General information for injections
Dr Vasu performs injections only as a part of the multimodal pain management strategy. Patients should have tried simple conservative management methods before taking the risk and should be informed well before the procedure.
It is very important for the doctor to know about recent changes in medical condition and the anti-coagulant (blood thinning) medications you are taking (like warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel - plavix, aspirin, anti-inflammatories etc). For some of the procedures like epidurals, facets, dorsal root ganglion blocks and few others, these medications need to be stopped for 3 to 7 days before the procedure. Usually, you will be advised when the injection is planned. However, if medical condition changes or if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to contact us.
It is very important that you keep a diary of pain relief, activities and sleep after the injection for atleast seven days after the procedure. This will help the doctor to plan for future interventions appropriately.
Each procedure has side-effects, which would have been discussed with you before the injection. The doctor takes the decision weighing the risks of side-effects and the benefits of relieving your severe persistent pain. If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to ask us. Sometimes, the injections can cause temporary worsening or flare-up of pain and you might need to continue taking your routine pain killers.
Dr Thanthullu Vasu MBBS MD DNB FRCA Dip Pain Mgt FFPMRCA FIPP