Preparing for an Injection
Injections are often a part of a patient’s treatment plan for dealing with their chronic pain. Some of our patients may have one injection a year and some may have 3 for injections per year… It’s all part of what works for you. If you are scheduled for an injection, your physician will review your upcoming procedure and explain in detail what you need to do to prepare your injection and what will occur during the injection. Once your physician has put forth your order for an injection at Specialists Hospital Shreveport/ Specialists Intervention Management, you can expect a phone call from the PCC Scheduling Team in the next 5-7 business days with a procedure date. Please note that prior to scheduling your procedure, our scheduling team will verify your insurance coverage.
Where does the injection occur?
You will have your injection at Specialists Interventional Pain Management located at 1534 Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 101, Shreveport, LA, 71101
How do I prepare for my injection? Medications
Your physician will review all the medications you are currently taking and identify what medications and when you must discontinue certain medications prior to your injection.
Prior to you injection, unless otherwise instructed, discontinue the use of:
(6) Days prior: Any medications containing Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix.
(4) Days prior: Any medications containing Aleve, Meloxicam, Mobic or Naproxen.
(3) Days prior: Discontinue use of Eliquis or Xarelto
(1) Day prior: Discontinue use of Advil, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen or Motrin.
Please note: Prior to discontinuing any medications, please verify with your prescribing physician,
Do I have to have lab work before my procedure?
Some patients will be required to have blood work either the day before or the morning of their procedure. If you have to have blood work, you will be instructed to go to Specialists Hospital Shreveport’s Pre-admit/ Lab located at 1500 Line Avenue, Suite 202, Shreveport, LA, 71101.
Day before the procedure
- Make sure you have a loved one that can drive you to your appointment and drive you home.
- Do not eat or drink anything (6) hours prior to your injection.
- Do not smoke (6) hours prior to your injection.
- Avoid alcohol (24) hours before your injection
- Please confirm with your prescribing physician as to the dosage of any medication that you must take on the day of your injection. If you do have to take medication prior to your surgery, please take with a small sip of water only.
- Make sure you have your insurance card and identification to take with you.
- Please shower the night before or the morning of your procedure using an antibacterial soap like Dial or Hibiclens.
Day of the procedure
- Please have your insurance card and identification with you.
- Wear comfortable, easy fitting clothing.
- Check-in at 1534 Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 101, Shreveport, LA, 71101
Prior to your procedure, you will:
- Change into a hospital gown
- Empty your bladder
- Be given a physical exam
- Identify your pain level on a scale of 1-10
- Take your vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate
- Name all current medications and identify allergies
- You will meet with your physician and they will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have
- The nurse will administer an IV to administer medications and fluids. The medications will make you drowsy, but you still be able ask questions and talka with your physician and nurse.
During your procedure:
- Once you are taken to the procedure room, a nurse will stay with you the entire time and take your vitals every 3-5 minutes.
- Procedure time is usually about (20) minutes.
After your procedure:
- You will be taken to recovery where a nurse will continue monitor your vital and oxygen levels
- Once you are alert and your blood pressure and oxygen levels are close to normal, your IV will be removed and we will assist you with getting dressed.
- Your loved one will be notified and will be instructed to pick you up a Specialists Interventional Management Patient Pick -Up where we will escort by wheelchair to their vehicle.
Once you are home… the next (24) hours
- Please do not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery, or sign legal documents
- Someone from your physician’s team will call and check on you.
If you experience severe back pain, new numbness or weakness in your legs, a headache that will not go away or signs of an infection around the injection site, call Pain Care Consultants: (318) 629.5505
Conscious Sedation
You will be placed under conscious sedation during your procedure. With conscious sedation you will be administered an IV and the medication will allow you to remain awake during your procedure, but without as much discomfort. You will be able to communicate with your physician during the procedure, but will be drowsy. Although conscious sedation does not last as long, it does have far fewer side effects and dangers of general anesthesia.
