This was something I could prep for, thankfully (somewhat). I reached out to another local Neurologist who spoke with me over the phone and took me in for an initial consultation. He did the same neurological exam that the other Neurologist did, but to a greater extent. He also read the MRI's and the radiology report, which showed lesions in the brain and cervical spine. After I left his office, he called me that evening and told me he would like to admit me to the local ER that he services, and to pack my bag for 5-7 days and find some assistance within my family to take care of my children and work (I had a large wedding that I had to hand off to my lead planner, which also made her miss an Adele concert.. I still feel SO bad about this). Thankfully, my mom and stepdad were able to watch my boys in between the times when my husband could not. It was odd for me to admit myself to a hospital for numbness and tingling, but I guess this is common for MS patients. I was extremely nervous, but knew I needed help. We were brought to the main area of the ER for a variety of blood draws that needed to be sent to my Neurologist. I also had an IV started in my hand as I knew I would be in patient for multiple days. I was then ushered to the Neuro floor where I was the youngest patient by probably 40 years. I was started on IV fluid, and waited and waited (mind you, check in is a SLOW process). I arrived around 4:00 pm, and wasn't given a bed until around 8:00 p.m. I spoke to the nurses who then told me I would be given a lumbar puncture or spinal tap procedure the next day and they would be administering high dose steroid via IV called Solumedrol, to help with the inflammation in my body (this was my first MS attack ever, and my body needed a reprieve).
I am very in sync and in touch with my own body and how I feel, and how I react to things. The Solumedrol gave me an immediate red flushing in my face, and I felt like I was on fire- overly hot, felt headache type pressure, and also kind of felt like I was becoming The Hulk (lots of energy that felt like I could run the hospital floors in my fancy gown). I was also given Pepcid, because I now know that steroids wreak havoc on the GI system. I ended the night with insomnia and worry for what was to come.
The next day I waited for what seemed like forever for the Spinal Tap procedure. They rolled me in my bed to the Radiology area, and I had to say goodbye to my hubby. No guests allowed. I prayed my entire trip through multiple hallways and elevators, and thankfully I was allowed to keep my cell phone on me to correspond with my husband and family. I remember them giving me a different paper type gown to change into, and a nurse had to place some cleaning solution all over my back. I had to lay stomach first on this bed that moved up and down. I met the anesthesiologist performing the LP, and then they left to scrub in. There was a kind angel of a nurse there that kept talking me through the process, and what to expect. She also tried to keep my mind off of the procedure, and asked about my children, and my work, and family, which thinking back, was SO helpful and amazing for my mental state. I remember the doctors coming in, and the lights going off, and being lifted up high on the bed. I also remember the initial "sting" of the needle that administered the lidocaine to the area. The next needle that is inserted between the 3rd and 4th vertebrae, is the one that measured for the CSF (cerebral spinal fluid). I kept telling myself, after two c-sections, and epidurals, this wouldn't be that bad. I am going to be real here: it was BAD. I have an extreme high tolerance for pain, and I cried through the entire LP like a baby. The same angel nurse held my hand and kept telling me it would be over soon, and to squeeze her hand. The doctor explained that the fluid looked clear, not murky, and that it would be submitted to the lab for further examination and results that my Neurologist would review with me. I got a small bandaid over the puncture site, and was rolled on my back onto my hospital bed, and then back to my room, where I was told I needed to stay laying down the remainder of the day and not move (not even to go to the bathroom!!!). I know know this is done to prevent migraine headaches after the procedure. I had to drink sideways from a straw as much fluids as I could, but boy did I get a nice headache from the LP. It was quite a fun experience to use a bed pan to urinate, and the young intern not knowing what she was doing, and spilling urine all over the bed sheets in a bed where I wasn't allowed to MOVE! I could've died of embarrassment that day. Thankfully towards dinner time, I was able to sit up and eat a bit. What a fun day that was!