Patient resources.

Pre-procedure instructions

• If your procedure is under sedation in office or under anesthesia in Surgery Center or Hospital: DO NOT drink clear water (without sugar) at least 2-3 hour prior to procedure.
• DO NOT drink non clear liquid (anything with sugar) at least 8 hours before your block.
• DO NOT eat anything at least 8 hours before your block. Come with an empty stomach.
• DO NOT chew gum or suck on any candy.
• DO NOT take any ASPIRIN , or aspirin-containing medication 7 days prior to your block.
• DO NOT take vitamin E, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Indocin, Naprosyn or similar anti-inflammatory medication 7 days prior to your procedure.
• DO NOT take PLAVIX 7-10 days prior to the procedure after a discussion this with your PCP.
• DO NOT take COUMADIN and Aggrenox 7 days prior to the procedure after a discussion this with your PCP. Take bloodwork PT/INR one day before or same day prior to procedure.
• DO NOT take Brilinta 5 days prior to procedure.
• DO NOT take Xarelto and Eliquis 3 days prior to procedure.
• DO NOT take Lovenox 24 hours prior to procedure.
• If you are not sure, please feel free to ask us or call your local pharmacist.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is acceptable.
• DO take blood pressure pills, seizure medications, asthma medications, thyroid medications, pain medications as prescribed/scheduled with a sip of water.
• You should have an escort to drive you home due to the nature of the procedure unless transportation is provided by surgery center or hospital. THIS IS MANDATORY !!! The driver must meet you in the Hospital or Ambulatory Surgery Center to escort you to the vehicle. They cannot wait for you in the car.
• You might require pre-procedure blood work if your procedure is a Discography, Disc Decompression, Spinal Cord Stimulator insertion. If your doctor gave you a prescription for blood work the results must be sent to this office no later than two days prior to your procedure.
• IF YOU ARE HAVING A DISCOGRAPHY, you will be given a prescription for a post- discography MRI. Please go there immediately after the Discography, they are expecting you. Please request CD of your MRI film at MRI facility.
• IF YOU HAVE A LATEX ALLERGY, TELL THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
• For more information, please call the office at (973)996-2990.

Female Patients

• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you MUST inform us immediately
• Urine pregnancy test will be done prior to the procedure.

Diabetic Patients

• If you are a DIABETIC, you need to let us know and we will schedule your procedure early in the morning.
• Take 1/2 of your long acting insulin the morning of your procedure only.
• DO NOT take any oral diabetic medications if you have not been eating for 8hrs prior to sedation.
• Please, check your glucose (Fingerstick) at home on the procedural day. If it is over 200, please call office first before you come in.

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.
• 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.
• 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.