Frequently Asked Questions
Blood Thinners
Let us know if you take any of the following: aspirin, plavix, clopidogrel, ticegralor, heparin, lovenox, warfarin, low molecular weight heparin, dabigatran, Pradaxa, apixiban, Eliquis, or any other blood thinner. If you have a bleeding disorder, blood cancer, or low platelets let us know.
Infections
If you have been sick with fever, recent hospitalization, antibiotics, please let us know before you arrive. Your procedure should be delayed.
Allergies
Always let us know about all allergies, especially: iodine contrast, chlorhexadine, sedation or anesthesia medications, local anesthetics, steroids
Ride Home
You will need a ride home if you get sedation or for certain procedures like kyphoplasty, spinal cord stimulation trial, procedures at a sugery center. Please call us if you have questions! Let us know if you cannot arrange a ride.
Fasting
If you will be getting sedation or anesthesia:do not eat solid food 8 hours before your procedure. You can drink clear liquids until 2 hours before your procedure. Do not eat or drink anything 2 hours before the procedure. You can take a small sip of water with pills
Diabetes
Steroids increase your blood sugar. It is safest to give steroids if your A1C is under control. Fasting can predispose to low blood sugar. If you take insulin, let us know