Preparing for Infusion Treatment Therapy
Intravenous infusion therapies are proven to help quickly deliver medications and can be more effective than traditional remedies. But these treatment options will differ from a usual doctor's appointment. Here is what you'll need to know when preparing for your infusion treatment.
Hydration & blood sugar
We all know how lousy we can feel when we haven't had enough water or when too much time has passed since we've last eaten. Reactions can be anywhere from groggy or lethargic to nauseous or irritable. None of these are pleasant, and they won't set you up for a good infusion experience. Having a good baseline hydration and refueling with a snack if necessary will put your body in a good place to better accept your medication. Stable blood sugar levels are also key to avoiding unnecessary negative side effects.
Ohio Infusion Services always has beverages and snacks on hand for your convenience, and you are more than welcome to bring your own favorite selections, especially if you have unique dietary needs.
medicine & contraindications
Now that we're moving into spring, you might be taking common over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants to keep symptoms at bay. Or you could be taking a prescribed medication year-round for a chronic condition like high blood pressure. These and other medications contain vasoconstriction components that work partially by narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow. If at all possible, we would suggest that you refrain from taking them directly before your appointment. But if after speaking with your doctor it is not possible for you to avoid these medications beforehand, you can most definitely receive your scheduled treatment. Just be sure to keep extra hydrated and drink more water than normal before your infusion.
dress with comfort in mind
If this is your first treatment with us, you could be feeling anxious or a little stressed. That's understandable, but we want to assure you that we will do whatever it takes to make the process as smooth as possible for you. One thing you can do to make the situation better is to dress comfortably, whatever that means for you personally. Some patients prefer soft, non-restrictive clothing, while others opt to dress as they always would. Whatever helps you to feel comfortable and confident can only help your treatment and your overall state of mind.
The duration of your treatment will depend on the medication and dosage, and we are always available to fill in those sorts of details for you so that you can plan accordingly. The only request we will make regarding your dress is that what you wear allows us to easily administer the IV. Since you will need to have one arm partially exposed, we always make blankets available for you if you’re feeling a chill. And on a practical note, low-maintenance clothing makes any restroom visits that much easier.
How To Pass The Time
Treatment times vary, and some patients might just enjoy the calm and silence. But if you prefer to keep your mind busy or to be entertained, feel free to enjoy our complimentary flat screen TV or use our high-speed WiFi to access your favorite streaming platform. We offer each patient a comfortable recliner and chairs for guests, so if you’d like to kick back and lose yourself in a good story, or spend time chatting, it’s all up to you. Here are a few more ideas to make the most of your time with us:
- Work on a crossword or sudoku puzzle
- Listen to your favorite playlist
- Get work done on your computer
- Knit or crochet
- Draw or doodle
- Meditate or journal
Whatever you decide, just be sure that it’s an activity that will keep you seated and calm, and that it won’t be at a volume that could potentially disturb other patients undergoing treatment.
Relax With Ohio Infusion Services
Seasoned patients know the drill, but for those seeking infusion therapy for a new treatment option, there could be some hesitation. At Ohio Infusion Services we understand that there will be more than a few questions surrounding your first appointment with us. Your referring doctor can answer quite a few, and we are always here to make sure that you feel comfortable and will have a smooth first-time experience.
During your first appointment a nurse or doctor will be right there with you, monitoring your reaction to the medication. But after that initial observation you will always receive treatment in the privacy of your own personal suite. So with these tips in mind, take whatever steps you can to make your time with us as positive as it can be and to maximize the benefits of your treatment.
If you have more questions for our professional, trained staff, feel free to contact us. We look forward to having you here and helping you get on the path to feeling better.