Lumbar Puncture - 5 Days in the Hospital
By DE
@DaddyEvil (175988)
United States
July 7, 2026 2:34pm CST
I just got the call from the nurse who set up the lumbar puncture for the hydrocephalus. I go in on August 24th and will be in the hospital for 5 days. Since I only do myLot on my laptop, that means you won't hear from me after that until I'm out of the hospital and home again.
The nurse said they would have me do a speech therapy session as soon as I get there to check and see what problems I'm having. (I don't have any problems with speaking. I have problems walking and standing without falling down. Pretty said it would be obvious to them what my physical problems are when we get there so they can test those before and after the lumbar puncture.)
I really dislike hospitals but this is a necessary testing so I HAVE to do it. I will load my phone with new ebooks before I go and see what other things I need. The nurse said she'd send a schedule along with things I'm allowed to have and what meds I'll need to bring with me. I'm NOT allowed any aspirin (I take a daily baby aspirin.) for 7 days before I get there and one other daily med but I can't remember what else she said off-hand. It will be in the documents she's sending me.
And now you know everything I know at this point.
23 people like this
23 responses
@wolfgirl569 (137734)
• Marion, Ohio
7 Jul
I am just glad they have you scheduled for the testing. Those five days will go fast
7 people like this
@AmbiePam (123241)
• United States
7 Jul
I’m going to pray hard for you, young man. I know it’s unpleasant, and that’s underselling it because I clearly remember my lumbar puncture, and I don’t have the seriousness of what you do.
We’ll keep you entertained right up until you have to go into the hospital!
5 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
7 Jul
Me, too! And I really hope so! Pretty can't come with me since she won't have a way home again. I'm sure I'll be using my phone a lot more than normal.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
@AmbiePam Thank you. I'm sure everything will be fine. 
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77905)
• Philippines
8 Jul
You'll be bleeding if you continue to take aspirin as it's a blood thinner.
I can't wait for you to get the proper treatment and be well.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
I'm already not allowed to take anything else for headaches, which I have almost every morning when I wake up.
I hope they get everything figured out and I won't have to do the hospital thing again.
2 people like this
@toniganzon (77905)
• Philippines
8 Jul
@DaddyEvil You have to endure the headache for weeks.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
@toniganzon Yeah, for at least one week. I'm sure the hospital staff can give me some pain reliever for the headache after we get there.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (191604)
• Boise, Idaho
8 Jul
Puncture? Oh, it sounds like such fun. NOT!! 5 days? I like the hospital(the attention I guess) but most people don't. Best of luck and hope all goes well and it isn't too painful or horrific.
One thing I was thinking of is that this could be something positive to add to your SS claim.
Don't forget your charger!
2 people like this
@celticeagle (191604)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Jul
@DaddyEvil ........I understand. My grandson got his final notification from SSA a couple of months ago. I don't what will happen when they decide not to pay for his meds anymore. With the government doing all they can to 'institutionalize the mentally ill" I don't know what the future holds for my kids, you or others in this world. I feel lucky to continue getting my SS each month. When it started dropping later into my account I got very nervous.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
Yeah, I know... I'm not looking forward to it. I'm making a list of things I'll want to take and a long cord and charger are at the top of my list. Thank you. 
That's what Pretty is saying, too. She's looked and said IF they have to put a shunt in my head, then I qualify again for disability... Not that anyone cared about qualifications before.
That's what Pretty is saying, too. She's looked and said IF they have to put a shunt in my head, then I qualify again for disability... Not that anyone cared about qualifications before.1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
12 Jul
@celticeagle I hope your grandson was granted his SSDI. Pretty has started the paperwork again for mine.
I hope they never decide your grandson can do without his meds. That would be really bad!
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56995)
• Canada
7 Jul
This sounds like a big 'pill' to swallow, so the old saying goes.
But necessary to find a diagnosis.
I hope that the time there isn't terrible and that the diagnosis is easily found by the doctors and that they can start you on a course of treatment. You're such a huge part of our myLot family, and I cannot imagine how Pretty feels when she sees that you aren't well.
I will send you prayers and positive vibes.
And I also, hope that they can help you as a result of the testing.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56995)
• Canada
7 Jul
@DaddyEvil Don't think of the worst DE, I know it is easy to do, but do not let your mind go there.
Just try to find something that you can do quietly to pass the time when you have to lie still. For me, as silly as this sounds, it is counting. I count forwards, backwards, by 3's by different numbers and then backwards again. I can keep still and it helps pass the time.
And you'll be in so many friends prayers, just here on the site, that you will have to be fine.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
@Juliaacv I'll have my phone with me so can read all I want without anyone telling me there are other things I should be doing. I'm currently loading up my phone with extra ebooks to read while I'm not busy.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
7 Jul
Thank you. I appreciate that. If needed, they'll do a drain from my head to my abdomen to drain off excess spinal fluid as it builds up. I'm not looking forward to that, either.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (504926)
• Italy
8 Jul
@DaddyEvil - I am sure you can find something to do while there.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
@LadyDuck I can read ebooks on my phone and I do have internet on it but don't like taking my phone online. I'm sure I'll be calling some friends and driving them crazy when I get really bored. 
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
Thank you. I'm happy about that, too. I'm sure I'll figure out some way to pass the time while I'm in the hospital.
