This important information is for you to read in advance of your appointment. Do not use any perfumed lotions, shower gels, and medical ointments or oils on the day before the treatment or on the day of the treatment. You must inform the leech therapist if you are taking any blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants The entire leech therapy procedure will take two to three hours. Please schedule your time accordingly. On the day of the treatment, you should rest and elevate the affected limb as frequently as possible. Continue to elevate the limb frequently for at least two days after treatment.

You were referred to us for leech therapy, and the doctor who administered the treatment told you about its potential side effects and contraindications. This information sheet will give you and the subsequent care physician im- portant details regarding further treatment. Once the leeches have finished extracting blood, the target region is covered with a thick absorbent dressing, which should be left in place until the fol- lowing day. We recommend that you refrain from all strenuous activities on the day of the treatment and elevate the treated limb as frequently as possible. You will have been given additional dressing material. If the primary dress- ing becomes soaked with blood from the leech bite, then cover it with the additional dressing material. Contact our institute/practice if heavy bleeding continues or if you are worried about any other side effects. Call the regular number during office hours or the following number after hours:

We recommend that you come in to have the dressing changed on the day

after the treatment, and that you present for a check-up three to seven days

Once the leeches have dropped off, the leech bite will be covered with a thick absorbent dressing which may restrict your movements. Loosely fitting clothing or wide (open-toe) shoes should be worn over the dressing. It is not advisable to drive a car during this time. State medical programs and basic medical insurance policies usually do not cover the costs of leech therapy. If you have any further questions, please call us during office hours for

The dressing should be changed on the day after treatment. This should pre- ferably be done at our institute/practice. Itching and reddening of the skin around the leech bite may occur. These symptoms are usually harmless and are presumably part of the leeching ef- fect. They usually respond well to simple remedies such as curd compresses, ice, and insect bite ointments (antihistamines Contact us or another physi- cian immediately if the symptoms become more severe (fever, chills, circu- lation problems, etc Approximately one week after treatment, we will contact you to ensure that the treatment was completed properly. This quality control measure is loi your safety and for our records.

 

email jacina@jacina.com or call 07979531902

II you or the subsequent care physician should have any further questions during the course of aftercare, please call us during office hours at the

Yours sincerely, 

Jacina Coyne