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Instructions for your Scheduled Pain Management Injection

Before your injection

You will be called prior to their procedure and be notified about the following information. We advise you to arrive at the office at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time. Call at least 24 hours prior to your procedure, if you need to cancel. If you are more than 15 minutes late, then you will have to wait until the next opening on the procedure schedule to have your procedure.

Transportation: Prior to your procedure, you will need someone to provide transportation home, as you are not able to drive for 24 hours. You MUST have a designed driver to take you home. Your ride must be present with you at the time of your procedure and must stay in the facility until you are discharged from the recovery area. You will still need a designated driver if you do not receive sedation.

Food & Drink: If you are having sedation, we ask that you DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. If your procedure is in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast until 8 am, after which you should take nothing by mouth. Do not use chewing gum and/ or breath mints or candies. You may brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash and/or water, just be sure to avoid swallowing of the mouthwash and/or water.

Medications: You may take any prescription medications the day of the procedure with a sip of water. Medications such as blood pressure and asthma medications should be taken with a small sip of water on the day of your procedure.

Diabetic patients: Please check your glucose level at home before you come in for your procedure. We will also perform a glucose finger stick to check your sugar levels prior to your procedure as well.

Aspirin, Advil Alive, Blood Thinners: Prior to scheduling your procedure, discuss with your physician whether you should discontinue these medications. If you are taking a “blood thinner” (Plavix, Coumadin, Lovenox, Aggrenox, etc.) make sure your doctor is aware of it.

Pregnancy Test: If you think you may be pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or is of child-bearing age, you MUST let the staff know. You will be asked to provide us with a urine sample prior to your procedure. A pregnancy test will be performed to ensure you are not pregnant. If you are unable to provide us with a urine sample, we may not be able to proceed with your procedure.

Clothing: Please wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure. To maintain cleanliness of the injection site, please bath or shower the night before or the morning of your procedure.

Please call our office with any questions or concerns: (305) 956-7755

After the injection

1. On the day of the procedure, you should rest. Many people go on to their regular activities such as work but this is not recommended. You may resume your activities the following day.
2. The anesthetics used during the procedure usually wear off in a few hours but may remain in your body for up to 24 hours. Side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea are unlikely but normal during this period.
3. Refrain from the following for 24 hours after your procedure:

• Do not take a bath, swim or sit in a hot tub. Showers are okay.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or use power tools
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages
• Do not make important or legal decisions, as your judgment may be impaired

4. Immediately following the procedure, it is possible that your legs may feel shaky or weak. These sensations are temporary.
5. Tenderness at the site of the injection is possible but usually minimal. If the pain is too bothersome, take anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by the doctor or Ibuprofen 400mg can be taken every four hours as needed.

Cold compresses may also be used for 15-minute intervals every hour as needed.

6. If you experience a fever, chills, severe leg weakness, or worsening back pain several days after the procedure you should call the office immediately or be evaluated in the Emergency Department. If unable to reach your physician, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
7. If you are a diabetic you may experience an increase in your glucose levels. You should consult your primary doctor for adjustments to your medications/insulin.
8. If you were taking pain medications before the procedure, like an antidepressant, an anticonvulsant or muscle relaxants drugs, you will be instructed by your Pain Doctor if and how to take these medications in the futures.