated that in my sharepost--oops!......My doctor diagnosed me with intractable migraines, which I know a lumbar puncture will not diagnose---only IIH. I have a history of IIH, so the lumbar was to verify whether or not it was a factor this time around. Yes I have read your information on IIH. Is there anymore info about intractable migraines?
I know that intractable head pain in dangerous. What else should I do, I am working with a migraine specialist who put me on a preventative less then a week ago---which will take at least 6 weeks to tell if it is working properly or what not. As I said in my sharepost, its a matter of damage control with my pain now. I need to be able to function at work-----and in my life overall.
chels