Remnents of a Spinal Tap years later...

It has been 21 years since I had a spinal tap.  At the time, I went along with whatever the doctor suggested because we were not able to figure out what I had definitively. If I knew then what I know now I would have chosen NOT to participate.  I am not saying this is the choice for everyone, but again, if I knew then what I know now there wouldn't have been any place for it because it turned out negative.  The test was extremely painful because during the actual needle being inserted and pulled out a bit to relocate it struck a nerve and caused major pain.  I am not upset with the doctor because I know that accidents happen.  I was laying on my stomach and was looking at a screen that showed the doctor where the needle was inside my body and could see it actually happen.  For months up to a year after this procedure I would experience lower back pain daily exactly where the procedure was done.  When the weather would change it would be even worse.  Even still to this day when the weather changes it still acts up.  Over the years it seems to have lessened some but today, wow, it hurts almost as bad as the day it occurred. I woke up and when I started walking I almost hit the floor.  The weather outside is very cloudy so the house inside was fairly dark. I was trying to figure out why my back hurt so badly then it struck me where the pain was coming from and the fact the house was dark the weather must be changing, so it made sense.  Even though my back is really hurting I am very thankful and prayerful that the weather will stay changed and the skies will open up and God will let the rain pour down  Lots of it!  I can take medicine and use ice and heat to ease the pain but I can't make it rain.  Should it rain, which we have a great possibility, will make it all worth while.  I do not like being in pain but it does help remind me of what I need to do to be as healthy as I can be, but more than anything to be grateful for everything no matter how it comes. 

Having a spinal tap should be based solely on the individual. Do your research! You need to do what is right for you and your family.  My test did not come back showing that I had MS at that time.  I believe that the many tests that I took early on were all negative because I was in the early stages and it isn't always detected.  I have no doubt that if I were to do the usual tests of spinal tap and MRI's that they would show it and all its glory. But for me, I choose to not continue to have MRI's yearly or how ever often b/c I would change nothing in the way that I treat my MS currently.  For me, all it would do is make me stress even more from knowing I have more lesions or what not.  Again, this is my decision that I have made with the help of my family.  What I am doing is working for me.  Everyone is different and everyone needs to make decision for themselves on tests to do or medicines to take, etc.  I try to keep an open mind and pray I will continue to.  I hope to be able to support others in their decisions and hope you will share what you are doing on here as well.  Things that work for you and things that haven't worked.  We all learn from trial and error and if we can share our experiences with each other then we are better off I believe.