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Pain Management

Instructions for pain management patients only

Physicians Office Schedulers - Download our Pain Management Referral Form

Preparing for Your Procedure

Sometime before your procedure date, a staff member from the Surgery Center will call you to confirm your appointment time. They will ask you questions regarding medications you are taking. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, and be sure to let the staff know of any special needs.

You may have breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment, except if you are having a "Radiofrequency" procedure. For that type of procedure, you are not to eat or drink after midnight.
If you are taking Plavix, Pletal, Ticlid, Lovenox,Aggrenox, Coumadin or any other "blood thinner", please let us know. You will need to be off of these medications for several days (if approved by your prescribing physician).
If you are on an antibiotic, have an ongoing infection, or have a fever, you will need to reschedule this appointment until the condition has cleared.
If you are having a "Nerve Root" (Root Sleeve) Injection or a "Facet Block", do not take any pain medication at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. All other procedures may have pain medication prior to the procedure.
If you are having a "Radiofrequency" procedure, you are not to eat or drink after midnight. You may take your regular morning medications with a sip of water. You will have an IV and Sedation so expect to be at the Surgery Center of Pinehurst for at least 2 hours. No driving for 24 hours after the procedure.
For women, if there is any possibility you are pregnant, please notify your doctor and the Surgery Center's nurse.
Leave all valuables at home, including watches, rings, jewelry, and wallets. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR PHOTO I.D. AND YOUR CURRENT INSURANCE CARD(S) WITH YOU.
Notify the nurse or doctor of any change in your health, such as a cold, fever or sore throat.
For your safety, please arrange for an adult to drive you home after procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.

Day of Your Procedure

Arrive promptly at the scheduled time. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your procedure will be rescheduled.
Please bring your insurance identification cards. If special financial arrangements are necessary, please call the Surgery Center prior to admission.
Be sure to bring any paperwork your doctor gave you, such as test results or your medical history, and a complete list of medications you are taking (you may also bring your medication bottles)
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.

In the Recovery Area

After your procedure, you will be moved back to your room where you will be closely monitored until you are ready to go home.
It is perfectly normal to feel discomfort in the area of your procedure.

At Home after Your Procedure

Your nurse will provide specific instructions for care while recovering at home. In the event of any difficulty, please call the Surgery Center of Pinehurst or the doctor's office who referred you. If you are having severe problems, go immediately to the Emergency Room.
You may have increased pain for a few days until the medication begins to take effect. If this occurs: Try placing an ice pack to the injection site(s) at intervals and take your regular pain medications. If condition worsens call the pain management nurse at the Surgery Center of Pinehurst 910-235-5000, call your referring physician or go to the emergency room if you cannot manage your pain at home.
No driving on the day of the procedure. Take it easy. No heavy lifting.
A nurse from the Surgery Center will attempt to reach you by phone in approximately one week to evaluate how you are recovering at home.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire about the care you received. Your comments will enable us to continue to improve our services.

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Patient Preparation

Pain Management