Hip or Sacroiliac Post-op Joint Steroid Injection

General Post-Operative Instructions for Hip or Sacroiliac Post-op Joint Steroid Injection

This letter is to answer the most common questions and concerns of patients after a hip or sacroiliac joint injection.

• You may resume normal activity as your comfort level allows.
• You can return to work 24 hours after your procedure.
• You may eat whatever you wish and resume all prior medications.
• You have had sedation and you must not drive, drink alcohol, or sign important documents for at least 12 hours.

Discharge Instructions For O+F Procedure Room Only:

• When you have been discharged from the Procedure Room, YOU WILL BE TAKEN BY WHEELCHAIR AND ESCORTED OUT BY AN ASSISTANT TO YOUR VEHICLE. .
• The majority of patients will feel better sometime within the first one to three days after their procedure. The peak effect of the anti-inflammatory effect from your steroid injection may take as long as one week.
• The most common side effect from the steroid medication is drowsiness from the first day from the anesthesia used or involved in your case. Within the first one to three days, patients commonly will get a flushed, red face and a mild headache, which is related to the steroid medication itself.
• Patients who have congestive heart failure or are prone to fluid retention should monitor their weight each day post procedure and call their doctor if they have greater than a three-pound weight gain. If you have glaucoma and experience blurred vision, you should call your ophthalmologist to have your eye pressures checked.
• You should call your doctor for any temperature greater than 101 after the first three days of your procedure. If you do not already have a follow up scheduled appointment within two weeks of your injection, please contact the main office to do so once you get home from your procedure.