Pain injection treatment explained

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You have been advised that your name will be on our waiting list for injection treatment.

What happens next?

Once there is an appointment available you will be contacted by letter & telephone to agree a date and time for your planned treatment by the Patient Pathway Scheduler 01908 997 007.

Preparing for Day Surgery injection treatment

You will have an early morning (07:15) or late morning appointment (11:45) to come to our Treatment Centre.

Medication advice

  • If you are taking Anti-coagulants/blood thinners please contact our office as soon as possible.
  • If you are taking Warfarin you need to stop taking this 4 days prior to your appointment.
  • If you are taking Clopidogrel you need to stop taking this 7 days prior to your appointment.
  • Please discuss with your Consultant & GP prior to stopping medication.

Pre-assessment appointment

Bring all your medication with you; enough for 24 hours.

If you are taking tablets to control diabetes please omit morning dose on day of treatment. Your blood sugar will be checked whilst you are in hospital and medication can be restarted after. If your blood pressure is controlled by taking medicine (anti-hypertensive) please continue to take this on the day of treatment.

What to expect on your visit to day surgery

  • Check in at the reception desk at the Treatment Centre.
  • Relatives and friends are not permitted to enter the Day Surgery ward. Contact telephone numbers may be exchanged if necessary.
  • The nurse will obtain some details from you, check your pulse and blood pressure and ask you to change into a theatre gown.
  • The doctor will discuss the procedure with you and ask you to sign the consent form.

The Treatment

You will be escorted to the Anaesthetic room in theatre. The majority of injection treatments are carried out under sterile conditions in an operating theatre often using x-ray guidance and sedation (depending on the procedure).

Recovery

You will be taken to the theatre recovery area and be observed by the nursing staff, you may feel a little drowsy and wish to sleep if you have received sedation. Following recovery you will go back to the ward and will be discharged shortly afterwards. The Consultant will not need to visit you prior to discharge.

In exceptional circumstances you may require an overnight stay and will be discharged promptly at 07:30 the following day. You may experience pain relief or transient increase in your pain following treatment due to the anaesthetic used. It may take several days or even up to 2-3 weeks before the treatment is effective.

  • Take your usual pain medication as necessary. You may require extra pain medication following the treatment.
  • As the pain decreases you should try to become more active but don’t try to do too much too quickly –pace yourself.
  • Gradually increasing exercise will improve your muscle tone, strengthen your muscles and help prevent long term pain and disability.
  • You will need to have a person who can care for you 24 hours following the treatment and escort you home.
  • If you have received sedation you will not be able to drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours following treatment.

You will receive a follow up outpatient clinic appointment in due course after your treatment by letter to review the treatment. Your appointment may be with either the Advanced Nurse Practitioner or your Chronic Pain Consultant. If you have any problems after the procedure then please contact your GP, however you may contact pain clinic 01908 997 007.

Additional information

Remember:

  • Don’t forget your glasses (if worn for reading)
  • Do not bring valuables (jewellery/money) as their safe keeping cannot be guaranteed
  • If there is any possibility you are pregnant please inform the nurse or doctor
  • If you do not turn up for your treatment without prior notification you will be discharged back to your GP without exception
  • If any untoward circumstances occur and you need to reschedule your injection treatment, please contact Patient Pathway Scheduler on 01908 997007 as soon as possible. This appointment may then be issued to someone else. This leaflet is not intended to replace any specific advice your doctor has given you. If you have any further questions please ask the Consultant before starting treatment.

Further useful contacts

Treatment Centre Reception: 01908 995 452

Ambulatory Care Unit: 01908 996 568

Day Surgery Unit: 01908 995 469 or 01908 995 468

Patient Pathway Scheduler: 01908 997 007