FAQ

What documents do I bring with me when I come to the hospital?

Always bring the following documents with you:

• your identity card
• insurance form
• work form
• test results or reports (ECG, labs, X-rays, heart specialist consultation)
  

I am allergic to specific medication, disinfectants and/or contrasts. Do I need to notify anyone of this?

It is important that you let us know beforehand if you are allergic or sensitive to any particular medication, disinfectants (iodine), adhesives, latex, contrasts or other substances. To avoid unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous side effects, we can avoid these products or make certain adjustments.

Can I drive after my treatment?

What do I need to look out for if I am diabetes patient?

The day of your procedure, you will take all your medications as usual. You do not need to be fasting. If your blood sugar level is too low, you may consume something with sugar. Cortisone is used for many procedures at the Pain Clinic. Cortisone is known to raise blood sugars. For this reason, the first three days after the procedure, it is requested that you keep strict control of your blood sugars. If there are severe and/or long-lasting fluctuations, please contact your GP for additional measures.

Signs that your blood sugars are elevated:

• extreme thirst
• dry tongue
• frequent urination
• fatigue
• blurry vision
• nausea
• occasional drowsiness

Rest assured that we use an appropriate dose of Cortisone in case someone has diabetes.

Do I need to be fasting for the procedure?

It is important to know that you do not need to be fasting for the procedure (unless it has been specifically requested).
We do recommend that you not eat any heavy meals up to three hours before the treatment.

May I take my medication before a treatment?

All medication, except blood thinners, may be taken.

What should I do if I take blood thinners?

Most blood thinners need to be stopped before receiving a treatment in the pain clinic. Depending on the reason you take blood thinners, it may be that they could be replaced by injections in your abdomen. For specific questions, please ask your referring physician or your GP.

Below you will find a list of the most common blood thinners:

Contact your attending physician if you:

• have reduced kidney function
• have had a thrombosis
• have had a heart attack
• have had a stent implanted

If there is a chance you are pregnant, or if you are pregnant, you must first let the (pain) nurse or physician know. Specific treatments require X-rays, which can be harmful to your baby. In this case, we modify your pain management plan.