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Properly Prepare for Your Infusion-Therapy Treatment

In some cases, the use of oral medications simply isn't enough to effectively administer treatment for a patient. In these instances, the use of infusion therapy is often recommended. For the patient, this treatment method can present a number of concerns and questions, particularly when it comes to preparing for treatment. Here is some helpful information to assist you with this process.

Hydrate

In the days leading up to your infusion treatment, make certain you are drinking plenty of fluids. Being dehydrated when you need an intravenous treatment is never a good thing. When your body is in this state, it is increasingly harder to palpate your veins.

When you are hydrated, your veins are more supple and easier to locate and access, which makes the process more comfortable for you. In terms of hydration, it's best to stick with water, as some beverages such as alcohol can actually make you dehydrated. It might be helpful to carry around a large bottle and sip on it throughout the day.

Relax

The idea of infusion therapy probably doesn't exactly make you feel warm and fuzzy, but do your best to relax. When you are tense, every inch of your body will also be in the same state, including your muscles. Tense muscles don't just make it more challenging to start an IV line, but if the line has already been inserted, this can put pressure on your veins and prevent the medication from flowing through properly.

This can both diminish the effect of treatment and prolong it. If you're having a hard time, try to close your eyes and think about someplace else you would rather be.

Sleep Well

Make sure you are not tired on the day of your therapy appointment. With traditional oral medications, drugs are slowly dissolved and dispersed throughout the body. However, with infusion therapy, the drug is administered directly into your bloodstream, where it is immediately released.

Given this swift effect, it's not uncommon for people to feel fatigued after a therapy session. If you failed to get adequate rest and are already tired, this additional fatigue will only make matters worse. The more rested you are, the better you will feel after your treatment.

Taking care of your health is a partnership between you and your medical provider. Make sure you are meeting your end of the deal by preparing for your infusion therapy. Talk to a company such as Idaho Arthritis Center for more information.