Pre-Procedure Instructions
Food and Drink:
Unless a person is receiving sedation for a procedure, it is OK to eat solid food prior to a regenerative procedure. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids as well. If you are receiving sedation and/or an intrathecal procedure (international patients), please do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your procedure.
Medications:
PATIENT SHOULD TAKE ALL CARDIAC AND BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION WITH SIP OF WATER ON THE DAY OF PROCEDURE AS USUAL. DISCUSS WITH YOUR PRESCRIBING DOCTOR BEFORE STOPPING MEDICATIONS
Continue all of your usual medications as prescribed unless you are taking blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, NSAIDS) or insulin. You may take your morning medications with a sip of water. If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, or Lovenox, ask the physician who prescribes this medication if they feel it is safe for you to discontinue them before your injection. Below is the number of days required to discontinue each medication prior to your procedure:
If you are taking Coumadin, you must stop this medication 5 days prior to your procedure, with approval of the prescribing physician.
Stop taking NSAIDS (e.g. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Voltaren, Mobic) 5 days prior to procedures (7 days if possible). Do not stop baby aspirin if taking for heart, but stop regular strength aspirin products (e.g. Anacin, Excedrin, Bayer or Headache Powders like Goody).
If you are taking Plavix, you must stop this medication 7 days prior to your procedure, with approval of the prescribing physician.
If you are taking Lovenox, you must stop this medication 24 hours prior to your procedure, with approval of the prescribing physician.
If you are taking a steroid medication, it would be best to either stop the medication or reduce it at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure. This needs to be accomplished under a doctor supervision (whoever is prescribing it).
If you have diabetes, make sure to eat prior to your procedure. If you will be having sedation for your procedure and/or an intrathecal procedure, please refrain from eating or drinking within 2 hours of your procedure.
If your procedure is scheduled prior to 12 pm, HOLD your morning insulin dose.
If your procedure is scheduled after 12pm, take half of your morning insulin dose.
Bring your insulin with you.
Stop taking the following medications 7 days prior to your procedure: Reflux (GERD) Medications, also known as H2 Blockers, also known as Proton Pump Inhibitors. Brand names include Protonix, Nexium, Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, etc. You can restart 4 weeks after the procedure. Also statin medications, such as Lipitor.
Stop taking the following medications 5 days prior to your procedure: Osteoporosis Medications = Bisphosphonates. You can restart 4 weeks after your procedure.
INFORM OUR OFFICE OF ANY DRUG ALLERGIES.
General Instructions:
If your procedure involves sedation you MUST have a driver. The only exception is Special Transit Services (STS).
Wear comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes. Wear something loose fitting and warm that you won’t mind getting ruined. Betadine is difficult to get out of clothing. The procedure room is kept cool and warm clothes are a must if you easily get cold.
Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
If you arrive 30 minutes later than your scheduled procedure time your procedure may be delayed or cancelled. Just call to let us know.
We prefer patients to be well hydrated for procedures - this helps with starting the IV.
INSTRUCTION FOR PATIENTS WITH RECENT HISTORY OF INFECTION
Patient with history of infection associated with fever such as respiratory infection, sore throat from bacterial infection, urinary tract infection such as cystitis, pyelonephritis or kidney infection, etc, should be rescheduled until after the infection has resolved completely with or without antibiotic use. If they are put on antibiotics, then they need to finish the course of antibiotic prior to getting scheduled for the procedure. If a patient catches infection after the procedure, he or she should inform the physician
Immediately Prior to Your Procedure:
- You will have an IV started, if sedation is involved.
- Your doctor may prescribe sedation to help reduce discomfort and anxiety.
- The entire process from checking in to being discharged takes approximately 2 hours.
After the Procedure:
You will be monitored for a time period prior to discharge. If you have had sedation, you’ll need a driver. For the first 48 hours post-procedure, take it easy with the treated body part (e.g. no skiing, jogging, wrestling, etc). Only heat should be applied and not ice. Talk to your physician about any recommended bracing and physical therapy necessary.
After Discharge from the Facility:
Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery 24 hours after you have received sedation. after the procedure are normal. Some procedures may take several days to a couple weeks to effectively relieve
pain.
After regenerative procedures, apply heat and not ice. Do not use NSAIDS for 4 weeks after the procedure, Acetaminophen is ok per manufacturers recommended dosing. Check with your physician about when to resume anticoagulants.
Notify the office if you have a fever (body temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 38.6 degrees Celsius or higher) or excessive drainage from the procedure site.