- 145, Riverstone Terrace, Suite 101, Canton, GA - 30114
- 3905, Brookside Pkwy, Suite 203, Alpharetta, GA - 30022
Procedure Instructions
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- Procedure Instructions
Pre-procedure Instructions:
Refrain from eating solid food for 8 hours prior to procedure. Ok to take small sips of water/black coffee, clear broth up to 2 hours prior to procedure.
Please do not wear white clothes as the cleaning agents can stain clothing. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to pull or remove.
Please take your Blood Pressure/Seizure/Asthma/Pain medications the morning of the procedure only with a sip of water.
You do require a DRIVER for this procedure. They will need to wait for 1-2 hours from scheduled procedure time. You cannot drive for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Leave all valuables at home or with driver. We are not responsible for any valuables left behind.
If you are on Blood Thinners, please let us know. This includes Aspirin, Anti-inflammatories, Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto etc. We will give you specific instructions about the length of time you need to discontinue these medications. You must receive approval from the prescriber with a signed Anticoagulation letter. Do not stop without permission.
If you are on antibiotics or have an infection such as cold/cough/runny nose/fever/diarrhea/urinary tract infection you would need to reschedule procedure to avoid complications such as a spine infection.
If you are a Diabetic, please do not take your short acting insulin or oral medication the morning of the procedure. If you are on long acting insulin, take ½ the dose. Check your blood sugar the morning of the procedure. Any concerns regarding low or high blood sugars need to be addressed with treating physician.
We offer Valium for anxiety. If prescribed, take one tablet 30 mins prior to procedure and one tablet right before procedure.
Post-procedure Instructions:
It is common to experience increased pain at injection site for up to a week. Apply Ice packs for 20 mins at a time, several times a day. Corticosteroid can take 3-5 days to take effect. You should schedule a follow-up visit 3-4 weeks after to review response to injection.
Avoid heat, including heating pads to the injection site for the first 72 hours. No swimming in pool, hot tub, sauna, soak tubs for the week. A regular shower is ok.
The local anesthetic effect can last for 10-18 hours after your injection. You may experience temporary numbness or weakness after procedure.
Blood thinners should be started 24 hours after the injection to avoid a bleed in the spine.
Corticosteroid side effects including flushing, hot flashes, mild palpitations, high blood pressures, high blood sugars, insomnia, water retention, headaches, anxiety, prolonged menstruation can last for several days after procedure.
While it is rare to get an infection after a spinal procedure, please call office if you develop signs of infection that may include fever, chills, severely, increased pain, redness, swelling and drainage at site.
You may resume normal daily activities 24 hours after injection. Ok to resume physical therapy/exercise 3-4 days after injection as long as you feel comfortable doing so. No massages for one week after procedure.
If you are Diabetic, please check your blood sugars at least twice a day for the first couple of days. If blood sugar levels are much higher then baseline, please call treating physician for direction. Your medications/Insulin may have to be temporarily adjusted.
Please review the instructions prior to your procedure. Call our office if you have questions or concerns.
ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR PREP…

