« Pre-operative Instructions

Post-procedure Instructions

Activity

1. Rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure.
2. If you have received sedation for your procedure, do not drive or operate heavy equipment for the remainder of the day.
3. If you did not receive sedation for your procedure, do not drive or operate heavy equipment for the rest of the day without first consulting with your physician.
4. No smoking without the presence of another adult.
5. No alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following your procedure.
6. Always have assistance when walking upstairs or downstairs, you may have numbness or weakness in an extremity related to the procedure which could cause it to give away.

Diet

Advance from clear liquids to your regular diet as tolerated.

Wound

Band-Aids may be removed after 24 hours and do not need to be replaced.

Large dressings should be kept clean and dry and changed as instructed.

Bathing

Shower may be taken the day after your procedure, unless otherwise instructed. Please avoid baths, saunas, hot tubs and pools for 4 days following your procedure.

Avoid placing heat over the procedure site for the first 48 hours.

Use ice over the procedure site as needed after the procedure. Remove ice after 20 minutes of cold exposure.

Medications

Take your normal medications as directed unless instructed to do otherwise. You will be instructed when to resume your blood thinner if you were told to discontinue it before your procedure.

Notify your physician for

Infection
signs include: fever, excessive redness or discharge at wound site

Neurologic change
Numbness/weakness lasting over 24 hours that is different from your pre-procedure symptoms, the inability to move an arm or leg, new weakness that has been present for more than 24 hour, or new onset bowel or bladder incontinence.

Difficulty breathing
Continuous shortness of breath, cough, and/or painful breathing.

Adverse medication reaction
signs include rash, welts, or excessive itching. Steroids given in the injection may occasionally cause temporary side effects that can include a light rash, redness or flushing in the face, headache, and possible weight gain. These should resolve themselves within 1-2 weeks. Patients with diabetes may have impaired glucose levels that will usually resolve over 2-3 days. Patients should follow up with the physician who manages their diabetes to have this monitored. If you have a history of peptic ulcers, notify your physicians, steroids may possibly worsen this condition.

Urinary retention
If unable to urinate for 8 hours following the procedure, please call your physician.

Nausea or Vomiting
If persistent and you are unable to tolerate clear liquids for over 8 hours, call your physician.

Pain
Soreness at the injection site is expected. This may also lead to localized muscle spasm and pain referred to the other areas away from the injection site. Sometimes your original pain may return or occasionally even feel temporarily worse after a treatment. Notify the physician for any questions or changes regarding change in symptoms.

Medication Policy
All prescriptions are given at your physician's office.