Marz 0 #1 June 3, 2004 OK, So I got a call the other day from my neurologist's office. They're very involved in MS research and asked me if I wanted to participate in a medical project. They're looking to see how a particular protein affects the progession of MS and need volunteers with relapsing-remitting MS to study this. The downside is that I need to donate spinal fluid, which involves a spinal tap... I've never had a spinal tap and I heard they're very uncomfortable. I don't think I will be compensated for any of this, it's basically to help research. So my question is would you volunteer for the good of science in this situation? Please help me make a decision here.... Marz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #2 June 3, 2004 tough call. when you say they aren't compensating you, they are going to pay for the spinal tap, etc, right? if they do pay for that, and they could honestly learn something that would help others down the line, then i say yes. but it is your body and you must do what you are comfortable with. from what i hear, spinal taps suck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #3 June 3, 2004 I don't know a lot about it. My initial answer is yes, because of the possible good you could be helping come about. However, I don't know anything about donating spinal fluid - the effects or the procedure. Good luck in making your decision. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seekfun 0 #4 June 3, 2004 Marz, People such as us engage in activities every day that often leave us sore, bruised, full of road rash, and limping. We do this in the name of fun. A spinal tap will give you some lower back pain for a few days, but it's for a good cause. In my opinion, a little soreness and CSF could help save some lives. It's the thing to do. - topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #5 June 3, 2004 Here's my story for what its worth Marz... I just had a Spinal Tap a couple of month ago to try and diagnose somthing (all test were negatives by the way... I'll live ). The ST itself was odd, weird, unconfortable but not painfull. The freeze you as the go along. Dont look at the length of the needdle they'll stick in you before hand... its not short! lol. A possible side effect of SPs is headhackes. I was told that, but I wasnt told how bad it could get. I basically was stuck in bed for 3 weeks, and I couldnt stand up or sit down for longer the 15 minutes for another week after that. I was told by doctors and a neurologist that, although the lenght and severity of the headhacke was unusual, it was not out of spec for possible side effects. No meds helped (from advils, Tylenols, prescriptions, and cafeine tablets), but it left all of a sudden. I was fine when laying down: no headhackes at all, but as soon as I stood up or was seated: bang. Thats my little adventure: if its something you care about, I'd say do it, as my experience was probably on the far end of the spectrum.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDivaChristie 0 #6 June 3, 2004 I've had two lumber punctures, which, as far as I know, are not half as bad as Spinal taps. Both experiences were TERRIBLE! I'm a big wussy when it comes to needles and pain, so if you can handle it, go for it. Personally, I definitely would not do it, unless I was being compensated VERY nicely! not jumping sux Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marz 0 #7 June 3, 2004 I was told about the headache side effect. That is part of my worries because I can't afford alot of time off. I'm usually good with that stuff, but I don't think I could handle too much time away from work... It's a very close call on the poll so far.... Marz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #8 June 3, 2004 My brother and I both had spinal taps when we were kids. Sure, it hurt a bit, enough to make a little kid cry, but nothing too extreme. Get it done on a thursday. That way, if you have any ill effects, you take friday off work, and then have a weekend. Neither my brother or I had any problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #9 June 3, 2004 here's an article... tells how to avoid the headache: From the Discovery Health website. Spinal Tap By Linda Agnello, RN, BSN A spinal tap is a procedure where a special needle is inserted through the vertebrae in the lower back and into the space that surrounds the spinal cord. The space surrounding the brain and spinal cord is filled with cerebral spinal fluid or CSF. The cerebral spinal fluid works like a shock absorber and filter. Who is a candidate for the test? When a person is thought to have a disease or injury that affects the brain, spinal cord, or their protective membranes, a spinal tap may help determine the cause. A spinal tap is a very useful procedure. Healthcare providers use it to: · collect a small sample of a person's CSF · measure the pressure of someone's CSF · deliver medication to a person before and after surgery · inject dye into a person's body. This allows the doctor to take special x-rays of the area surrounding the brain and spinal cord to detect an injury. How is the test performed? A spinal tap can be performed with a person bending over while sitting in a chair, or lying down on his or her side with the knees drawn up close to the chest. These positions help to separate the vertebrae of