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 Lumbar Drain Test

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Wylee
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Wylee


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PostSubject: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeWed May 25, 2011 3:04 am

Lumbar Drain Test

I will be having a lumbar drain test next month. I am scheduled to be admitted to the hospital at Duke on June 13th, the test takes three days, and then I will be released on Friday. That is all that I have been able to find out. Anyone have any knowledge?
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Heidi
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeWed May 25, 2011 5:10 pm

What is a lumbar drain test?
Lumbar drain test
Lumbar drain
I have a lumbar drain test
I have to have a lumbar drain

A lumbar drain,is a similar procedure to a lumbar puncture, and is performed with the exception that the needle used is slightly thicker. After collection of CSF, a thin plastic catheter is placed through the needle in to the subarachnoid space. The needle is then removed, and leaves the catheter in place. This is then connected to drainage and monitoring devices. The drain is usually removed after one to several days, and depends on the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure to be performed.www.uwhealth.org

For more information go to

What is a Lumbar Drain?

Lumbar Drain Placement

What to expect with a Lumbar Drain


Last edited by Heidi on Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:34 pm; edited 5 times in total (Reason for editing : Included more information)
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Wylee
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Wylee


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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeThu May 26, 2011 4:32 am

It's funny that you have a link to the University of Wisc. sheet. That is the only one I have been able to find that describes the procedure. I was hoping for more details from somewhere else. Don't know whether I should pack for 5 days of wearing street clothes while at the hospital or PJ's!! Oh well. Thanks for the try though.
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ShawnaO
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeThu May 26, 2011 10:29 am

Hi, Wylee...

I assume, you're having this test so doctors can see if a shunt would work for you, since the lumbar drain will be doing what a shunt will do?

Mine was annoying, but relatively easy. They frowned on me wearing my own PJ's because of the IV they insisted on me having (the hospital gowns snap so they can be removed easily without removing the IV).

It's also good to keep in mind that you will probably know more about your condition than the nurses taking care of you. Mine were nice enough, but kept telling me to lay flat or I would have a headache if I sat up. I tried explaining that it was the first time in months I DIDN'T have a headache. One nurse said, "They have drained 60cc's of CSF off you...it's not POSSIBLE that you don't have a headache!"

My doctor simply wanted to know approximately how much fluid a shunt should be set to drain in order for me to be at my "happy place." Know exactly why your doctor is ordering this test, and go armed with information. My other doctors didn't agree with me having the test in the first place and said that traditional LPs can tell them what they need to know. I was caught in the middle...

Every hospital has different policies and procedures, so you may get to wear your own clothes...call and ask first? Worth a try! Good luck!
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Wylee
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeSun May 29, 2011 6:14 pm

Thanks for the replies. I don't even know who to contact at this point. I might as well wait. I just received a letter from my insurance carrier saying they have denied coverage of the procedure. We have only two weeks til it's supposed to happen, and I'm not sure they can iron this out by then. What a mess.
I have been told the test is to see if I would be a good candidate for a VP Shunt. Other than that, it has been a wait and see. I haven't even met the Neurosurgeon yet. He works with my Neuro-otologist who is the admitting Physician. I've spoken with his secretary who wouldn't give me any info but said I would receive info in the mail before the scheduled date. They are being very nonchellant about the whole thing.
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Wylee
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Wylee


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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeWed Jun 15, 2011 2:51 am

Well, I am here at the hospital. Been here since yesterday at noon. My o.p. was 21.8 cm. So far they have drained off approx 225 mL of CSF over a 26 hour period. My eyesight has greatly improved already. Double vision is gone, Thinking more clearly, brain fog is greatly diminshed. I will have the test continue another 24 hours or so. Hope to be released on Thursday. My Neuro-otologist is already convinced that the test has been a success and I am a good candidate for a vp shunt. Haven't talked to the N.S. since yesterday before the start of the test. We'll see what he has to say. I am ready to go for a walk. Been in bed since 12:30 yesterday. Not used to this. Hope they will let me walk around tomorrow.
So far, so good!
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Heidi
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeWed Jun 15, 2011 12:01 pm

I'm so glad it is all going well for you, and that you are finally getting somewhere. hug I'm sure that they will let you have a little walk eventually, I suppose it depends on your medical team.I know it must be frustrating having to just stay in bed, but keep telling yourself not long to go now. hug

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Wylee
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeThu Jun 16, 2011 1:28 am

Getting info from these folks is like pulling teeth. My Neuro-otologist said he was satisfied with the results yesterday and votes yes on a shunt. My Neuro-radiologist said she is satisfied with the results as of today and votes yes. Now waiting for the Neurosurgeon who I saw once before the drain was put in and not since! NS doesn't play well with others. I hope to get out of here tomorrow by noon. So far they have collected 500 mL of CSF. Slow drain but feel so much better. Hope it will last for a bit. Looks like maybe a vp shunt in September. We'll see what is said tomorrow at check out.
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medmisfit
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeThu Jun 16, 2011 8:40 pm

