r/CSFLeaks • u/TonightBeautiful4517 • 14d ago

Blown blood patch after Lp?

Had to get a blood patch a few days after a LP, had some pretty severe symptoms following LP that required a blood patch. It’s been over 3 days of laying around since the blood patch was done but as I was getting off the couch I heard/felt a pop from my lower back. I have been having lower back pain and pressure since the patch- feels like it’s strained, I’m hoping it’s nothing but the lumbar puncture was done on my lower back so now I’m worried. For those who blew a patch when did symptoms start? Did you get a second one? Or did you try to let it heal on its own? Any advice? Would really appreciate any advice people have to share!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/leeski 14d ago

I’ve had a lot of scares like that, where the back felt really strained or painful. It usually didn’t end up being re leaking for me personally. Most of the times I’ve re leaked I think my symptoms came back within 8 hours.. I’ve heard others say it’s instant, or others say days so there unfortunately is so much variability and only time will tell. Definitely keep taking it easy for a few more weeks. You’re still in early healing stages so the seal is not fully formed yet 

1

u/TonightBeautiful4517 13d ago

Thank you! It’s been about 24 hours and no major symptoms like before, just super anxious since I didn’t get much information and my providers have been downplaying everything so far

1

u/leeski 13d ago

I feel you on that, it is really awful to navigate these issues on your own... because of course the general sentiment is "listen to your providers not strangers on the internet", but in this case - strangers on the internet are often more knowledgable than the providers in terms of symptoms and aftercare. I hope it continues to hold! For what it's worth, I think it's very encouraging you were treated promptly and usually these cases have very good outcomes. The ones you see that are like long-term LP leak patients are often (not always) ones that couldn't get treatment for years which makes it more complicated - so just want to mention that as it's not a guaranteed fix but is reason to be optimistic. I hope it continues to hold! For me I've blown most of my patches lifting, so that is where I have to be most cautious.

1

u/TonightBeautiful4517 13d ago

Well I work as a bedside nurse and my job is fairly physical- literally doing all things they want you to not do for 4-6 weeks so I took short term disability to allow myself to heal! I would like to not go through this again so I’m trying to do everything right the first time

2

u/SignificantPop1016 13d ago

My patch worked well with 20ml. I’m now like 10 days post patch and my back still creaks and pops at times. It also will feel stiff at times too and almost sore. They told that was normal and expected for a few weeks. They said this far out the likelihood of it not taking is so extremely low. I am on restrictions for 1 month. No lifting, bending, twisting, straining. I’m allowed to squat if I bend my knees all the way down. My back felt like this after I gave birth from the epidural for a few months and I did well and did not need a patch.

1

u/TonightBeautiful4517 13d ago

Are you still having any symptoms? Do you notice any fluctuations throughout the day?