EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION: What to expect

> Can I go to sleep for the procedure?
It is not necessary for you to go to sleep for this procedure, however, you may receive enough medication to keep you comfortable. If you feel you need to be asleep for the procedure, please notify Dr. Becker when your appointment is made. He will arrange to have a Board Certified Anesthesiologist available for you.

> What should I do before the procedure?
Since you will be receiving medication, it is recommended that you do not eat for 4 hours before the procedure (at least 6 hours if you are going to sleep for the procedure). If you are a diabetic, be sure to discuss your eating and medication schedule with Dr. Becker.

You may need to stop taking certain medications several days before the procedure, especially any blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Plavix. You must be off of these medications for at least 3 days before you have your procedure done. Please remind Dr. Becker of all prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take, including herbals. Dr. Becker will tell you if and when you need to discontinue the medications.

It is very important to tell Dr. Becker if you have asthma, had an allergic reaction (i.e. hives, itchiness, difficulty breathing, etc.) to any injected dye for a previous radiology examination (CT Scan, Myelogram, etc.) or if you have any allergic reactions to shellfish. Dr. Becker may prescribe some medication for you to take before having the procedure.

Tell Dr. Becker if you develop a cold, fever, or flu symptoms before your scheduled appointment.

> Is there anything special that I need to do after the procedure?
You may experience some weakness, numbness, or increased discomfort for a short period of time after your injection. This is normal.

Do not engage in any activities which require lifting, balance, or coordination for the remainder of the day.

Do not drive for the remainder of the day. Please have an adult drive you home from your appointment.

Depending on how you feel, you may return to normal activities and to work the following day.

The anti-inflammatory medication takes a couple of days to work, so you may not feel any different for the first several days after your injection. This is normal.

When you start to feel better, it is a gradual change. Do not expect to feel better all at once. And please, when you start to feel better, take it easy with renewing exercise or sports. Dr. Becker will discuss this with you.

These injections are usually given in a series of three, each approximately 2 weeks apart. This allows the anti-inflammatory medication to work on the affected area for approximately 6 weeks. The number of injections depends on your response to this procedure.