PRE-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
Please reach us at (210) 963-5100 if you can't find an answer to your question.
What do I need to bring with me the day of my appointment?
If you are being referred by another doctor that office will forward all records, insurance information and MRI's to us. If you are not being referred please bring your insurance information and any MRI's- X-rays of the affected area. You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete paper work.
What medications should I stop taking prior to surgery?
Your doctor will determine what medications you should stop taking before procedures or surgery, when they should be stopped, and when you can resume taking them.
How long will procedure take?
The length of procedure depends on the procedure being performed. Our procedures usually lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
What should I wear the day of my surgery?
Bathe or shower the morning of procedure, but do not apply any makeup. Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing such as t-shirts, button-down shirts, sweat pants or baggy shorts that will fit over bandages or dressings following surgery.
When should I arrive ?
Arrive promptly at the time specified by the scheduler.
Do I need to do anything special the day or night before procedure?
Instructions vary depending on the procedure. Our staff will provide written material before you receive your treatment.They usually include the following:
• Do not eat or drink anything, 4 hours prior to your procedure. You may brush your teeth.
• Follow your doctor’s orders regarding the taking of any medications the night before or the day of your surgery.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight the day of your procedure.
• Notify your doctor if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever or flu symptom.
• If there is a chance you are pregnant, please notify your doctor immediately.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, you need someone to drive you.
PRE-INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS:
Be sure to inform the doctor or his assistant if any of the following apply to you:
1. You are taking a blood thinner, such as Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix, Warfarin, Persantine, Ticlid, Aggrenox, Lovenox, Fragmin, Innohep, Pletal, Lepirudin, Fish Oil, Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin E, Cinnamon, Berlinda, Xeralto, Pradaxa, Garlic Pills, Ginger, Ginko Biloba or Aspirin. All blood thinners and aspirin must be discontinued 7-10 days prior to your procedure: ask for specific instruction for your case. Please contact the physician that prescribes your blood thinner, lab work may be required. Possible cancellation of appointment, if instructions not followed.
- You have a fever or are taking an antibiotic.
- You have an allergy to X-ray dye, betadine, shrimp, shellfish or iodine.
- You may be pregnant.
2. Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the procedure.
3. Please arrange for someone to drive you home. Your procedure will be cancelled if you do not have a ride.
4. Wear loose fitting clothing. Sweat pants work well. If you are going to have procedure performed on your upper back or neck, wear a shirt that can be easily removed. No dresses, please.
5. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time.
6. No Coffee or Orange Juice 12 hours before scheduled procedure time.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Apply ice to the injection site if sore for the first 24 hours, then apply heat the next day.
2. You may be moderately active.
3. Do not drive a car, use stairs or a ladder, or engage in strenuous activity until the numbness has worn off and full strength has returned to your arms and legs. This may last as long as 8 hours after the block
4. If you are currently receiving physical therapy, you may resume the day after the injection.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF STEROID INJECTION:
1. Steroid medication (like cortisone) can cause a flushed feeling, red face, insomnia, racing heart, headache, and a feeling as if you have a fever. These effects are rare and generally harmless, and should subside in a day or so. There is a chance of infection, bleeding, reaction to the medication, medication may not help, or the injection may not work. There is a very unlikely risk of paralysis, death, nerve injury, or a broken needle.
2. Your pain may flare up after an injection. You need to follow the instructions mentioned above and the pain should subside in a few days. If you experience any problems or are not feeling better, please contact our office.
3. Very rarely, you may get an infection at the site of needle puncture. This would usually be evident 2-3 days after the procedure. If the injection area is very painful, swollen and red, please call the office.
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