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Some medications simply work best when placed directly into the bloodstream. This can be done via IV infusion therapy, which is generally carried out at an IV infusion clinic. You may have to visit once a month or once a week for regular treatments, either indefinitely or until your condition greatly improves. Going through regular IV infusions is not always easy, but the following tips can help.

Hydrate before your appointment.

For many patients, the hardest part of the infusion is the initial vein puncture. If your practitioner struggles to find a vein and has to poke you a few times, it can be a little traumatic and painful. To decrease the chances of this happening, make sure you hydrate well before your infusion. Sip water throughout the day, and add an extra glass or two to your routine. When you are well hydrated, your veins tend to be full, easy to locate, and easy to puncture, which means your practitioner will have an easier time inserting the IV.

Allow the practitioners to use different veins.

Sometimes, a patient will insist that their practitioner always puts the IV in a certain spot. This may make things more "familiar" for you, but regular punctures of the same vein can cause scar tissue to build up, which just makes future infusions harder. Allow your practitioner to use different veins each time you go in for a treatment, and your treatments will be easier.

Do not squeeze the IV bag.

You may have seen scenes in movies in which a doctor squeezes an IV bag to get the fluid to drain into the patient's veins faster. Sometimes, patients try to do this when their practitioner steps away. It's a bad idea. IV medications are designed to be infused into your veins at a certain rate. If you squeeze the bag to speed up the infusion, the medicine may not work as it is intended. It may also cause additional side effects or make you feel woozy. Schedule your IV infusions when you have plenty of time so you do not feel rushed during the visit. Let the IV drip at the rate it is set to drip.

If you follow these tips, your IV infusions should go more smoothly. Hopefully, you start to feel better soon and you do not need this sort of treatment as often. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse any questions you may think of during IV treatment. For more information on IV infusion treatment, contact a professional near you.