Pre-Procedure Instructions

• Do not eat or drink after midnight.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before or after your treatment.
• You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and to monitor you for the next 24 hours. Your driver must remain in the facility during your procedure.
• Make sure you bring your medicine list -- complete with frequency and dosage. (Refer to the form on the back of this page.) You may take blood pressure and acid reflux medications the morning of your procedure -- with just a sip of water.
• Leave your valuables at home. Bring your photo identification (or social security number if you have no photo I.D.). Also bring your method of payment for your financial obligation.

Important:

Blood thinners (Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin, Pletal, Trental, and Aggrenox) are generally stopped 7 days before the procedure. Please check with your prescribing doctor before you stop taking your medication.

If you take oral diabetic medications or regular insulin, skip your morning dose. If you take NPH, 70/30 or Ultralente insulin, take ONE-HALF your usual dose -- and drink clear liquids (like apple juice or Sprite) until 4 hours prior to your procedure.

If you have any questions or you need to reschedule, please call Pain Management at 770-929-9033. Please give 24 hours notice on all cancellations to avoid a $50 missed appointment charge.

Post-Procedure Instructions

• You may feel sleepy, sluggish, and unsteady for several hours. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive or operate hazardous equipment for the remainder of the day. Make no important personal or business decisions today. Do not sign any legal documents for 24 hours. NO alcohol for 24 hours before or after the procedure; otherwise, eat and drink as usual.
• If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pain management or sedation, please call our Pain Management Center -- and ask for the Nurse's Line. You may also call your local Emergency Department.
• Watch the site that has been treated -- looking for any signs of infection. These include: Redness, drainage, excessive bleeding, swelling or fever higher than 100 degrees F. If unable to urinate or if you lose bowel control, go to the nearest Emergency Room.
• Your pain may increase over the next 2 to 4 days -- and may last approximately one week after the procedure. This is normal.
• Be careful on steps, curbs, rugs or other uneven surfaces until the sedation has completely worn off. When your strength returns tomorrow, you may take a bath or shower.
• No heavy lifting -- no more than 10 pounds. No strenuous exercise and no excessive activity for 3-4 days. You may use ice packs for 20 minutes per hour during the first 24 hours -- then heat for 20 minutes per hour.

Please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden severe back pain and/or numbness in an extremity previously unaffected.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing
• Very pale or grayish skin color.
• Changes in awareness.

The Weeks After Your Procedure

After your procedure, you may need to have follow-up X-rays, MRI, or CT scan. Be sure to keep these appointments.

It's important, too, that you get the therapies your doctor prescribes -- exercise, physical therapy, water therapy, pain management counseling, and prescription medications. You must be committed to a path that keeps pain under control -- so that you can pursue a normal, fulfilling life.

Questions? Contact us if you need more information.

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