I had a spinal headache for 6 days

[TheProphetess]

But I think that it's gone now. I've been up moving around for about 30 minutes and so far so good. I'm praying that it's gone for good. That was not a pleasant experience, to say the least.

Last Wednesday was my surgery (removal of a ruptured disc from my lower spine) and the doctor said that it went well. He said that he got the large ruptured piece plus a few fragments. I see him for a follow-up in 2 weeks.

But, no one warned me that I might get a spinal headache from an imbalance in the spinal fluid and, of course, I got one. Every time I sat up or stood up, the pressure in my forehead and behind my eyes was extremely intense and I was forced to just lay down ALL DAY LONG. For 6 days. Yuck.

Anyone ever have a spinal headache? Share with me, won't you? :hi:

[henslee]

1. No spinal headache but it sounds awful...

Glad you're feeling better.

[TheProphetess]

3. Thanks very much

I'm so happy to be able to move around again!

[johnnie]

2. On my way to bed right now but...

I wanted to say that I am glad all went well. I'm sorry you had to go through all the headaches, but hopefully everything will get better real soon.
Take care :hi:

[TheProphetess]

5. Thanks, johnnie

Sleep well! :)

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Yikes.... that's scary!

[TheProphetess]

8. Yes, it was scary

I called the doctor on Friday because I had no idea if what I was going through was normal or not. That's when they told me what was happening (and why) and said to keep laying down and stay hydrated.

[kiraboo]

6. My god, you have my sympathy.

I get migraines, and was warned when I had my epidural that I might get the spinal headache. I didn't. Folks who don't get headaches don't understand how horrible they can be. I am glad you're feeling better!

[TheProphetess]

14. I had heard about the epidural or spinal tap headaches

but it just didn't occur to me that it might happen after my back surgery. I really wish they had given me a warning in advance (just so I knew what to do).

I feel for you having migraines. Two of my good friends get them and I know it's hell. I was lucky in that at least I was able to get relief from laying down, which made it more bearable. But I couldn't take care of myself. My husband had to do EVERYTHING for me, so it really was debilitating.

Thanks for the empathy! :hug:

[kiraboo]

19. Thank you too. Admit it: it's about time your husband did

EVERYTHING!

[TheProphetess]

29. LOL!

Touche. ;)

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

7. Sounds like you had a complication of surgery called a dural tear.

The "imbalance in spinal fluid" is a result of the spinal fluid leaking out from a tear in the dura (the membrane covering brain & spinal cord and holding that fluid in) which is a complication from the surgery, doesn't just "happen on its own".

I hope the surgeon was forthcoming with you on that point instead of trying to attribute it to some mysterious "imbalance" that just happened. Doesn't mean they did anything wrong, but they should be honest if they have complications.

I had a mild spinal headache once after a diagnostic spinal tap procedure, but sounds like yours was a real doozy.

Occasionally these dural tear situations are bad enough that they require more surgery, with application of various substances in an attempt to "patch" the torn area and stop the leaking and headache.

[Susang]

10. Jinx!

You owe me a coke. :P

btw, that patch you spoke of is called a "blood patch" ;-)

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

12. I'll give YOU a spinal headache! Oh, you already had one, LOL.

[Susang]

16. Not another one!

:scared:

[TheProphetess]

18. I see - I didn't realize it was considered a complication

I guess I assumed it's just one of those things that can happen (the mysterious imbalance) with spinal surgery, etc. I had my husband do some research on the internets and I read about the blood patch. Thankfully, I'm feeling fairly confident that it's gone now. So far, so good.

Thanks for the info. :hi:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

26. When they do the type of disk surgery you had, they work very near the

membrane called the dura mater, which is a "skin" that covers the brain & spinal cord and encloses the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid).

Occasionally the surgeon will tear a hole in this "skin" with their instrument by accident during the surgery, which will often result in the type of headache you had due to leakage of the CSF.

This picture shows the (red) CSF within the dura, if it leaks and is "low", then the brain and cranial nerves "settle" and have traction on them when the patient is upright, which is thought to cause the headache.



In most instances it will get better on its own, sometimes within days, although it can take weeks. The hole will usually eventually heal, and drinking fluids replaces the CSF.

Occassionally for severe or persistent problems the patient will be brought back to the OR and biologically "sticky" substances like fibrin glue will be applied to the tear to try and "patch" it.

If the hole is caused by a needle, as in epidural injections or spinal taps, then a "epidural blood patch" procedure is sometimes done placing some of the patient's own blood in the vicinity of the hole in an attempt to promote healing of the hole.