the lower back. It gives the doctor a larger space to insert the spinal needle. The area where the needle is to be inserted is cleaned and medication is injected to providelocal anesthesia. A person may feel a burning sensation for a few seconds while the medication is administered. After the area has been prepared, a special spinal needle is inserted. A person may feel the insertion of the spinal needle as a pushing or tugging sensation. Once the needle is in the proper place, the pressure can be measured and a sample of CSF can be collected or drugs injected. The procedure generally lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Once the procedure is completed, a dressing over the puncture site is applied and the person is instructed to lie flat. Depending on the reason for the spinal tap, a person will be instructed to lie flat from 2 to 12 hours. This is done to avoid a post-procedure spinal headache. After the procedure is completed, the person is instructed to drink plenty of fluid. This will help the body replenish the cerebral spinal fluid which was removed for testing. Sometimes when a person is sent home following a spinal tap, he or she is required to lie flat for up to 12 hours. Increased fluids are still encouraged. A person is also instructed to report any numbness and tingling to the legs, bleeding or oozing from the puncture site, or headaches that fail to improve. Normal activity can usually resume once a person has had enough rest. Sometimes the area where the spinal needle was inserted remains sore for a day or two. No other special home care is required. The most common complication from a spinal tap is a post-procedure spinal headache. These headaches can usually be avoided if a person lies flat for several hours and drinks plenty of fluids. Spinal headaches occur due to a change in cerebral spinal fluid pressure as a result of removing a sample for testing. If a spinal headache does occur, it typically lasts only a few hours. Severe cases may require pain medication or another special procedure to repair the spinal tap site. What is involved in preparation for the test? A person should request specific instructions from his or her health care provider. What do the test results mean? Normally, spinal fluid will be clear and colorless, contain no blood, and contain no organisms. Protein levels are usually 15 to 45 mg/dl of CSF, although in the elderly and children the level may be 70 mg/dl. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are usually less than 2.0 to 7.2 U/ml. Abnormal results may be caused by many different conditions: · Elevated protein, lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), and muddy or dense spinal fluid with malignant cells may indicate a brain tumor or cancer in the brain, spinal cord, or cancer that has spread to these areas. · CSF that looks muddy and may contain increased protein levels and increased LDH levels may indicate degenerative brain disease, automimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases. · CSF that looks muddy instead of clear, has elevated protein and LDH levels, and tests positive for immunologic testing indicate possible neurosyphilis. · CSF that has high protein levels, muddy color, and red blood cells may indicate subarachnoid bleeding which is bleeding in the membranes surrounding the brain, cerebral bleeding, or a traumatic spinal tap. · Elevated glutamine levels in the CSF may indicate encephalitis, which is swelling in brain, myelitis, which is inflammation of the spinal cord, or hepatic coma. · Elevated white blood cells and protein in the CSF may indicate meningitis, which is a very serious inflammation of the spinal cord or brain, encephalitis, or a brain abscess. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #10 June 3, 2004 Hey Martin, I'd say that the outcome of the research could possibly help you in the future. I would go for it. Justin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peregrinerose 0 #11 June 3, 2004 I've done quite a bit of research as well as been on the guinea pig end of research (seizures, brain tumor), and it is always a worthwhile thing. Jen Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #12 June 3, 2004 I had one when I was a teenager. I had the headache side effects, but not as bad as Remster. I don't recall how long it lasted, but it certainly wasn't weeks. I was in bed for a few days (I think only 2), but that was the only thing I had to handle. I don't remember it being painful, either, but I could've forgotten that part. If it can create benefit, I would not hesitate to do it again in a heartbeat. For what is a bit of inconvenience when potentially lifesaving information is gained? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aprilcat 0 #13 June 3, 2004 I had an epidural when I was in labor with my youngest son. Basically its the same as a spinal tap but they leave the line in to deliver pain killers. It wasn't TOO bad. I think the thought of what the HELL they were getting ready to put in me made me co-operate and not get all weird about it. Knowing that quite a few were the 'guinea pigs' for that procedure as well as others, yes, I give thanks to them. You will be helping. Its really up to you, but my vote is for 'the good of science', do it.~~April Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