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (12372)
• United Kingdom
7 Jul
I’m pleased you have a date. You’re right it is necessary so you must go…..be brave my friend ! I do hope they can do something to help you .
You will be fine for 5 days with all your books ….
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
7 Jul
They says I'll need to stay on my back if I'm in bed. I know they'll keep waking me up to check blood pressure and monitor me but I hope they let me get some sleep, too.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
7 Jul
@Traceyjayne It's 70 miles one way and nope. She can't drive and I probably won't tell any more of my family that I'll be gone. My brother, Steve, that picks up our groceries for us MIGHT find out but not if I can help it.
@Traceyjayne (12372)
• United Kingdom
7 Jul
@DaddyEvil yes, that is the problem, they do keep waking you up to do tests …im sure you will be able to get sleep too though …
How far away from where you live is the hospital ? Will Pretty be able to visit you ?
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (87825)
• United States
8 Jul
I’ll put you on my prayer list. I’m sorry you have to have it, and you have to go nearly a week without us (and we have to go without you!), and I certainly pray it’s a successful surgery. And prayers for Pretty….as I like to say, nobody goes through something like this alone, it affects everyone in the family.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
Thank you. They aren't talking surgery yet but it is a possibility. At least Pretty will get to stay home and sleep in her own bed while they're torturing me in the hospital.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
Thank you! I'm sure everything will be okay and I'll be home again before you know it. 
1 person likes this
@sallypup (69512)
• Centralia, Washington
8 Jul
@DaddyEvil My best wishes for you.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
Thank you. I want it over and done with already. 
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4680)
•
10 Jul
It will probably be nice to be offline for a while and get some reading done. I don't mind being in the hospital too much, although it can be hard to sleep. The food is usually better than people say :)
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
12 Jul
I was off for several days because my eyes were swelled closed. I let my laptop read to me when that happens. The last time I was in the hospital, I wasn't allowed to eat so I have no idea if the food it good now or not.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
13 Jul
@AliCanary I told my daughter that I was packing snacks in my bag when I go to the hospital this time. I wasn't letting them starve me like they did last time.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4680)
•
13 Jul
@DaddyEvil when I broke my leg back in college, I was in the hospital for about five days. The food was SO good, but I could barely eat! I actually became hypoglycemic and fainted. They had to give me some glucose in my IV, I think.
1 person likes this
@thelme55 (79770)
• Germany
8 Jul
I hate hospitals, too. I am glad you have a scheduled appointment and so you can prepare now. I hope you will get a right treatment. You will be ok.
I have overcame 6 weeks being hospitalised when I was 25 years old. I am glad I was already in Germany at that time and I or my husband didn’t have to pay for me. It was all covered by our health insurance.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
12 Jul
@thelme55 Thanks. That's what we said or I wouldn't be able to get the procedure done!
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
9 Jul
Thank you very much. Going to the hospital always makes me nervous but this isn't something I can just say I'm not doing.
This is supposed to all be covered by my insurance, thank goodness.
1 person likes this
@thelme55 (79770)
• Germany
11 Jul
@DaddyEvil Thank goodness it is al covered by your health insurance.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (223765)
• United States
8 Jul
That's a long time to be in the hospital. I hope all goes well.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
Thank you. I'm sure everything will be fine. August is still a long time away.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
12 Jul
@LindaOHio I know I seem to be, at least.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (223765)
• United States
12 Jul
@DaddyEvil You're very welcome. I think we're all falling apart.
1 person likes this
@Neil43 (4548)
•
7 Jul
That sounds like a lot to prepare for, but it’s good that you have a clear plan and helpful information from the nurse. Five days in the hospital isn’t fun, but hopefully having some good ebooks and knowing what to expect will make it a little easier. It’s great that they’re being thorough with the testing, even if the speech therapy part seems a bit unnecessary for you! I’ll miss hearing from you while you’re away, but I’m wishing you all the best for the procedure and a smooth stay. Take care, and I’ll be looking forward to catching up when you’re back home, DE!
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
8 Jul
I almost forgot I foung something for you when I was looking at cartoons a few days ago... Luckily, I found it again when I downloaded another picture for somebody else on myLot...
Screenshot cartoon from Cartoons.com.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (170198)
• United States
8 Jul
That is definitely more than we knew yesterday. We will miss you and expect you to work extra hard before you go,
.I will pray for you and hope this solves a multitude of problems.
.I will pray for you and hope this solves a multitude of problems.1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
9 Jul
I KNOW! I'd rather know that not know what's happening or when it will happen.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
9 Jul
Thank you very much. I appreciate that.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (99228)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7 Jul
I wish you the very best of luck, many blessings, and will put you in my prayers when you get to the hospital, Just in case
https://www.doctronic.ai/procedures-screenings-tests/preparing-for-your-lumbar-puncture-a-step-by-step-guide-hsL9Hi/
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
9 Jul
Thank you very much. I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus a few months ago when I fell and hit my head so went to the ER... The ER doctor had x-ray done of my head to make sure I didn't have a concussion. They found something else fun, instead.
1 person likes this
@Dreamerby (10276)
• Calcutta, India
10 Jul
Oh sorry I am reading it right now. I hope you are doing well now
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
12 Jul
Thank you. The new date is in the end of August...
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (175988)
• United States
16 Jul
Thank you. I'm sure everything will be fine.
1 person likes this