Since the problem usually (eventually) gets better on its own, and the invasive treatments are not without their own complications, if the patient seems to be getting better, it's better to leave things alone and stick with conservative treatment (fluids, bedrest etc.).

This is an area I have some familiarity with.

[TheProphetess]

28. Thanks!

That's exactly what it was like. In fact, I did get some pressure at the base of my neck and I kept putting a cold washrag there. But the big complaint was the pressure behind my eyes and in the forehead.

I had thought it was strange that I didn't have the headache until the day after surgery but then I realized that I was hooked up to an IV, so my fluids were up. Once they took me off of the IV, I started complaining that my head hurt really bad when I'd get out of bed to use the bathroom. They gave me Tylenol at the hospital and seemed baffled by my complaints (the nurse kept telling my sister, "she was fine this morning") although I was also nauseous and vomited twice that day (when I was trying to get washed and dressed to leave to go home). It took me 5 hours to finally leave the hospital - I kept trying to get out of bed and kept laying back down in misery. No one said the words "spinal headache" until the next day when I called the doctor.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

32. Usually, dural tears are recognized at the time of surgery (I assume that

the surgeon sees the clear fluid welling up in the wound), and the patient is instructed accordingly. Perhaps they didn't notice yours or you should have received instructions about what to expect and what to do.

This is a complication that happens to all spine surgeons sometimes, no matter how skilled. How frequently it occurs is definitely related to the skill and experience of the surgeon.

My whole beef is that once the obvious symptoms arose, they should not only have instructed you about the fluids and bedrest etc., they should also make it clear that it was a result of a surgical complication, just from the standpoint of honest communcation, like "we're sorry this happened, it appears you had a complication of surgery called a dural tear" and not pretend like it was some mystery as to why you had such a headache.

Even if it's not due to any mistake but just bad luck, it's just plain honesty...

Not to impugn your surgeons, perhaps they intended to go over this with you on your followup visit.

[TheProphetess]

36. You're 100% right

I am annoyed that no one told me that this could happen and that once I did start complaining of the symptoms, they still didn't tell me what it was (and what I should do to help it pass). My husband was the first to guess at it and then my sister looked online and found the name "spinal headache" before the doctor's office said the words (two days post surgery).

My follow-up isn't for another 2 weeks but I am calling them in the morning to ask some questions and let them know how I feel about the headache being handled in the hospital.

Thanks again for your input. I appreciate it. :)

[Susang]

9. Sounds like they nicked the dura

Happened to me on my last epidural injection a couple weeks ago. It takes a week or two to heal, but it eventually does get better. Glad your surgery went well. Hope your pain is better. :hi:

[TheProphetess]

20. Yikes - I didn't know you had one too

How long did your headaches last? I had read that they could last up to a week and I thought that week would never pass!

Thanks again for your information and empathy before surgery. I appreciate all of the good vibes sent my way from DUers. The leg pain is better but I still get shooting pains every now and then if I move the wrong way. Apparently, that can takes weeks to go away (and it better go away!). :)

[Susang]

24. My headache only lasted about 24 hours

I was lucky. ;-)

The shooting pains are normal, the nerve hurts wcwn when it's healing. Just watch out for that re-herniation (seriously)! No housework, heavy lifting, repetitive bending or twisting for at least a month after surgery or else! The "no housework" rule was my particular favorite. ;-)

Glad you're doing better. :D

[TheProphetess]

27. Excellent advice!

When I was reading the post-op instructions, which said no housework for 2 weeks and then only light housework (no vacuuming) for another 2 weeks, I said to my husband, "honey, isn't it weird that this says I should never do housework again?!" He just looked at me and laughed. :D

I am taking it very easy. I don't lift anything heavier than my glass of water and the remote control! I don't even try to bend for things and I've learned my lesson on twisting (which is harder to avoid than I thought it would be!) b/c the leg pain would punish me.

At first I was worried about the leg pain creeping back but I know that the nerves are going to react since they had been pinched for two months. I'm ready to do whatever it takes to heal. Thanks again. :hug:

[Susang]

73. Twisting is the worst

Causes shearing, which can re-herniate your disc. Not twisting is the one I have the most problems with. I'm a twisting fool. :P

[TheProphetess]

75. "I'm a twisting fool" - LOL!

I didn't realize how much twisting one does throughout the day! I especially noticed it when I'm at the sink in the bathroom. I twist to get my towel, my tooth brush, etc. I literally told myself out loud "do not twist!" I've gotten much better at not doing it. The pain helped me learn my lesson!

