![]() I subsequently underwent removal of the spinous process of T2 with complete laminectomies at T3/T4 to allow enough mobilization of my spinal cord to open the dura, find the leak on the anterior side and repair it. A sixth unsuccessful blood patch there led me to my cure. Imaging had indicated I had a “fast” leak, so the Mayo Clinic performed a dynamic CT myelogram and found the leak at T3. I arranged my travel to Mayo Clinic with hopes of a cure for my headache. The three that met my criteria were Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. that seemed to have what I was looking for, years of experience and a large volume of patients with spontaneous CSF leaks. After hours and hours of research, I found only three centers in the U.S. Three more blood patches directed at C2 didn’t help, so I decided to find a facility with more expertise. I was transferred to KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Ks., where they found the focus of my leak – near C2. A second lumbar blood patch brought the same, temporary relief. Twelve hours later, however, all my symptoms returned. Within minutes I felt some relief – the first since the onset of my headache. Three days passed without progress on the pain or diagnosis, so my neurologist suggested we pursue my cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak theory by doing a diagnostic/therapeutic lumbar blood patch. Imaging didn’t inform, and medication didn’t help. A few days later, the pain was too intense and distracting to work, and my neurologist recommended admission. CT, MRI, and lumbar puncture (LP) revealed only two abnormal findings – pachymeningeal enhancement on MRI and a low opening pressure on LP. ![]() When I couldn’t take it anymore, I became a patient in my own Emergency Department. I treated myself for sinusitis, then for viral meningitis. I avoided most social situations altogether as my headache persisted twenty-four hours a day. I simply tried to ignore it by lying down, closing my eyes or hiding in my room by myself. ![]() It reminded me of Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day, who relives the same day over and over. Regardless, it was there, constantly, even when I would awaken during the night. At times it would intensify, particularly if I stayed upright for an extended period of time. All day, every day, no matter what time of day, the same headache. Every day, I woke up with the same headache. By the end of my shift, it had worsened substantially. Busy and thirsty, I diagnosed dehydration, chugged a bottle of water and three ibuprofen. The headache started halfway through my (AW) shift. ![]()
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