Pre Procedure Instructions
- Stimulator trials are performed in an ambulatory surgery center under conscious sedation (anesthesia). Expect to avoid eating and drinking for several hours before the procedure – the ambulatory surgical center will inform you of specific guidelines.
- The following medications are “blood thinners” of one sort or another and must be avoided before the procedure:
Aspirin
Aspirin and all aspirin containing medications (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Excedrin, Pentasa, and others) – Stop 7 days prior to your procedure. All medications listed below should be stopped 3 days prior to your procedure:
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories) | Choline and Magnesium Salicylates |
---|---|
Choline salicylate (Arthropan) | CMT |
Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam) | Tricosal |
Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, Voltaren XR) | Trilisate |
Diclofenac sodium with misoprostol (Arthrotec) | |
Diflunisal (Dolobid) | |
Etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL) | |
Fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon) | |
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid) | |
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, Nuprin) | |
Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR) | |
Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail) | |
Magnesium salicylate (Arthritab, Bayer Select, Doan’s Pills, Magan, Mobidin, Mobogesic) | |
Meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen) | |
Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) | |
Nabumetone (Relafen) | |
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan) | |
Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox) | |
Oxaprozin (Daypro) | |
Piroxicam (Feldene) | |
Salsalate (Amigesic, Anaflex 750, Disalcid, Marthritic, Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Salsitab) | |
Sodium salicylate (various generics) | |
Sulindac (Clinoril) | |
Tolmetin sodium (Tolectin) |
This is a partial list. If you are unsure whether you are taking an NSAID, please call us 424.254.3592
Please notify our office if you are on any of the medications listed below. These will probably need to be held for several days prior to your injection.
Warfarin (Coumadin) | Low molecular weight heparin: Enoxaparin (Lovenox) | Dabigatran |
Acenocoumarol | Dalteparin | Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) |
Heparin | Fondaparinux | Apixaban (Eliquis) |
Clopidogrel | Edoxaban | |
Prasugrel | Abciximab | |
Ticagrelor | Eptifibatide | |
Cangrelor | Tirofiban |
3. You will need to be driven home from the procedure. A friend or family member should be present to hear instructions on the operation of the stimulator after the procedure.
Post-Procedure Instructions
Medication Use: Do not take any of the medications listed above until the stimulator wires are removed. If you experience increased pain, consult your physician regarding suitable pain relief options.
Discomfort: You may experience soreness for 1-2 days following the procedure. Discuss with your physician which pain medications you can take to alleviate the discomfort.
Follow-Up Appointment:
Please schedule a follow-up appointment for 5 days after the SCS trial procedure. During this appointment, the trial leads will be removed. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the effectiveness of the trial and discuss further treatment options with you.
If you have any concerns or questions before or after the procedure, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to provide support and assist you throughout the process.