Intravenous therapy (IV) is quickly gaining popularity as an effective way to administer fluids, nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants into the body.
Perhaps you're prepping for a boot camp class, in need of an energy boost post-workout, or you're struggling to cope with jetlag after a long-hour flight.
In any case, an IV injection hydrates your body with the proper nutrients and fluids to help you get your groove back.
Is it safe? How long will it last? How do you prepare for the IV injection? It is usual for all these questions to cross your mind.
First, let’s learn what IV therapy is and its functions. Then, get tips to prepare for your first IV injection appointment.
What Is Intravenous Therapy?
Intravenous (IV) therapy is an administering method – intravenous means delivery through the patient's vein. It delivers fluids, blood, and antibiotics directly into your bloodstream. Thus, there's a faster absorption rate, which means you obtain relief within minutes.
IV nutrition is used to bring fast relief from:
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Cold and flu
- Jet lag
- Post-workout fatigue
- Migraines
- Shock and trauma
- Vitamins and minerals deficiency
Now, let's look at how to prepare for your forthcoming IV infusion.
What to Do Before IV Therapy
Here are some tips to help your IV infusion go as smoothly as possible.
Hydrate
You're probably wondering why you need to hydrate when the IV therapy should rehydrate you. Well, the vitamins and minerals administered via IV are deficient in your body cells.
As a result, your body will respond better to the IV nutritional therapy if you were hydrated correctly before the actual procedure. Ideally, drink a lot of water at least 24 hours before and on the date of your appointment.
You can add salt to the water. The salt helps your body retain more moisture in your blood. This helps with a smooth experience during and after the IV. Also, when your body is well-hydrated, your veins become more dilated. So your nurse practitioner will certainly have an easy time finding them on the first attempt.
Eat
You shouldn't go to your infusion appointment on an empty stomach. Have a warm meal about 1-2 hours before the infusion. Eating a meal triggers the “rest and digest” section of your nervous system.
As a result, it opens your blood vessels and permits IV nutrients to access the deepest of tissues. In the end, your entire IV therapy experience becomes more tolerable. You'll experience no nausea or other irritating symptoms. This is especially true for meals that contain water and proteins, such as meats, pasta, chickens, fish, vegetables, eggs, and so on.
Relax
Take slow and deep breaths. This breathing technique will help relax your mind and body. Plus, focusing on your breath quickly sends oxygen to your brain. Yes, it's normal to be afraid of needles and IVs. You don't have to be embarrassed about it. Tell your medical team about all your concerns. They are around to support you.
Prepare Things to Keep You Entertained
How long an infusion appointment lasts varies based on the type of medicine being administered. Some may take a couple of minutes, while others may take an hour or two. There's also the recommended observation period after the IV therapy, where your caregiver checks on you to ensure everything is okay.
All of this may amount to hours spent waiting around. So you'll want to bring along your sources of entertainment to help you pass the time. Here are a few ideas:
- Book: Bring that book that you've been procrastinating to start reading.
- Headphones: Yes, a podcast or an audiobook to listen to with your headphones.
- Games: Play the games on your smartphone or tablet that you've been wanting to try out. Other exciting options include Sudoku and magazine crossword puzzles.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Here are a few attire tips to take into consideration:
- Put on a short sleeve shirt or top to allow for easier IV placement.
- Wear the most comfortable pants you have. They provide the temperature balance for the short sleeve shirt you will be wearing.
- Tie up your long hair
- Avoid rompers or button clothes.
Follow Your Doctor's Instructions
Before the appointment date, you’ll get notification of what you need to do for your IV therapy. The doctor may recommend a specific diet or medication. Whatever it is, follow it to the letter.
Write Down Your Concerns
The chances are, you have a list of questions concerning the entire IV therapy process. Note all of them down. Then, discuss with your caregiver. They will explain everything plus any other issue that might be troubling you.
Write Down Any Medication You Are Taking
Inform your doctor of any prescription medicine or over-the-counter tablets that you are taking. With this information, your caregiver will recommend the best medications that don't cause an adverse reaction with the drugs you're currently using.
Make Time to Rest After
Don't stress yourself out with rushing back to work or running other errands. Instead, take some time off to recover after every infusion treatment.
Now let's delve into some of the most frequently asked questions about IV therapy.
FAQs About IV Therapy
Got burning questions about infusion therapy? We've got the answers.
How Long Does IV Therapy Last?
Of course, the time duration varies from one individual to another. But the typical time needed for an infusion treatment is between 25 and 45 minutes. Ideally, schedule an hour for IV nutritional therapy. Luckily, the procedure flows smoothly. You'll be seated on a comfortable recliner seat during the entire process, where you can browse your phone or listen to music.
Is IV Therapy Safe?
It's 100 percent safe. However, you should make sure that the practitioners are professional, licensed, registered, and with vast experience working in medical institutions. The treatment should also be FDA-approved.
Choosing Reset IV for your IV Therapy Needs
Reset IV is a concierge service, which means that we will come to your home, office, gym, hotel room, or any other location of your choice. There is no need for you to visit a clinic or wait for your treatment. Our services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll typically be at your door within an hour of booking, depending on availability.
Reset IV Locations
Reset IV serves multiple convenient locations across the country: Los Angeles, Orange County, Las Vegas, Miami, Tampa, as well as Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.