[SeattleGirl]

11. I had menningitis when I was in high school, and while I don't

know if what I felt was just like you're feeling, I think it may be close. As with you, sitting or standing up were so painful. Walking? Absolute agony. Even blinking my eyes hurt. One of my brothers had it at the same time I did, and we were two absolutely miserable puppies.

I'm glad you're feeling better, Prophetess. And I also wish you a good recovery from your surgery.

:hi:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

15. Meningitis headache is typically worse although the spinal headache can

be quite bad.

In medical school, one is taught that if a patient tells you they have the "worst headache of their life", this typically warrants urgent evaluation, like "chest pain" or "shortness of breath", because it is how the headache of potentially lethal or debilitating conditions like meningitis, leaking aneurysms in the brain, etc. are often described.

[SeattleGirl]

21. Fortunately, my mom was still working as a CNA at the time

and as soon as I told her how I felt, she (gently) put me in the car and took me to the hospital whe worked at, where they diagnosed me. When my brother started feeling the same symptoms, mom figured it was also meningitis, but took him to the hospital too, just to make sure.

I have never EVER felt anything like that. Even the migraines I had for awhile, while really painful, were nothing compared to what I felt when I had menningitis.

[TheProphetess]

22. Thanks very much

Sounds like your menningitis was much worse. I was able to get relief from laying down which was my only salvation. I've heard that menningitis is the absolute worst thing ever to experience.
:scared:

[LynzM]

13. I've heard horror stories about them

Mostly from people who had epidurals during childbirth. Many hugs to you, Prophetess. :hug:

[TheProphetess]

23. Thanks for the hugs!

Right back at you! :hug:

[WCGreen]

17. I'm glad it's going away.....

I hope your ability to move about pain free makes it all worth while...

[TheProphetess]

25. I am certainly happy to be moving around

but, unfortunately, I'm not quite pain free yet. I'm hopeful that physical therapy will take care of the rest of the pain but I still get shooting pain down my left leg if I move certain ways. I had no leg pain the first two days after surgery but it has sort of crept back every now and then. :(

[WCGreen]

30. PT does work wonders.....

[Beware the Beast Man]

31. My gosh, Prophetess.

:hug: Take care of yourself. I'm glad to hear the surgery went well, and it's good to see you again.

[TheProphetess]

35. Thanks!

Good to see you too, BtBM! :hi:
It's good to be around again, especially being able to sit up for a long time. I've been upright for a little over 3 hours now and no headache so I'm going to say that it's officially passed now. Thank goodness!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

33. My dear Prophetess!

I am so glad to see you posting!

And I hope that your recovery continues quickly.....

I've never had a spinal headache, but your description certainly conveys the pain dramatically.....

May your path to full recovery be smooth from here on out!

:loveya: :hug:

[TheProphetess]

37. Thank you very much, Peggy!

I am ready and willing to do whatever it takes to heal well. I second the smooth recovery! :hug:

[Digit]

34. I had one from a myleogram years ago

They had injected dye into my spinal column and while in the hospital the phone kept ringing and ringing and ringing. I finally moved to answer it, and you guessed it.

I remember it hurt like hell and I lost alot of weight since I could not eat. With time, it got better and I am no worse for the ordeal.

I can understand what you are going through...it hurts like hell.

Hope you feel better soon. Just know it will pass and you will be good as new.
Hopefully, really soon!

[TheProphetess]

38. Yuck, I'm sorry that you can relate

Many thanks for the empathy and the good vibes. :hug:

[KitchenWitch]

39. I have - worst headache of my life (and I get both clusters and migraines)

I had a spinal tap when I was a teenager. Doctors did not warn either me or my parents about the damn headache.

I am so sorry you had this experience. I just wanted to die.

[TheProphetess]

52. That's awful

I'm so sorry to hear that you went through it as a teenager. I don't understand why doctors don't warn patients that it's a possibility. My paperwork had listed that "there is a less than 1% chance that you could be paralyzed in both legs and lose bladder control" from the spinal surgery but not a damn thing about the probability of getting a spinal headache. Argh!

[fudge stripe cookays]

40. Glad you're feeling better sweetie!

I was lucky when they diagnosed my MS that my lesions were right where they were supposed to be to diagnose it. A lot of patients have to have a spinal tap to make sure.

The doctor actually said, "We can still do a spinal tap if you want to."

I said, "Does anyone actually ever WANT a spinal tap? That's OK. I trust you. Let's go on the assumption that's what I have."

I have heard about these headaches, and had no desire to see one in action! I'd go crazy if I couldn't sit around for a week and read or DO something. I mean, resting is great and all, but I always have to be multi-tasking.

I'm so glad it's subsided a bit. Make sure to listen to your Auntie Susang. That lady knows pain!

