Pre-Procedure Guidelines

You are scheduled to have a procedure with the Pain Medicine Center. For your safety and comfort we ask that you follow the pre-procedural instructions below prior to your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about the following guidelines, call the clinic at (619) 532-8937 or email at usn.nmcsd-painclinic@mail.mil. We are happy to answer any questions or assist with any pre-procedural needs that you may have.

1. Driver: 

You will need someone to accompany you to your appointment and drive you home after your procedure for the following:
a. Sedation/Oral Valium
b. Epidural Steroid Injection
c. Stellate Ganglion, Lumbar Sympathetic, Celiac Plexus Blocks
d. History of Vasovagal Reaction (fainting)
e. Other procedures if indicated by your provider

FOR YOUR SAFETY, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A DRIVER, YOUR PROCEDURE WILL BE CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED.

2. Blood Thinners: 

Alert your pain physician if you are taking any blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as Coumadin, warfarin, heparin, Lovenox, Xarelto, Plavix, Pradaxa, or Eliquis. Check with us if you are unsure whether a medicine is a blood thinner.
a. For procedures in the neck (including, RFA, Epidural Steroid Injections and Stellate Ganglion Blocks) hold the following medications:
i. Herbal supplements that contain Garlic, Ginkgo Bilboa, Green Tea, Kava, Vitamin E, Tumeric or Fish Oil at least 7 days prior to your procedure.
ii. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), meloxicam (Mobic), Diclofenac (Voltaren), Etodolac, Indomethacin- 4 days
iii. Aspirin (81mg) products- 5 days (unless taking for heart conditions then discuss with your prescribing provider)

3. Fasting Guidelines: 

Only for sedation and neck procedures.
a. Take prescribed medications with water as scheduled.
b. You may (and are encouraged to) have water, electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc), coffee, tea (no cream/milk) up until 2 hours before your appointment time.
c. No solid food for 6 hours before your appointment time.
d. For your safety, if you do have food or beverage outside these guidelines, your procedure WILL be cancelled and rescheduled.
e. Alert your pain physician and front desk if you are diabetic and use insulin.

4. Pregnancy Tests: 

Females of child-bearing status may be required to have a pregnancy screening completed within 72 hours prior to their procedure in the laboratory.

5. Leave valuables at home or with your driver.

6. Tell your command that you plan to be at the hospital for 2-3 hours and MAY be placed Sick-in-Quarters (definitely for sedation) for at least the rest of the procedure day and possibly 1-2 more depending on the procedure.

SIQ will be given at the discretion of the pain physician. Speak to your pain physician concerning any limitations that you may require after your procedure. You pain physician may recommend your PCM and your command set duty limitations.

If you cannot make it to the clinic on your procedure day, please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule. If you are late, it will be at the discretion of your pain physician whether you will be rescheduled for a later date or if you will be offered to wait for an opening in the schedule later that day.