It is important that the patient follow all pre-injection instructions. This helps the patient and physician accurately record the results of the diagnostic injection (if indicated). Being aware of pre-injection protocols also helps reduce the chance of complication from the procedure.
Some of these instructions include:
- Blood Thinners: Traditionally blood-thinning medications are stopped before injections. However, it is important to discuss with your physician whether it is safe for you to stop YOUR medication. In some cases the risk of stopping the blood thinning medication is higher (stroke, heart attack) than the risk of injecting without stopping (bleeding risk)!
- Common protocols would include:
- Stop Coumadin (Warfarin) 5 days prior to the test
- Do not take any aspirin product 3 days prior to the test
- Stop anti-inflammatory medication 3 days prior to the test (Celebrex™ is an exception)
- Pain Killers: Stop pain medication 8 hours prior to any diagnostic injection
- Common protocols would include:
- Alert medical staff to any allergies
- Some procedures require the patient to avoid eating and drinking for 6 hours prior. You will be instructed when this is appropriate.