[TheProphetess]

54. Agreed- Susang knows what she's talking about!

Thanks for sympathizing with me - it was difficult to just lay around. I had to eat food half-laying down or else the headache would come back. All of my cups have straws in them so I could drink without spilling. I'm so glad it's over! :bounce: (But I'm not actually bouncing, so don't worry.) ;)

[dolo amber]

41. Awww, darlin'

I hope you feel better soon. :hi: :hug:

[TheProphetess]

55. It's getting much better

Thanks for the hug. :hug: Right back at ya!

[bigwillq]

42. Hope you're feeling better!

:hug:

[TheProphetess]

57. Thank you!

Life certainly is improving every day. :)

[In_The_Wind]

43. I hope your pain will all be a memory soon!

I had severe headaches and migraines for over a year caused by a neck injury so I can understand how you feel.

[TheProphetess]

58. Ouch - that's horrible

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. I kept thinking "it could be worse" even though I was freaking out a little.

[In_The_Wind]

67. The important thing to remember is ~ We Survived.

The worst is over. There may still be a few bad days for both of us but with care we can go on with our lives.

[TheProphetess]

69. Indeed!

Well said!! :yourock:

[Call Me Wesley]

44. Good vibes and energy coming your way.

Get well fast! :hug:

[TheProphetess]

59. Thanks for the vibes

I could use all I can get! :loveya:

[progmom]

45. well that's just not fair

I am glad you're feeling better today. But damn....I am really sorry about that. And how irresponsible of the doctor not to warn you that this might happen. You must have been panicked before you knew what it was.

:hug:

Know that many of us have you in our thoughts throughout the day.

[TheProphetess]

60. Thanks, progmom

You're always so darn sweet! I appreciate it very much. Hugs right back at you. :hug:

[LynneSin]

46. Have you considered not spinning anymore

:shrug:

Hope you feel better :D

[TheProphetess]

61. Yeah, I was wondering if that had anything to do with it

Ha!

Each day is a little better than the one before. Thanks. :)

[miss_american_pie]

47. That sounds awful

I hope you never have to deal with that again.

[TheProphetess]

62. Thank you - I agree

:)

[Iniquitous Bunny]

48. I had one like that.

I had planned for a very natural childbirth, but after a couple days of labor and my 10th hour at 8cm, I opted for the epidural. The c-section was a couple of hours later. The spinal headache lasted a week. I always said to myself it was a good thing I could nurse lying down. Horrible damned pain that is. :hug:

[TheProphetess]

63. Yuck - it's hard to take care of a newborn when you can't get up

That must have been very difficult with a new baby. I hope you had lots of support to help you. I didn't have to do anything but I still needed so much help from my husband. Plus, we had very sweet friends and family bring us meals which helped take some of the load off of my husband. Thank goodness for loved ones!

[Whoa_Nelly]

49. So good to see you, Prophetess!

Have been thinking of you! :loveya:

(Sorry...don't know anything about headaches, mush less a spinal one...:hug: )

[TheProphetess]

64. That's ok - consider yourself lucky

No need to empathize with headache pain! Thanks for the hug. :loveya:

[tigereye]

50. hey, glad you are feeling better!

:hug: :hi:

[TheProphetess]

65. Thanks, tigereye!

It's good to see you. I slept very well these last two nights - very comfortable all night long. And the swelling is down at the incision site, so things are looking up. :toast:

[Shine]

51. I had a super bad one for three days after my epidural for kid #1

ugh. It sucked. I feel for you....

:hug: Take good care, I'm sending you good wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

[TheProphetess]

68. You're very kind

Thanks for the good wishes. :hug:

How awful about your experience - I just can't imagine being so incapacitated with a newborn to take care of! :scared:

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

53. Had one... yuck

I had a spinal tap to test for MS and spinal fluid was leaking. The headache was excruciating. I suffer from monster migraines every once in a while, but that spinal headache topped them all.

I had to go to the hospital to get a blood patch (where they use some of your own blood on the spot of the leak so that when the blood coagulates it will plug the spinal leak).

:hug:

[TheProphetess]

70. That's bad news!

I'm so thankful that mine healed without having to get the blood patch. I'm so sorry that happened to you. :hug: Hugs to you.

