Instructions for Your Dorsal Column Stimulator Trial

If you have an appointment for a dorsal column stimulator trial, you must follow the instructions below carefully:

1. For 7 days before your procedure, 5 days while the leads are in place, and 24 hours after the leads are removed (13 days total), you must stop taking the following:
   • Prescription blood thinners – You must get approval from the prescribing physician and provide written clearance to our office before your procedure can be scheduled.
   • All aspirin products – Including regular aspirin, baby/81 mg aspirin, Goody’s, BC powders, Alka Seltzer, and any over-the-counter medication that contains aspirin.
   • NSAIDs – Such as Motrin/ibuprofen, Aleve/naproxen, or similar medications.
   • Fish oil or krill oil supplements
   • Vitamin E supplements
2. You must have a driver, and they must stay on-site—either in the waiting room or in their vehicle—for the duration of your procedure. Afterward, instructions will be given to both you and your driver on what to expect and how to use the stimulator during your trial.
3. Your labs must be drawn 3 to 4 days before your scheduled procedure.
4. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (NPO). The morning of your procedure, you may take blood pressure or heart medications with a small sip of water (no more than 1–2 ounces).