Lumbar Puncture refused by radiologist

Question

So..I just got back from the hospital. I went to have my LP done (ordered by Dr. Oro last week). Radiology refused. The radiologist looked at my cervical spine mri, showed it to his partners and a local NS. He then refused. He said it was "way too crowded in there" and that he didn't want to kill me.   I'm not surprised, as Dr. Oro had warned me that this was common, but that really there is not that much risk...and I fullly trust Dr. Oro. However, now I need to make my case to Dr. O for surgery. I felt this was a going through the motions thing to rule out PTC..as I know I have many other symptoms that aren't caused by PTC..or from the info I can find.  
Any input, advice, comments? I've called Dr. Oro's office..waiting for Kimberly to call me back. 
Thanks,
M

KaroleR · Answer

I have IH and Chiari. 7-14 normal range for opening. 25 is HIGH and needs to be drained. I run on "normal" LP around 24 they always drain 30-50cc when it's at that point. 
LP shouldn't be done on a no decompression Chiari for it can cause the tonsil to fall further. IH is very confusing for me compared to Chiari but just like eds af ect many of us carry Multi DX ;(
I have found TX has many Nerosurgons but few w knowlage of being a "true specialist"

selmaS · Answer

Hi PTC stands for pseudotumor cerebri...also known as ICP intracranial hypertension...this is when excess CSF builds up and creates pressure....the fluid is not being absorbed or just too much is being produced.....this can develop post op after the decompression surgery and some have it b4.

nicky_s · Answer

our daughter was recently diagnosed with chiari with hydromyelia.  I have been trying to read up on the posts to get myself more informed.  could someone tell me what PTC is ?

selmaS · Answer

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

 MicheleTx has not posted since Jan of this yr, .....u may want to send her a PM so it generates a PM (private message) so she is aware someone is trying to make contact.

 We do have others that had LPs and low #'s so u may also want to post a new thread so it is noticed as some do not reply to the older threads.

Mfeliciano07 · Answer

Hi Michele, 
So what did Dr. Oro say after your LP came back as a 12? Did you find out anymore info? Are you feeling better? Did you have the surgery? I ask cause everything you've been through I am going through now...I really would like to hear the rest of your story...

selmaS · Answer

No worries....I figured that would be the case, but not having been thru it myself I do not like to assume...but from the #'s being in range it seems clear ur CSF obstruction is Chiari related.....

 It is good that he takes his time to rule these related issues out b4 surgery.

  Keep us posted

MicheleTxRN · Answer

Dr Oro told me low is no PTC high is PTC..his order stated to drain 40 cc's off if pressure greater than 25. So to me it indicates my sx are not from PTC and that PTC is not causing or contributing to my Chiari sx. I'll be glad to get Dr. O's take on it. 

Thanks for your continued encouragement and support.

selmaS · Answer

Hi glad u r done and home, but would not want to do what u did....

 I hope u have a few days off b4 u go back to work.....rest up, and keep hydrated....

  As for the CSF level....I did not have a LP prior to my surgery the fact it is in range it may indicate no ICP, but not sure if it indicates nething else.......

MicheleTxRN · Answer

LP done yesterday in Aurora...spent about 2 hours in recovery getting IV fluids then flew back to TX. I don't recommend this to anyone...but it wasn't horrible..just uncomfortable. My CSF opening pressure was 12 cm..so that should rule out PTC..now I'm just waiting for the testing to come back and to hear back from Dr. Oro's office for what to do next. I'm laying low..trying to prevent a spinal headache..but back to work W-F, 12 hr shifts. 
Any input about the CSF level? from what I've read normal is 1-18.

selmaS · Answer

SO glad to hear u r getting this done, I agree with tdaniel , I am so sorry u have to go so far to get it done.

tdaniel770 · Answer

It's too bad you have to go that far, but good you're getting it taken care of.

MicheleTxRN · Answer

I spoke with Dr. Oro's office. They scheduled me for an LP at the hospital across the street from his office. Flying back to Denver today so we can get this out of the way.

tdaniel770 · Answer

Can you find another radiologist to do the test?  I would hate for this to hold you up from finding out your answers!!

selmaS · Answer

Hi...I am sorry they would not so the LP, but Dr O is very thorough in making sure that there is not another way b4 doing surgery, which is what we want all Drs to do....I know  it feels like it may be one more thing to hold it up, but he has to make sure and try all things ..many times to appease the ins companies....this will help to get approval.

 Hang in there ((hugs))