High Street Medical Clinic has the clinical facilities and technology to perform minimally invasive procedures and minor surgeries that do not require specialist consultation or hospital visits, yet still need attention. The doctors practising at HSMC are experienced and trained in skin problems where local anaesthetic is sometimes required or minor procedures such as irrigation, infusions, wound care, suturing, and plaster splints.
Procedures include:
- Skin lesion removal + biopsy
- Ingrown toenail removal
- Iron infusion
- Wound care
- Plaster + back slab
- Ear syringe/Irrigation
FAQs
- Fasting for the procedure is not required
- Continue to take your regular medication
- You can drive home after the infusion and resume usual duties (unless there are expected reactions)
- If you are given a script, please have this filled and bring it with you to your infusion appointment (It may be worthwhile to check with your pharmacy that they stock the Ferinject)
- You will have an IV (Intravenous line) cannula injected, please wear warm clothes, that have loose arms.
- Feel free to bring along a book, iPad etc., to keep you occupied during your infusion – generally you will be at the clinic 1-2 hours.
- You will be monitored during the procedure by nurses who check: Blood pressure, temperature, pulse and breathing rates.
- As with all medications, there is a risk of side effects.
- The most common side effect is headache.
- Other common side effects, which are generally minor, include:
- Dizziness (1%)
- Nausea (3%)
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Local reaction to the infusion site (redness, slight swelling)
- Some patients report a metallic taste in their mouth
- A ‘cold’ feeling may also be experienced in your arm at the site of the IV insertion.
- Risks of severe allergic reactions are very low
- Please tell the doctors and/or nurses if you are feeling unwell or any of the side effects
- You will be asked to wait in the practice for 30 minutes following the infusion
What symptoms could be caused by too much ear dirt or ear wax?
Excess of ear dirt or ear wax are unlikely to naturally discharge from your ears. There are a number of symptoms that could be caused by too much ear wax, such as:
- Temporary loss of hearing
- Ringing or buzzing sound in the ear called Tinnitus.
- Earache
Can I get infected due to unremoved earwax buildup?
Yes, a buildup of earwax can lead to an infection. You may experience a combination of symptoms such as severe pain in your ears, fever, coughing, dizziness and an odour coming from your ears. You should visit a doctor if you see any of these symptoms.
How often will I need the procedure?
The answer is; it depends. For some people, a single procedure should suffice the purpose. However, if you constantly find yourself with serious plugs, infections and other symptoms, you may be advised for a more regular clean.
Your doctor would be the best person to recommend on how often you will need ear irrigations.
How long will my appointment take?
The appointment will take up to 30 minutes.
What should I do before the appointment?
Prior to your ear syringe/irrigation appointment, you will need to use ear drops to soften the wax. Your doctor will be able to tell you when to start doing that. In this way, the ear wax is easily removed with the syringe.
Should I clean my ears with a cotton bud?
While it is completely safe to use a cotton bud to clean your ear from outside, it is best to avoid using a cotton bud for inside of your ears.
