Day of the Procedure

On the day of the procedure, you should rest. Ask a responsible adult to keep you company for the remainder of the day. You may resume your normal daily routine the next day. However, be careful to avoid strenuous activity or any activities that cause pain or discomfort.

After the Procedure

Side Effects & Activity Limitations
The anesthetics used during the procedure may remain in your body for up to 24 hours. Drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea are normal side effects during this period. Refrain from the following for the 24-48 hours after your procedure:

• Do not take a bath, swim, or sit in a hot tub. Showers are okay.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or use power tools
• Do not drinking alcoholic beverages
• Do not make important or legal decisions, as your judgment may be impaired
• Do not sit for more than 1-2 hours in any one spot.
• Do not exercise unsupervised.

Headaches
Headaches are another possible side-effect, but they only occur in less than 1% of all patients. Lying down and resting are the best treatments. Additionally, if you have a headache, you should:

• Stay hydrated. Drink 3-4 liters of water or juice per day.
• Lie down for 24-36 hours with your head no higher than one pillow. Get up only to go to the bathroom.
• Take your prescribed pain medication.
• Try drinking caffeinated beverages.

Other possible side effects and their treatments

• Immediately following the procedure, your legs may feel shaky or weak. These sensations are temporary.

• Tenderness at the site of the injection is normal. To dull the pain, use ice packs over the injection site for 15-20 minutes, only once per hour for the first 24 hours. In days that follow, you can use either heat or ice, whichever is more effective, for 20 minutes at a time up to 5 times a day.

• If you experience constipation while on pain medication, use one tablespoon of Metamucil.

Treatments
You should take any prescribed pain medication. Eat a well-balanced diet and try to avoid fatty and high-sugar foods. Supplement your meal with a multi-vitamin and 200 mg of Vitamin C to help your body cope with the stress of pain.

If you have any questions regarding your procedure, please call (212) 844-8756.