Prepping for Your First IV Hydration Experience
IV hydration therapy is becoming a more common service throughout the country. Some doctors are beginning to offer this service in their offices. There are also IV hydration clinics opening in some cities. An IV hydration session can be really helpful if you're feeling dehydrated after a bout of illness, a hard workout, or a night of heavy drinking. Here's a look at what will happen during your appointment.
1. You'll undergo a basic health assessment.
Before you are given an IV treatment, the doctor or practitioner administering the treatment will talk to you about your overall health, what issues you've been experiencing, and why you're there. Based on your answers, they will prepare an IV treatment specifically for you. While all IV hydration solutions contain a basic saline solution with electrolytes, the practitioner can add additional vitamins and minerals based on your needs. For instance, if you just ran a marathon, they may add extra potassium and magnesium to your IV, as these minerals tend to be depleted by intense exercise.
2. The practitioner will insert an IV into your arm.
After you lie back on a treatment table, the IV needle will be inserted into your arm. If possible, most practitioners try to insert the needle in your upper arm, as the muscle in this area tends to make the insertion less painful. But if you are pretty dehydrated, then they may have to insert the needle closer to your wrist, where the veins are closer to the surface of your skin. You'll feel some pinching and mild discomfort as the needle is put in, but this feeling should fade within a minute or two.
3. You'll rest for about a half-hour.
Most IV hydration treatment sessions take about a half-hour—sometimes a bit longer. You'll just get to sit there and relax while the fluid drips into your vein. Some centers have music playing or a TV you can watch, and you should be able to play on your phone as long as you don't use the arm that the IV needle is in too much.
After the entire bag of fluid has been incorporated into your circulatory system, you will be free to go. Most patients immediately feel refreshed after the treatment, and you'll feel even better once a few hours have passed.
IV hydration therapy can help people who face dehydration, which is a really common problem in today's worth. It's simple, almost painless, and quite safe.