Having to undergo surgery can be a frightening experience. You’re already dealing with pain and discomfort from an underlying medical condition, and now you have to deal with the aftermath of the operation. You may wake up drowsy, nauseous, and maybe even worried. Will recovery be painful? How long will it take you to heal? Is there anything you can do to make yourself start feeling better, faster? The answer is yes — depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may recommend infusion therapy. But, what is it? How does it work? And what would be the benefits of receiving it after surgery?
How does infusion therapy work?
Every surgery is different, and some are relatively simple. But when a patient has experienced extensive trauma or sepsis, it’s possible for them to suffer from significant blood loss (hypovolemia), tissue injury, dehydration, and/or gastrointestinal fluid loss. When such is the case, the patient is at risk of insufficient blood circulation and decreased oxygen delivery to vital organs. The most effective way to restore fluid levels is through intravenous (IV) therapy. In some cases, doing so is necessary to ensure the patient’s survival.
Infusion therapy provides hydration, replenishes electrolytes, and secures adequate amounts of oxygen are delivered to tissues and organs. Doing so returns the body to homeostasis — the stable conditions needed to maintain health. Infusion therapy can also help the patient maintain their pre-operative weight by replacing additional fluid loss from sweat and urine. Since hydration is injected directly into the bloodstream, the patient receives the necessary vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients immediately — ensuring maximum absorption.
Which type of medications are infused depends on the patient’s particular needs, and may include B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium. Additional nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties may also be used to promote faster healing.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects typically depend on the medication cocktail. Another risk includes infection at the injection site where the IV needle is inserted. The needle could also become dislodged, causing the solution to enter the surrounding tissues. To lower these risks, each infusion is monitored by either a physician or a registered nurse. Prior to starting your infusion therapy, one of our healthcare professionals will review your prescribed medication and discuss all possible side effects with you.
What to Expect
Hydration is administered by injecting a needle attached to a small tube directly into the patient’s vein. This tube is connected to an IV bag containing the prescribed medication. Once attached to your arm, the solution will slowly drip into your bloodstream.
The duration of each session depends on the patient’s needs. Regardless of how long it takes, at Infusion Associates, our staff is fully committed to making sure the experience is as comfortable as possible. You can bring a book or magazine, and receive infusions in a reclining chair. We also provide blankets, hot beverages — coffee, tea, or hot cocoa — and you can listen to music or watch a movie. You can also have the peace of mind that comes from having either a doctor or nurse practitioner monitoring the transfusion. And, you are more than welcome to bring in a family member or a friend for company or support.
If Your Doctor Has Recommended IV Therapy, Let Infusion Associates Help You
At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy for patients with chronic conditions in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a Registered Pharmacist on-site to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at (616) 954-0600 or filling out this form.