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Excruciating back pain post spinal tap
I am in a very complicated situation. I have post Lyme syndrome and dysautonomia and recently been admitted to the hospital for a flare. During hospital stay , they performed a spinal tap that came negative.
3 days after , I developed excruciating pain in the thoracic spine irradiating to the ribs , cervical and lumbar with irradiation to the hips as well as numbness and weakness in the legs. Can’t sleep can’t move can’t breathe. No headaches.
Because I surely have MCS and MCAS , cannot take ANY NSAID ( bad tractions ) or codeine ( which I wouldn’t take anyways).
Pain currently at 8-9 out of 10 worsening my dysautonomia by the day.
Anybody please …. Give me some options I am desperate .
Thank you
Paul
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Welcome @pauldavidmd2309, So sorry to hear that you are in extreme pain following a Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). I had one years ago but never had the back pain side effect like you have experienced. I'm not a medical expert but it sounds like the type of pain you are experiencing needs to be discussed with your doctor or care team. Have you called your doctor or care team to see if you should go to the emergency room?
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2 Reactions@pauldavidmd2309, I agree with @johnbishop, this sounds like something that needs the attention of medical experts. Please contact your doctor, an after hours care clinic or emergency room. I hope you get relief soon.
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3 ReactionsPaul, you probably should be seen in emergency right away. Severe thoracic pain could indicate a persistent spinal leak. Imaging will determine if there is a leak and a leak can be patched.
Headache is the most reliable sign, but increasing thoracic spine pain after three days, numbness and weakness in the legs are suspicious for spinal leak. Not being able to breath is frightening.
I hope you get some help with the pain as well.
I don't have a medical background and have never had a spinal tap.
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3 ReactionsThank you
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2 ReactionsPaul, I also have endured insufferable and chronic lumbar back pain, although from a different cause. The pain (especially as you have described it) in itself can become as detrimental as the problem that caused it. I have found that the best treatment path (for me anyway) started with my primary (knows my history better than any rushed ER doc) which could immediately prescribe accurately for the dearly needed pain relief (no codeine-that include all narcotics?). Then from that point he could recommend a specialist (much preferred in such a situation) and with the primary's familiarity with my situation and history could get that appointment asap. BTW, no headache is promising but still leaves much to be looked at (that's why the specialist).
Paul, when you are feeling better, give us the inside story. I hope the pain is gone.