Post Procedure Instructions
POST PROCEDURE CARE
INSERTION SITE CARE
- Ice packs, if needed for the 1st 24 hours.
- Warm moist heating pads after that.
- May alternate ICE & HEAT every 10 minutes.
ACTIVITY
- Take it easy today, rest for 24 hours.
- Increase activity as tolerated.
- If you have weakness or numbness anywhere caused by the pain block, limit activity until sensation returns to normal.
- You may take a shower the next day & remove the band-aids.
- Avoid tub baths, whirlpools and swimming pools for the next 2-3 days.
DIET
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Resume normal diet as tolerated
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- You may experience increased pain for 24 hours to 5 days after the injections, or a stiff, full, tight feeling. This is normal.
- You may have bruising at the injection site. If so, apply ice.
- Your pain may take several days to go away. This is because the steroid medication you received can take up to 72 hrs to become effective. Maximum steroid effect will usually be seen in 7 to 10 days.
- You may have increased pain for several days after the procedure. If this occurs:
- Rest your back 24-48 hrs
- Ice the back 10 minutes on then off several times a day
- Use ice and heat as needed
- Take your pain medication as prescribed
- When your back/legs feel better do not be tempted to over do your activity.
- Make sure to call the office for the follow-up appointment within 48hrs of your procedure.
- Do not drive a vehicle, drink alcohol, or operate machinery for 24 hrs from your procedure if you received any sedation.
- Please call the office if you have any unusual problems not covered in this document.
NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
- Any skin rashes, hives, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
- An increase in your level of pain unrelieved by regular means.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
- Persistent headache which worsens upon sitting or standing.
- Chills/fever (temperature greater than 101 F).
- To help us check the results of your pain block, please note if and when your pain returns. Also, record the time you begin taking any pain medications.
- Any other questions/concerns call our office at (973)996-2990.