Lumbar Drain

[Sammict]

Hi Everyone

       One of the things my neurosurgon said he would placing a Lumbar Drain for the excess fluid. He said it would stay in for 3 days after surgery.

      He is a very good doctor he has done many AN Very Experienced but from everyones posts I am not reading to much about the Lumbar Drain so it's making a little nervous.

     Has anyone had one ? And I am hoping I am not awake when they do it I here it is very painful.

Sam

[ppearl214]

Hi Sam,

I, personally, don't know of anyone that had a "pre-planned" lumbar drain, but I do know of a user on this site (she's been rather quiet lately but do a search of her screennic and suggestion would be to send her a PM/email), Gennysmom, who did have a CSF leak and they  did (I believe) an 8 day lumbar drain when they discovered the CSF leak.   Off the top of my head, she comes to mind first.

Hope that helps.
Phyl

[Sammict]

Phil

Thank you I will check it out.

 I am putting together a bunch of questions  for my doctors when I meet with them again on the 19th i can also find out more then.

I am just hoping it's something they do once they put me out I don't want to be awake for it.

Thanks Sam

[HeadCase2]

Sammict,
  I had a lumbar drain for a few days after AN surgery.  It was done sometime during surgery, in the lower back area, while I was "asleep", and did not hurt at all.  It was taken out either the day before or the day they let me out of the hospital.  I was aware that the lumbat drain was there, but it really didn't bother me as far as sleeping, or getting out of bed and walking around, etc.  I think the lumbar drain is there to make sure that cranial fluid pressure is low, allowing the skull intrusion area to heal up as fast as possible, which minimized possible infection of CSF (meningitis), and perhaps allowing for some swelling without cranial pressure going up.  Don't worry about a lumbar drain, it really won't bother you.
Regards,
  Rob

[Catflower]

I also had a lumbar drain for a few days after my surgery.  It was placed during the time I was under anesthesia.  It didn't bother me at all.  The only thing that hurt was when the doctor took it out and put a couple of sutures in.

Linda in WV

[Sammict]

Thank you so much for your responses I have been hearing hoarer stories about how they do it while your awake and how much it hurts.

I feel so much better.

Thanks soo much

Sam

[Jeanlea]

Hi Sam,

I also had a lumbar drain for three days after my surgery.  It didn't bother me at all.  I only really know that I had it because my sister mentioned it.  No pain at all that I recall.  They must have put it in during the end of my surgery.

Jean

[leapyrtwins]

Sam -

it's okay to ask the doctor to make sure the drain is put in after they put you out (anesthetize you, that is).  I didn't have a lumbar drain, but I did have a catheter - I think just about everybody does - due to the length of the surgery.  I asked my doctor to make sure the catheter was put in once I was asleep because I've had one placed while I was awake and it was no picnic.  He said it would be no problem and he was true to his word.

Jan

[Jeff]

I also had a lumbar drain for a few days after my first surgery. And mine too was inserted while I was under anesthesia. My doctor said that they did this as a matter of course. I had a CSF leak after my second surgery and had to be readmitted. I had the drain inserted while I was awake and I agree that it does hurt. But, I would guess that you will get yours while under anesthesia. Best wishes on your surgery!
Jeff

[Sammict]

Thanks so much everyone I feel much better about it.

Thanks Again Sam

[leapyrtwins]

Sam -

just another note about this.  I've talked to two or three people within the past week who are scheduled for AN surgery soon and they tell me that some doctors are now inserting the lumbar drain during surgery as a "just in case".  So it appears it's becoming a natural addition to the surgical process.

That way if you need it, it's already in place and they don't have insert it post op while you are awake.  And if you don't need it, no harm done; they just remove it.

Jan

[Sammict]

Hi Jan

My husband says he remembers the doctors telling us that they do put in as a percaution. I just never asked when they put it in.

 I started reading testimonials that they are typically done while your awake. So I got a little nervous.

But it sounds like I can request to have it done after I go under.


Thank you
Sam

[lori67]

Hi Sam.

I just spoke with a woman the other day who said she's having the lumbar drain put in at surgery time.  I've never heard of this, but it must be one of those things that some doctors to routinely, and others don't.  I'm sure they'll wait until you're under to do it as I'm sure they wouldn't intentionally inflict pain if it's not neccessary. 

Good luck to you.
Lori

[oHIo]

I was told prior to surgery that I might have a lumbar drain (decision to be made by the neurosurgeon during surgery).  I did not wake up with one, but ended up with one for 6 days after my CSF leak.  They numbed the area, I believe they gave me some "happy" medicine and I don't remember feeling a thing.  I had been worried about it, but it was not a big deal.  The IV was more painful.

[Jim Scott]

I never had a lumbar drain.  I didn't experience a CSF leak so I didn't need the drain.  My neurosurgeon told me that when he opened up my skull, CSF 'shot' out because it was under pressure from the AN (not much room in there).  However, putting one in during surgery doesn't seem like a bad idea and is certainly easier on the recovering patient.   Interesting new approach. 

Jim