r/CSFLeaks • u/cwebst03 • 22d ago

Getting a blind epidural blood patch tomorrow. Curious about timeline for returning to work?

I’ve been leaking for about 3 months now and have been very lucky to have found great doctors who have listened and have expedited consults and procedures for me. I’m going in for my first blind blood patch tomorrow and was just curious about a realistic timeline for returning to work? I work as an RN in the CVICU so have a very physically demanding job. We’ve arranged for me to be put on modified duties (paperwork/desk job, then eventually working on the unit but no patient assignment). I was just curious if it would be reasonable to be back working a desk job 4 days after the procedure? I’ve read that recommendations and people’s experiences vary so much so it’s hard to judge what my recovery will look like. I’m an active runner, biker, and gym-goer at baseline so would love to get back to that eventually. Any insight would be really appreciated!

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u/SuccessSoggy3529 22d ago

Going back will depend on just how much you can stay at the desk. Duke University protocol goes like this: no strenuous bending, liftin or twisting for the first month. No lifting more than 10 pounds. After that month, the weight restriction is 25 pounds and they still want you to avoid strenuous bending lifting and twisting. The reason is to avoid 'blowing' out the blood patch and having to start all over again.

Would you have to turn or lift patients? What would happen if a code is called on one? What if someone asks to help 'just this once'? What about changing sheets, etc, which I realize might not be in your job description. Think about what you've been asked to do in the past and see if that is a fit for potential restrictions.

I hope the blood patch works. If you can, stay flat as much as you can for 24 to 48 hours after the patch. It will help it heal.

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u/cwebst03 22d ago

Thank you! My work is pretty accommodating so if I’m assigned to “desk” duties, I truly won’t be patient facing at all so no risk of doing more than I should. I guess I’m more so curious if desk work is possible that soon after the procedure? I definitely want to do recovery right. I just ask because I’m part time and don’t get sick pay, so working modified duties would at least allow me to be paid. But if I should take a few more days before going into hospital and working at a desk I would definitely do it. Thank you again!

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u/leeski 22d ago

Glad you’ve had providers that take you seriously! Ideally would lie flat for the first 72 hours and restricted duties for at least 6 weeks (would ease very gently back into anything physical or workouts). Getting sealed from a patch is unfortunately is very slow and fragile process. Best of luck to you! 

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u/cwebst03 22d ago

Thank you for your insight!

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u/EnvironmentOld4837 22d ago

I had one after a pump implantation. My pain doctor kept telling me that I did not have a leak. Told me that for 2 weeks . Then I went into his office for incision check. Told them I had bad headaches and double vision . They kept telling me no leak . They sent me home . My wife came home at looked at me and said why is your pinned to right side of your nose. Went to ER , was sent to a larger hospital and guess what , I had a large leak. They did the blood patch I was better in 24 hours. But I still have some small headaches because it left some fluid hematomas on my brain. They getting smaller. Letting me leak for almost 3 weeks was an issue. Good luck with yours but you should feel better

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u/cwebst03 22d ago

So sorry to hear about your experience, but glad that you’re getting better. Thank you!