I'm glad you've found some relief..what an experience! Hopefully the improvement will convince your NS. If not, would another specialists advocate for you or refer you to another surgeon? It's scary, but always an option. Hang in there and let us know what they decide.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Julie
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Heidi
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeFri Jun 17, 2011 8:55 pm

So glad things are moving forward for you Lumbar Drain Test 539880, what a relief for you. Hope you feel better soon and that your NS sees sense now the others have.
Heidi xx

Lumbar Drain Test 249284


Last edited by Heidi on Sat Jun 18, 2011 2:04 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Wylee
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeFri Jun 17, 2011 11:32 pm

Thanks for the words of encouragement.
The test is over. I am awaiting word from the NS as to his decision. He is the one that works closely with my other Doctors, so I doubt I could doctor shop if he says no go. According to the PA, I should be receiving something in the mail. The NS has requested I make a follow up appt in 6 weeks. I hope I won't have to wait til then to get his opinion!!
I think my pressure may be on the low side right now, which is OK because that means it will stay down a bit longer. My hearing has been affected. Sounds are tinny. Sounds like a CB or HAM radio that is a hair off frequency. Wen I lay down, the sound improves. Also, feeling a bit dizzy also, which again may be due to low pressure. I still feel better than before the drain test, and am taking the Diamox ER's and Lasix again just hoping I can keep this pressure down until Sept. in case that becomes the target date for the shunt. Has been quite the experience. They drained off approx. 500 mL of CSF. It was targeted at 10 - 15 units/hour. I did have to stay in bed. Any time I was up, they stopped the drip.
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Wylee
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeFri Jun 17, 2011 11:37 pm

Thanks for the words of encouragement.
The test is over. I am awaiting word from the NS as to his decision. He is the one that works closely with my other Doctors, so I doubt I could doctor shop if he says no go. According to the PA, I should be receiving something in the mail. The NS has requested I make a follow up appt in 6 weeks. I hope I won't have to wait til then to get his opinion!!
I think my pressure may be on the low side right now, which is OK because that means it will stay down a bit longer. My hearing has been affected. Sounds are tinny. Sounds like a CB or HAM radio that is a hair off frequency. Wen I lay down, the sound improves. Also, feeling a bit dizzy also, which again may be due to low pressure. I still feel better than before the drain test, and am taking the Diamox ER's and Lasix again just hoping I can keep this pressure down until Sept. in case that becomes the target date for the shunt. Has been quite the experience. They drained off approx. 500 mL of CSF. It was targeted at 10 - 15 units/hour. I did have to stay in bed. Any time I was up, they stopped the drip.
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medmisfit
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeSat Jun 18, 2011 5:05 pm

Wylee, I'm glad the tests are over..at least you're home now! It does sound like you're dealing w/ low pressure, so I would definitely stay flat..drink a lot of fluids too!!! Good luck and take care..hope you're feeling better soon!

Julie
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sinister416

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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeSat Jun 18, 2011 9:52 pm

I am glad that you have found relief cheer

If low pressure is a problem now try and drink caffeine as much as possible and lay flat when things get to bad.

I hope that you find a answer from your NS soon xx
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Chelsea Fortress

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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeWed May 23, 2018 12:57 am

Old thread but super handy! Going in for a lumbar drain tomorrow and I had no idea what to expect. Thank you for the heads up. 

Cheers,
Chelsea
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medmisfit
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeWed May 23, 2018 3:58 pm

Good luck with it Chelsea, I hope you find some much needed relief. Please keep us posted!

Take care,
Julie
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Chelsea Fortress

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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeMon May 28, 2018 12:42 am

Thanks Julie.

I've been in hospital for four days now with no end date in sight as of yet. The lumbar drain although uncomfortable has been successfully in providing relief. They have been draining the 10ml every hour and I get to roll it around in a bag haha.

At this stage my neurologist has recommended I speak to his referred neurosurgeon regarding a shunt but has also recommended following the drain I take a week and see how long it takes the pressure to return. Just so we have a better understanding of how quickly it accumulates for myself.

Do you have any experience with lumbar drains / shunts?

Thanks,
Chelsea
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medmisfit
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PostSubject: Re: Lumbar Drain Test   Lumbar Drain Test I_icon_minitimeTue May 29, 2018 2:28 pm

I have not had a lumbar drain, but had a lumbar shunt (LP) implanted in 2002 and a ventricular (VP)shunt implanted in 2015. The VP shunt was experimental for IIH at the time I received the LP, so the neurosurgeon didn't recommend it. I had minor complications with the LP Shunt, but nothing that wasn't able to be resolved. I ended up with overdraining issues, so the neurosurgeon recommended change to VP Shunt. That seems to be working much better! *fingers crossed and knock on something quick*

Recovery for VP Shunt was 8 weeks, but they had ligated my LP Shunt several months before this surgery and it caused all kinds of issues. Neither surgery or recovery was more difficult or involved than any other surgery I've had. Feel free to PM me, if you have specific questions.
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