Preparing for an Interventional Pain Procedure

Your doctor will provide you with detailed preparation instructions specific to the procedure you are having. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly for your safety and to ensure an optimal outcome.

General preparation guidelines will typically include:

• Do not eat solid food for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure. You may drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before the procedure.
• For celiac plexus and peripheral nerve blocks, do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure.
• Medications for other medical conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.) can be taken with a small sip of water the morning of the procedure.
• Please let the pain management staff know if you are on any blood thinners medications prior to scheduling the procedure. These medications will need to be stopped prior to the procedure with approval of the prescribing physician.
• Do not take pain medication on the day prior to your procedure. If you are on opiate medications, please ask your pain physician for instructions as to when/if you can take them.
• Diabetic medication will need to be adjusted the day of your procedure. Diabetics who use insulin must modify their insulin dose the day of the procedure because blood sugar levels will be affected by fasting. You can direct any questions or concerns about this to your primary care doctor.
• Bring all your medications with you, so you can continue to take them as usual after the procedure. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting your primary medical doctor.
• You will need to inform the staff of any allergies to medications, X-ray dyes, seafood, shellfish or latex.
• You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure since mild sedation medication may be given by intravenous line. Also, driving or operating any heavy machinery should be avoided until the day after the procedure.