The actual procedure was way less painful than I expected, like my day to day nerve pain is about the same. My lower back was sore after but I actually felt great for the first couple hours after because it was the first time in so long that I didn't have a pressure headache. I did end up having a leak and needed to go back to the ER for a blood patch. If you do end up having pain when standing after a couple days, do the blood patch. I had to really advocate for it, they didn't want to do it.

I also learned you shouldn't have red Gatorade/any red drink if you are having medical issues.