Overview of Intravenous Therapy
Therapy usually consists of a combination of oral medications and intravenous infusions.
Intravenous infusions (IVI) normal take around two hours but this can vary depending on tolerance and the route of administration.
The following routes can administer infusions:
Commonly known as a drip. A peripheral IV line consists of a short catheter (a few centimeters long) inserted through the skin into a peripheral vein. A peripheral IV cannot be left in the vein indefinitely due to the risk of infection at the insertion site which may lead to more serious complications. Irritation of the veins may also lead to more difficult access over time. Therefore, the catheter (Cannula) is inserted prior to therapy and removed at the end of every session.
- Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)
The PICC line is inserted into a peripheral vein, usually in the arm and then carefully advanced upward until the catheter is in the superior vena cava or the right atrium of the heart. The insertion site is covered with a sterile dressing. The chief advantage of a PICC is that intravenous access can be gained without discomfort and can be maintained for treatments over a prolonged period of time. However, damage or occlusion from movement of the arm can occur at times.
A port is a central venous line that does not have an external connector; instead it has a small reservoir implanted under the skin. It is inserted in you upper chest wall in the space between your collarbone and breast. Benefits of the port are less inconvenience for you. The port will have a needle inserted and a sterile dressing applied at the beginning of weekly treatments which will then be removed on the completion of the week’s session. Due to the port being under the skin they have a lower risk of infection.
Generally the clinic recommends a PICC line or port insertion due to the duration of the treatment and to alleviate discomfort.
Observation & Monitoring
During therapy the nursing staff will continually observe you. During initial treatments a monitoring unit will be used. This will display blood pressure and pulse oximetry and ECG cardiac rhythms. This initial monitoring establishes a base line of what are normal recordings for you and assists staff to identify any changes. Monitors may be used in this continuous mode during treatments at any stage.
Your weight will be recorded weekly and a urine PH (this is a simple dip stick test which can be done by you) will be recorded each visit.
Investigation by means of blood tests is carried out also weekly and the investigations requested may vary depending on you individual treatment plan. It may be appropriate for Dr Barnes to request a scan to be carried out at certain stages of treatment.
Holistic approach
The clinic believes in a holistic approach, therefore a specific diet will be recommended for you to follow. The diet is based on low GI and no methionine with fresh organic produce used along with herbal tea infusions. It is a requirement to treatment for you to have a consultation with our resident Naturopath Kerry Deakin. This will normally take place in your first week of therapy and is a great resource for you in gaining assistance and dietary advice.
During your therapy sessions the team believes in promoting a positive happy open learning culture. Questions are encouraged and due to the team all coming from different clinical backgrounds a diversity of experience is offered. All members of the team have a commitment to support you through times of laughter and also when more serious challenges lie ahead.
