You have had a sympathetic nerve block to help treat your pain. This handout will explain your home care instructions.
Pain Control
You may be sore at the injection site for the next 2-4 days. For the first 24 hours, you may apply ice to the site for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to decrease pain. After 24 hours, you may use heat if needed.
You may notice a change in the feeling, color, or temperature of your arm/leg including hand/foot on the side of the injection. This can last a few hours. Record this information on your pain log.
Pain Log
You will be given a form called a pain log to complete for the next 14 days. Complete the log and mail it back to us. This information helps us decide the next step in your treatment plan.
Activity
Limit your activities for the first 24 hours.
Do not soak the injection site for 24 hours.
Do not sit in hot tubs, bath, or pools.
Taking a shower is okay.
Medicines
You may start your normal medicines after the injection. Take pain medicine as prescribed.
When to Call
Call your doctor listed on the After-Visit Summary for signs of infection. These include:
Fever greater than 100.4º F for 2 readings taken by mouth taken 4 hours apart.
Increased redness, swelling around the site.
Any drainage from the site.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Who to Call
For any problems or concerns on the day of procedure, you can contact the provider who ordered the block, or the Madison Surgery Center.
Madison Surgery Center
Monday-Friday, 6 am-5 pm
(608) 287-2200
Follow Up
Contact the doctor who ordered your block to discuss the next steps in your plan of care.