[fleabert]

56. I haven't had one, but I know women who have, after giving birth

and having either an epidural or a spinal. imagine taking care of a newborn with one! yikes! That sucks that they didn't tell you -it is a common risk with a spinal. Hope you feel better soon. :hug:

[TheProphetess]

72. I know - that's got to be terrible

Thankfully, I had all of my teaching responsibilities covered well before surgery so that I had nothing to worry about or to take care of. I don't know how women do it after childbirth.
Thanks for the hug. I'm feeling much better now that I can move around more. :)

[mcar]

66. Oh, they're awful!

I had a spinal headache as a result of a myelogram several years ago. I was flat on my back for 4-5 days. The pain and pressure is just indescribable, isn't it?

No one ever mentioned it to me or I wouldn't have had the test. As it was, I had the test a few weeks before Christmas after being assured by the doctor that I wouldn't need to miss any work. Ha ha.

The busiest week of the year for me at my old job, and I couldn't sit up for more than 5 minutes at a time. I dragged myself into the office about day 4, when it started to subside. I lasted about 2 hours before my boss sent me home.

It did subside and is now nothing more than a bad dream. I'm glad your surgery was successful anyway. :hi:

[TheProphetess]

74. Oh no!

That's awful! I can't imagine having to go to work with that headache.

You're right - it's indescribable. In fact, when my husband was looking for info about spinal headaches on the internets, he found a description that said "a headache like no other" and I said "that's it exactly!"

Thanks for the good vibes. :pals:

[flamingyouth]

71. First off, I'm glad things went smoothly

Congrats on a successful surgery! :pals:

About that lovely spinal headache thing... ohgodyes... I had an epidural steroid injection in my neck right before Thanksgiving last year. It was my second one. The first was fine - no complications - but during the second they punctured the dura and I got that headache. I managed (somehow) to sit through Thanksgiving dinner with my family, but *shudder* just thinking about that pain... I feel for you.

Here's to a speedy recovery! :)

[TheProphetess]

77. Thank you very much

I am very thankful that things went well. My poor husband got scared after surgery was over and the doctor asked for my family to wait in a private room for him to give them the report. He had seen other doctors talk to people right there in the waiting room so he assumed that something bad must have happened for them to be placed in the private room. My mom said that he was as white as a ghost and couldn't stop pacing until she told him that some doctors do the private room thing with all patients. Poor thing was really worried!

Your story about Thanksgiving dinner with a spinal headache sent shivers down my spine! I cannot imagine going through that. I was very lucky to have nothing on my calendar to deal with while I had the headaches.
I don't know how you did it! :scared:

[Cathyclysmic]

76. Sweet Jesus!

I've heard that feels like the worse migraine of your life. I hope you have no further complications. Nice of the surgeon not to warn you!

Nice to see you up...hope you have a speedy recovery!

[TheProphetess]

78. Your subject line cracked me up just now!

Sweet Jesus, it was rough but I was able to get relief by laying down flat. I kept trying to half sit up with pillows behind my head but that didn't work. Every day I'd note what time I got out of bed and pray that the headache wouldn't hit me. At first, I'd get 5 minutes before the headache would hit but eventually I got 20-30 minutes without it and I'd get all excited but it would come back. It's officially gone now and I am a different person!

Thanks for the good vibes. Things are looking up! :bounce:

[Cathyclysmic]

79. Good!

May you never have another spring break this crappy.

[TheProphetess]

80. Thanks

It wasn't my spring break, though. I was able to spend my break doing last minute things to prepare for my absence from work. I videotaped myself giving lectures for one of the courses I teach - my poor students have to listen to "Virtual Prophetess" - yikes! They've been sweet and have emailed to say that the lectures are going well and that they're praying for me. The other courses are a bit more independent so they get cool videos and group projects. Upper division courses rock!

Perhaps it won't be too long before we can do another meetup! I'm going to be a bit stir crazy soon. :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

81. I had one once...about 4 years ago. I called the surgeon and they

brought me back in and gave me a "patch"...they injected a bit of my own blood into the spinal column and "Voila", instant headache relief. They didn't offer you that? :hug: I'm so sorry you had to endure that.

I will say, I suffer from migraines and spinal headaches are 498 times worse.

[TheProphetess]

82. No, they never told me what it was while I was in the hospital complaining

It was my husband who first said the words "spinal headache" and we called the doctor two days after surgery because I was afraid I was dying. Apparently, it wasn't such a big deal - the doctor's office staff told me to "lay down" as if I wasn't doing that already.

I've heard that they do the blood patch if it doesn't heal on its own within a week. Thankfully, mine has passed now. I'm glad yours was helped with the patch. I had to wait it out on my own. But, things are looking up now. :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

83. Feel better, baby girl...You've been through enough.

Tell EP to wait on you hand and foot while you post. :hug:

[slide to the left]

84. Normally

they patch them after 24 hours. The draw blood and insert it near your spine so it clots.