It is no surprise that intravenous or IV therapy is the current hype as A-List celebrities are reaping the benefits of this medical innovation. Adele, Brad Pitt, and Justine Bieber are using this convenient solution to achieve the right balance of nutrient intake in general. The moment it goes into the bloodstream, it detoxifies the body and optimizes cellular levels.
As part of your health care, IV therapy provides a more significant percentage in helping the minerals, nutrients, and vitamins wholly infuse in the body. Consuming pill supplements and liquid substances orally goes through the digestive tract to be processed and metabolized, reducing absorption rates.
You are all prepped up, but how about during the treatment? What is there to expect during the procedure?
Being mindful during your IV therapy is necessary to get the most relaxing and comfortable experience. In doing so, be aware of these two pointers.
1. Understand the process.
The IV process involves the injection of a needle attached to a small tube connected to the catheter. Mostly, administrators use the vein in the arm as the injection site.
The IV bag contains a mix of solutions, medications, and nutrients customized for the patient’s needs. It will slowly flow into the tube and the vein. Completely absorbing the nutrients will take time, depending on various factors.
2. Pass the time.
IV therapy may finish as fast as 15 minutes but as long as 2 hours. Bring some entertainment with you to keep yourself busy, focused, calm, and relaxed. It may be a book or magazine you want to read, a puzzle you want to complete, a game you want to ace, music to listen to, a laptop to complete your work, or a pillow to nap. These activities will help you kill time.
Another thing to consider is the likelihood of risks to appear; however, it is minimal. Possible side effects, such as a bit of discomfort or pain at the injection site, lightheadedness, or dizziness, might be experienced.
On the contrary, you may expect apparent positive results if undergoing IV therapy for a hangover, jet lag, or mild sickness. However, it is not like you will become Superman or Wonder Woman overnight. The evidence of results varies from one patient to another. Others reported that they experienced a change in three to four days. It includes replenishing their fluid and electrolytes.
Therefore, IV therapy is not a quick fix nor a panacea to solve all ailments instantly. It is an innovative way to address your body’s deficiencies in minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. It becomes a great way to supplement and support a healthy and balanced diet. Moreover, it helps counteract many health issues.
You may have prepared yourself and everything before and during your treatment, but how about after it? Is there anything you need to observe? Or do you need to consult someone again?
Post-care in IV therapy plays an integral part in a safe treatment process. Without being careful or mindful until the end of your treatment, you could end up compromising your safety.
Here are four post-care tips you should do in your IV journey.
1. Inspect for bruising, burning, swelling, or tenderness.
Ensure to scan the injection site for any bruising, burning, swelling, or tenderness days after the treatment. These symptoms may mean the first signs of infection. If there happens to be, apply a cold pack or put ice on a cloth for 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid directly using ice on the area; instead, put a thin fabric between the skin and ice.
2. Bathe or shower as you usually do.
We all need that refreshing bath or shower, especially after a long day. Hence, it does not hurt to cleanse dirt away from the body. Be careful with touching the injection site, though.
3. Be gentle and mindful of the injection site.
The injection site is vulnerable, especially on the first two days. Although you can do your everyday routine or regular activities, be careful of the injection site and prevent it from exposure to rough contact.
4. Seek immediate medical care if having problems.
Keep an eye for the following signs and symptoms and contact your doctor or nurse immediately.
- You experience increased pain, redness, swelling, and warmth at the injection area.
- You notice unexplained red streaks leading from the injection site.
- You encounter pus drainage from the injection site.
- You experience fever.
- You spot a lump in the injection area.
- You catch sight of a new or worse bruising in the area.
Follow-up care is vital in ensuring your safe and satisfying IV therapy experience. Remember that each body is unique, even its response and metabolism. What may be suitable for others won’t be for you and vice versa. Do always consult your therapist, doctor, or nurse, as IV therapy offers a wide range of customized drips and benefits that will fit your needs.
