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Discharge Instructions for Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML) Embolization

 

What is a renal AML embolization?

A renal AML embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits blood supply to (embolizes) a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the kidney. This type of tumor is called a renal angiomyolipoma (or renal AML). The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin, usually on the right side of your body. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays guide the catheter to the AML and ethanol (pure alcohol) or particles are injected into an artery that feeds the AML. The ethanol destroys the arteries and the particles block blood flow. This lowers the risk of bleeding from the AML. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from a Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off. You also had anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure. These drugs will make you sleepy. This type of anesthesia is usually given in a vein (by IV). You may feel some of its effects for several hours. Common side effects include:

  • Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. It can be treated with over-the-counter. medication
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or weakness

 

For the next 24 hours, please avoid:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Making important personal, business, and legal decisions
  • Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance
  • Strenuous activity, sudden position changes, heavy lifting, and straining

 

Recovery Instructions

You may have a moderate level of pain in the lower back on the side of the embolization over the next few days. This is normal and expected. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

 

You may have flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, mild nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. These symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days.

 

Rarely, you may see a small amount of blood in your urine during the first 24 hours. The urine may look pink or orange during this time.

  

Diet:

  • You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start with clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from your body.

 

Activity:

  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
  • You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medications.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site: 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
  • There should be no or very little bleeding from the puncture site.
    • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes. You must also notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

 

Medication Instructions

The medications below need to be taken at home. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you have diabetes and take Glucophage (metformin), do NOT take it for 2 days after the procedure.

Antibiotics:

  • We may give you a prescription for antibiotics. Take these to prevent infection. Finish all of your antibiotics even if you feel better.

 

Mild pain and/or low grade fever (fever less than 101.5̊ F or 38°C):

  • Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better You can take over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for mild pain and/or low grade fever.
  • Take ibuprofen and naproxen with food as they may upset your stomach.
  • If you have a fever over 101.5̊ F (38° C) that does not go down with medication, please contact your Interventional Radiologist and Nephrologist.

 

Very bad pain not helped by OTC medications:

  • We may give you a prescription for an opioid (strong pain medication) if the OTC medication does not give you enough pain control.
    • Take only as prescribed and only as needed.

 

Constipation:

  • Opioid pain medications give you constipation. If you take them, you should also take a stool softener. You can take Colace® or Senokot®.
    • Colace – stool softener; helps prevent constipation while taking a narcotic.
    • Senokot – mild laxative; take until you have a regular bowel pattern and then stop.

 

Nausea:

  • We may give you a prescription medication to help with nausea.

 

Follow-Up Care

  • Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
  • Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
  • Be sure to make and go to all appointments. Call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness)
  • You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site
  • You have very bad chest pain or trouble breathing

 

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have very bad pain (other than chest pain) that does not get better with medication
  • If you had a radial or wrist puncture: Numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand.
  • You feel like your heart is racing.
  • You have increasing weakness or dizziness.
  • You have trouble urinating or inability to urinate within 8 hours of discharge.
  • You have a significant amount of bright red blood or blood clots in your urine.
  • You have persistent nausea/vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML) Embolization

 

What is a renal AML embolization?

A renal AML embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits blood supply to (embolizes) a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the kidney. This type of tumor is called a renal angiomyolipoma (or renal AML). The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin, usually on the right side of your body. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays guide the catheter to the AML and ethanol (pure alcohol) or particles are injected into an artery that feeds the AML. The ethanol destroys the arteries and the particles block blood flow. This lowers the risk of bleeding from the AML. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from a Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off. You also had anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure. These drugs will make you sleepy. This type of anesthesia is usually given in a vein (by IV). You may feel some of its effects for several hours. Common side effects include:

  • Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. It can be treated with over-the-counter. medication
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or weakness

 

For the next 24 hours, please avoid:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Making important personal, business, and legal decisions
  • Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance
  • Strenuous activity, sudden position changes, heavy lifting, and straining

 

Recovery Instructions

You may have a moderate level of pain in the lower back on the side of the embolization over the next few days. This is normal and expected. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

 

You may have flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, mild nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. These symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days.

