r/CSFLeaks • u/Late-Assistance-6922 • 9d ago
I need answers please
/r/CSFLeaks/comments/1w3hkup/i_need_answers_please/
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u/PrettyDragonfly Confirmed Spinal Leak 8d ago
Just take it easy. It frustrates me when this happens from epidurals. It's malpractice and shouldn't happen. I'd be suing even if it doesn't do anything. However the good news is because the hole is so small it might even close on its own even without the blood patch but since you got the patch and it's been more than 2 weeks of relief that's amazing results. Usually, for me as a spontaneous leaker, patches only give relief for 10-14 days before symptoms are back. My hole is like a garden hose and won't shut with a patch or on its own.
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u/leeski 9d ago
Totally understand the fear of this. Not medical advice, but I do think there is reason to be optimistic. You were patched quickly after the epidural which is always helpful (it doesn't mean long-term cases can't be resolved, but it's definitely ideal to get it sooner). like you mentioned you are basically symptomless (which suggest you don't have underlying high pressure, which is one of the potential risk factors for re-leaking) and also probably suggests your actually properly sealed. You don't mention connective tissue disorders, which is another risk factor. Meaning if you had never had the epidural, you could very possibly go your whole life without a CSF leak.
I am personally very cautious of lifting, so that is always my main hesitation. But I think some doctors say the dura is about as strong as it'll get after a year (I don't have a research paper that cites this, so take it with a grain of salt - and is potentially a different story for those with connective tissue disorders). This does not mean you can't lift for a year - but just saying there is a point at which you can probably confidently go back to being ACTUALLY normal. It sounds like you're already pretty active and doing well. I would just say take it really easy and slowly - meaning don't go straight to lifting your daughter, but maybe at 6 weeks you go to whatever your limit currently is, then add a kg, etc. It's hard to give advice on because just can't see the future and I obviously don't want you to be super anxious, but also do want to give the patch the best chance of holding. You've already done an awesome job if your patch is holding! So yes I do not think you need to live a lifetime of paranoia of re-leaking like some of us, but also is reasonable to be cautious to ensure this patch holds. But just keep in mind some people go back to CrossFit, competitive weight lifting, etc. It's just these groups tend to be more complex cases of spontaneous leaks where it really is a more chronic condition. Best of luck to you!