BEFORE - Procedure Instructions
We are committed to your safety and well being. Here are a few helpful but important instructions that you should keep in mind prior to your procedure. These are general instructions. These instructions may not apply to your specific case. Please clarify with the office prior to stopping any medication. This is the same form you may have received at your visit.
- ALERT the office if you are on any ANTICOAGULATION (blood thinners)
- ALERT the office if you think you may be pregnant
- ALERT the office if you have allergies to SHELLFISH or IV CONTRAST
- STOP all doses of Aspirin 7 days prior to the scheduled procedure day
- STOP all anti-inflammatory medications 2 days prior to the scheduled procedure day
- STOP all prescription FISH OILS 7 days prior to the scheduled procedure day
- If you and Dr. Bhandari have determined that you will benefit from IV ANESTHESIA, DO NOT EAT or DRINK 8 HOURS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE TIME. Take all of your scheduled regular medications, unless otherwise specified, with a sip of water the morning of your procedure. Expect to stay a bit longer in the recovery room.
- You will need a driver to take you home if you will be receiving anesthesia. This is a precaution taken to keep you safe in the hours immediately after your procedure. Dr. Bhandari will not proceed with the procedure unless there is an identified driver.
AFTER - Procedure Instructions
- Continue usual activities for 2-3 days, avoiding lifting more than weight of gallon of milk. You may need to take days off from work if your work is labor intensive.
- If you have had a nerve block, Dr. Bhandari will ask you to resume all normal activity the day of the procedure to see if the injection identified the origin of your pain.
- ICE your back (15 minutes every 4 to 6 hours) as needed. Needle site soreness is normal.
- Band-Aids can be taken off next day
- Please shower for 2 days, do not take baths or swim for 2 days after procedure
- Expect pain to reoccur after injection. Steroid may take 3 to 4 days to take effect
- Keep a pain journal with 0 being no pain to 10 being worst pain ever felt. Bring the journal to your follow up visit.
- Monitor your blood pressure if you have hypertension (high blood pressure). Your blood pressure may elevate slightly over the next 1 week after the injection of steroid. Call the doctor who manages your blood pressure for further recommendations.
- Monitor your blood sugar if you are diabetic. The steroid may raise your blood sugar. Call the doctor who manages your diabetes for further recommendations.
When to call the office or go to the Emergency Room:
- We do not offer an after-hours emergency phone service. Please go to your ER, urgent care, or call 911.
- Severe, unusual pain after the procedure that is not alleviated by medications
- Fevers after the procedure greater than 100.0 F
- Bleeding, discharge, or swelling at the sight of the needle after the procedure
- Lasting weakness or numbness after the procedure
- Severe headache that comes on only when you sit or stand up.