 

Rarely, you may see a small amount of blood in your urine during the first 24 hours. The urine may look pink or orange during this time.

  

Diet:

  • You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start with clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from your body.

 

Activity:

  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
  • You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medications.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site: 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
  • There should be no or very little bleeding from the puncture site.
    • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes. You must also notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

 

Medication Instructions

The medications below need to be taken at home. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you have diabetes and take Glucophage (metformin), do NOT take it for 2 days after the procedure.

Antibiotics:

  • We may give you a prescription for antibiotics. Take these to prevent infection. Finish all of your antibiotics even if you feel better.

 

Mild pain and/or low grade fever (fever less than 101.5̊ F or 38°C):

  • Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better You can take over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for mild pain and/or low grade fever.
  • Take ibuprofen and naproxen with food as they may upset your stomach.
  • If you have a fever over 101.5̊ F (38° C) that does not go down with medication, please contact your Interventional Radiologist and Nephrologist.

 

Very bad pain not helped by OTC medications:

  • We may give you a prescription for an opioid (strong pain medication) if the OTC medication does not give you enough pain control.
    • Take only as prescribed and only as needed.

 

Constipation:

  • Opioid pain medications give you constipation. If you take them, you should also take a stool softener. You can take Colace® or Senokot®.
    • Colace – stool softener; helps prevent constipation while taking a narcotic.
    • Senokot – mild laxative; take until you have a regular bowel pattern and then stop.

 

Nausea:

  • We may give you a prescription medication to help with nausea.

 

Follow-Up Care

  • Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
  • Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
  • Be sure to make and go to all appointments. Call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness)
  • You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site
  • You have very bad chest pain or trouble breathing

 

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have very bad pain (other than chest pain) that does not get better with medication
  • If you had a radial or wrist puncture: Numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand.
  • You feel like your heart is racing.
  • You have increasing weakness or dizziness.
  • You have trouble urinating or inability to urinate within 8 hours of discharge.
  • You have a significant amount of bright red blood or blood clots in your urine.
  • You have persistent nausea/vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML) Embolization

 

What is a renal AML embolization?

A renal AML embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits blood supply to (embolizes) a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the kidney. This type of tumor is called a renal angiomyolipoma (or renal AML). The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin, usually on the right side of your body. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays guide the catheter to the AML and ethanol (pure alcohol) or particles are injected into an artery that feeds the AML. The ethanol destroys the arteries and the particles block blood flow. This lowers the risk of bleeding from the AML. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from a Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off. You also had anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure. These drugs will make you sleepy. This type of anesthesia is usually given in a vein (by IV). You may feel some of its effects for several hours. Common side effects include:

  • Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. It can be treated with over-the-counter. medication
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or weakness

 

For the next 24 hours, please avoid:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Making important personal, business, and legal decisions
  • Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance
  • Strenuous activity, sudden position changes, heavy lifting, and straining

 

Recovery Instructions

You may have a moderate level of pain in the lower back on the side of the embolization over the next few days. This is normal and expected. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

 

You may have flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, mild nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. These symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days.

 

Rarely, you may see a small amount of blood in your urine during the first 24 hours. The urine may look pink or orange during this time.

  

Diet:

  • You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start with clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from your body.

 

Activity:

  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
  • You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medications.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site: 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
  • There should be no or very little bleeding from the puncture site.
    • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes. You must also notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

 

Medication Instructions

The medications below need to be taken at home. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you have diabetes and take Glucophage (metformin), do NOT take it for 2 days after the procedure.

Antibiotics:

  • We may give you a prescription for antibiotics. Take these to prevent infection. Finish all of your antibiotics even if you feel better.

 

Mild pain and/or low grade fever (fever less than 101.5̊ F or 38°C):

  • Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better You can take over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for mild pain and/or low grade fever.
  • Take ibuprofen and naproxen with food as they may upset your stomach.
  • If you have a fever over 101.5̊ F (38° C) that does not go down with medication, please contact your Interventional Radiologist and Nephrologist.

