My lumbar puncture: not as scary as I thought
Meet Kat, one of our story editors. She’s 32 and has been going through the diagnosis process for suspected MS since July 2024. This year, she had her first lumbar puncture. Here she shares what it was like, and why it wasn’t as scary as she expected.
When you search ‘lumbar puncture’ or ‘spinal tap’ online, you’ll mostly find repetitive medical information or the occasional worrying story. Often people share their experiences when something went wrong. But for me it was absolutely fine. So, here’s my experience, to help balance the picture.
Getting ready for my lumbar puncture
The day of my lumbar puncture, I was nervous. I kept flashing back to a bone marrow biopsy I’d had in my late teens, which wasn’t the best memory to draw on.
My husband and I travelled into London early (I’m a bit of a planner and hate being late!) and picked up what I called my “post-puncture picnic”: a bland sandwich, crisps, and a lemon iced tea (which turned out to be an excellent choice later).
I wore dungarees: comfy and practical for easy access to my spine while keeping me covered. Highly recommend!
When we arrived, the doctor and nurse explained the procedure again. I had a little cry and told them how scared I felt. They were calm and kind, giving me space until I was ready. They also said my husband could stay in the room and hold my hand. Huge shout-out to Henry, my rock, who kept me calm and distracted.
From “I can’t do this” to getting through it
The team asked if I’d like music. I love heavy metal, but I thought it best not to get us all too amped up – so I went with safe George Ezra. The nurse later teased me that it sounded like the same song was on repeat. Ha!
They had me lie on my side in the foetal position, facing the wall. My husband squeezed my hand as the doctor and nurse talked me through every step: using ultrasound to find the right spot, marking me up, and starting the anaesthetic.
My heart was racing, my eyes were wide, and I told my husband, “I can’t do this.” He stroked my hair and reassured me I could. And he was right.
First the anaesthetic
The anaesthetic is sharper than pleasant, but over quickly.
The anaesthetic is often described as the most uncomfortable bit. Honestly, I didn’t find it too bad. I’d compare it to those blood thinner injections in your belly or bum if you’ve ever had them in hospital. Sharper than pleasant, but not unbearable.
The anaesthetic works quickly. Each time I felt a pricking sensation, they added a little more, checked again, and only moved on when I was completely numb. That constant communication made me feel in control.
Then the lumbar puncture itself
Once I was numb, they got started. I asked Henry to distract me by describing a dream weekend for us. My mind drifted to the beach as he spoke, and before I knew it the samples were collected, counted, and a tiny plaster was placed on my back.
I'd sweated right through my T-shirt.
When I sat up, the adrenaline hit me. I realised I’d sweated right through my t-shirt. I felt woozy and lay back down. The nurse explained that gentle movement would stop my back muscles from seizing up. He also reassured me that the needle was incredibly fine, called an atraumatic needle, so I didn’t need to worry about damage.
After a few blood tests (and a peek at my clear cerebrospinal fluid - the body is wild!), I was done.
The all-important iced tea
Henry and I headed home via the London underground. I used my sunflower lanyard to get a seat, and it was honestly fine. On the way back, we picked up a full-sugar cola. Because after a lumbar puncture, you’re encouraged to drink extra fluids and caffeine to help avoid headaches. Between that and my iced tea, I was well stocked.
Back home, I rested on the sofa and went to bed early, with a half-drunk ‘emergency’ Coca-Cola on my bedside table. By the next day, I just had a little back stiffness. Two days later, I was back at the cinema and even strolling slowly round a supermarket for snacks. My recovery was quick and far less dramatic than I’d feared.
The recovery weekend
I’d planned a very low-key weekend afterwards, expecting headaches or needing lots of rest. In the end, I didn’t get the dreaded lumbar puncture headache. But I’ve noticed a pattern with my neurological symptoms: when I’m stressed, they seem to creep in more strongly. And for a few days, I had a flare-up of dizziness and blurry eyes. I think all the anxiety beforehand just kicked everything into gear for a while. Thankfully, things settled back down again.
Facing my fears
It wasn't as scary as I thought.
I’m really glad I faced my fear and went through with the lumbar puncture. It wasn’t anywhere near as scary as I thought, and recovery was quick. If you’ve got one coming up, I think it’s OK to feel nervous. But know that you’ll be in safe hands. And don’t underestimate the power of an iced tea!
