1. does it hurt? will i want to punch the doctor?
2. anyone know how much its going to cost? (without insurance)

it better not cost more than my MRI, i mean that was so rad i cant get over it.

I think they do hurt like hell, even though they anaesthise the skin. And I doubt they would be as expensive as an MRI by any stretch of the imagination, but since a skilled doctor has to do it if you don't want to spend the rest of your life in a wheel chair, i imagine its more then say a blood test.

I just read a 'worst pain you've ever experienced'-thread on another forum and it was mentioned several times.

I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I had one and it was --- I can't even think how to properly describe the pain. I have a pretty high tolerance and have had tons of nasty tests and injuries and things, but I have always said " well at least it isn't a spinal tap." The good news is that it is over relatively quickly. If I recall corrrectly they had to use an electronic gadget to properly place the needle to withdraw the spinal fluid from the proper place. They did poke about a nit. But any time there is a machine that may or may not go ping it is usually costly. But if you need it -- you need it. Mine ended up being negative -- I receommend asking what other otions may be available/other possible diagnoses etc.

BEST OF LUCK

well that just pisses me off.

i might not even have to do it, we're waiting on blood tests i did last time i was at the neuro, he's thinking its myashintia gravis (sp?) so the blood test shall say if its true or not. if they come up neg we're doing a tap for MS. but he told me i was "chunky" so they would use the scope to see where they were poking me. how nice is that?

im just gonna be pissed because if i have it done it will be like 2 days before tigz and the clotty land for a raunchy spring fest.

Wait for the other test results. If you do not have to do this test - don't. I hope it isn't MS. I wish you the best.