Spinal Injections

Spinal Injections

MEDICATION  

If you are taking oral ANTICOAGULANT tablets ( e.g. Clopidogrel, Warfarin or Apixaban) you must tell us so we can advise when to stop this medication. Some patients need bridging therapy (temporary injections), so please don’t just stop without advice. If you are taking ASPRIN, please stop 5 days before your procedure.

FOOD AND DRINK  

Your procedure requires a local anaesthetic, or sedation.  Please fast from midnight from night before.  You may drink clear fluids i.e. weak black coffee, tea or water until 7.00am on the day of your procedure.

ILLNESS  

If you have any illness, even a cold, cough or sore throat, on the day of your procedure or the day before, please telephone my Practice Manager for advice: 01844 273375

TRANSPORT: 

  • Arrange for a relative or friend to COLLECT YOU FROM THE UNIT and take you home preferably by car, (not public transport).  AN ESCORT IS ESSENTIAL even if using a taxi.
  • If you live alone you must arrange for an adult, relative or friend to look after you for the rest of the day and overnight.

CONSENT FOR PROCEDURE  

You should ensure you understand what your procedure involves and must sign a consent form beforehand.  If you are under 16 years of age, at least one of your parents or your guardian should accompany you to and from the hospital and sign the consent form.

THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU: 

  • A dressing gown, slippers, toilet articles and reading material or something to occupy yourself during your stay with us.
  • Medicine – Please bring any medicines or tablets that you are taking.

JEWELLERY, MONEY AND VALUBLES  

Please do not bring any jewellery, or large sums of money with you because the hospital cannot take responsibility for any valuables.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE PLEASE: 

  • Remove all make up and nail varnish 
  • If you normally take tablets or medicines, these should be taken as normal, you may continue to take an inhaler if you have one.

DISCHARGE  

You should be allowed to go home shortly after your procedure.  Before leaving the ward you will be given verbal and written instructions regarding your procedure, pain killers if necessary, a discharge letter for your GP and Out Patient appointment if necessary.