 

Very bad pain not helped by OTC medications:

  • We may give you a prescription for an opioid (strong pain medication) if the OTC medication does not give you enough pain control.
    • Take only as prescribed and only as needed.

 

Constipation:

  • Opioid pain medications give you constipation. If you take them, you should also take a stool softener. You can take Colace® or Senokot®.
    • Colace – stool softener; helps prevent constipation while taking a narcotic.
    • Senokot – mild laxative; take until you have a regular bowel pattern and then stop.

 

Nausea:

  • We may give you a prescription medication to help with nausea.

 

Follow-Up Care

  • Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
  • Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
  • Be sure to make and go to all appointments. Call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness)
  • You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site
  • You have very bad chest pain or trouble breathing

 

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have very bad pain (other than chest pain) that does not get better with medication
  • If you had a radial or wrist puncture: Numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand.
  • You feel like your heart is racing.
  • You have increasing weakness or dizziness.
  • You have trouble urinating or inability to urinate within 8 hours of discharge.
  • You have a significant amount of bright red blood or blood clots in your urine.
  • You have persistent nausea/vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML) Embolization

 

What is a renal AML embolization?

A renal AML embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits blood supply to (embolizes) a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the kidney. This type of tumor is called a renal angiomyolipoma (or renal AML). The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin, usually on the right side of your body. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays guide the catheter to the AML and ethanol (pure alcohol) or particles are injected into an artery that feeds the AML. The ethanol destroys the arteries and the particles block blood flow. This lowers the risk of bleeding from the AML. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from a Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off. You also had anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure. These drugs will make you sleepy. This type of anesthesia is usually given in a vein (by IV). You may feel some of its effects for several hours. Common side effects include:

  • Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. It can be treated with over-the-counter. medication
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or weakness

 

For the next 24 hours, please avoid:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Making important personal, business, and legal decisions
  • Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance
  • Strenuous activity, sudden position changes, heavy lifting, and straining

 

Recovery Instructions

You may have a moderate level of pain in the lower back on the side of the embolization over the next few days. This is normal and expected. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

 

You may have flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, mild nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. These symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days.

 

Rarely, you may see a small amount of blood in your urine during the first 24 hours. The urine may look pink or orange during this time.

  

Diet:

  • You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start with clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from your body.

 

Activity:

  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
  • You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medications.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site: 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
  • There should be no or very little bleeding from the puncture site.
    • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes. You must also notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

 

Medication Instructions

The medications below need to be taken at home. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you have diabetes and take Glucophage (metformin), do NOT take it for 2 days after the procedure.

Antibiotics:

  • We may give you a prescription for antibiotics. Take these to prevent infection. Finish all of your antibiotics even if you feel better.

 

Mild pain and/or low grade fever (fever less than 101.5̊ F or 38°C):

  • Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better You can take over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for mild pain and/or low grade fever.
  • Take ibuprofen and naproxen with food as they may upset your stomach.
  • If you have a fever over 101.5̊ F (38° C) that does not go down with medication, please contact your Interventional Radiologist and Nephrologist.

 

Very bad pain not helped by OTC medications:

  • We may give you a prescription for an opioid (strong pain medication) if the OTC medication does not give you enough pain control.
    • Take only as prescribed and only as needed.

 

Constipation:

  • Opioid pain medications give you constipation. If you take them, you should also take a stool softener. You can take Colace® or Senokot®.
    • Colace – stool softener; helps prevent constipation while taking a narcotic.
    • Senokot – mild laxative; take until you have a regular bowel pattern and then stop.

 

Nausea:

  • We may give you a prescription medication to help with nausea.

 

Follow-Up Care

  • Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
  • Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
  • Be sure to make and go to all appointments. Call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness)
  • You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site
  • You have very bad chest pain or trouble breathing

 

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have very bad pain (other than chest pain) that does not get better with medication
  • If you had a radial or wrist puncture: Numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand.
  • You feel like your heart is racing.
  • You have increasing weakness or dizziness.
  • You have trouble urinating or inability to urinate within 8 hours of discharge.
  • You have a significant amount of bright red blood or blood clots in your urine.
  • You have persistent nausea/vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.