by Jodi
"Take Care of Your Body. It's the Only Place You Have to Live." - Jim Rohn
No matter what time of year it is – summer vacation, holiday break, springtime or in the fall – whenever my friend travels, she comes home sick. Sometimes, it’s a cold that she gets over quickly and other times, she’s dealing with a full-blown flu. After so many years of this experience after both mini breaks to visit family in the Midwest and weeks long European trips, she’s given in and now adds a few days to the back end of her trips to recover before returning to work.
Although I’m a 25+ year veteran of the aviation industry, I’ve had some of my own travel-related health challenges. It’s now been almost two decades since I found out I’d picked up a dreadful souvenir on my travels; I’d contracted the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). This virus is what causes mononucleosis (that thing you got back in high school which sidelined you for almost a month and forced you to avoid everyone less you pass it on). When you have the type of EBV like I do, it never completely goes away. Initially, it was troubling to diagnose and after several weeks of rest, the symptoms disappeared and the virus went dormant. Two years later when it re-emerged, I’d gotten married and without realizing the random, mystery illness I’d experienced was still lurking around and was highly contagious. As a result, I passed it to my new husband the first year of our marriage. So, now there were two of us grappling with the effects of EBV.
Once I knew that I was stuck with recurring, acute EBV, I started a deep dive to find out everything I could about living with it. Conventional medicine prescribes lots of rest, fluids and over the counter medications to manage symptoms which normally go away after about two to four weeks and sometimes as long as several months. Multiple sources cited the Myer’s Cocktail as a powerful way to treat EBV and drastically reduce recovery time. This treatment pulls together a myriad of vitamins and minerals which are delivered using IV therapy to greatly improve the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients.
Back in 2007, when I started looking, it was challenging to find places offering Myer’s Cocktail IV therapy. Today, you can find IV therapy all over and there’s been lots more research into the effectiveness of this method of treatment for a wide variety of uses. Different IV solutions are now being used to treat migraines; enhance athletic performance and recovery; rehydrate the body; improve metabolic function; address depression and anxiety; reduce signs of aging and MORE! Currently, we maintain a monthly membership with InVigorate IV in downtown St. Petersburg to manage our EBV and prevent its re-emergence. To check out their menu of IVs CLICK HERE
The team at InVigorate IV is comprised of RNs, a nurse anesthetist and a physician to ensure you’re getting safe, knowledgeable service every time you visit. Recently, I spoke with one of their RN’s, Brittany, who answered some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IV Therapy. Read through our Q & A session below to learn more.
Q: What’s the most common reason people get IV therapy?
A: The most common reason people receive IV therapy is to be their best self through regaining energy, combatting illness, and reversing dehydration in this hot Florida climate.
Q: Does IV therapy hurt?
A: Yes and No. The only time pain is felt is at the millisecond of the IV insertion, and then the tape removal at the end of the infusion. The IV infusion and catheter removal is painless.
Q: Is IV therapy only for those who are sick?
A: No, IV’s are for healthy people too! They are great to prep for an athletic event, academic exam, pre- and post- travel, Preventing and curing hangovers, and dehydration from any cause.
Q: How often do I need to get IVs?
A: Most Client’s receive their IV’s once and month or biweekly, and as needed for travel, illness, events, etc. IV’s can be received as closely together as three days with our staff or medical director’s clearance.
Q: I’m on medication, will the IV therapy interfere with my meds?
A: Possibly. Most medications are safe to take while receiving IV therapy. We always have a Registered Nurse on staff to answer any medication questions related to IV therapy that you may have.
Q: Do I need to ask my doctor before getting IV therapy?
A: No, There are select circumstances where a doctor’s order needs to be obtained. Our staff will let you know If/when a doctor’s order is necessary.
Q: Is IV therapy more beneficial than oral medication or hydration?
A: Yes, IV therapy surpasses the supplement loss in the gut, therefore you are able to absorb about 99% of what you are receiving in your IV. Traditional oral supplements only have an absorption of about 20%. IV therapy delivers vital nutrients directly into your blood stream.
Q: Are there any precautions after getting an IV?
A: No, you can continue to enjoy your life as normal!
Q: How do I decide which IV is right for me?
A: Our Registered Nurses will help you decide which IV is best for you based on your medical history, symptoms you are experiencing, and goals with IV therapy.
Q: Is there anyone who shouldn’t do IV therapy?
A: Yes, we do decline to treat anyone under the age of 18 and certain clients that have pre-existing medical conditions. If you feel you may not qualify for IV therapy you can call us and speak with a staff member.
Q: How long does IV therapy take?
A: A standard IV infuses in about 45 minutes. If you prefer, we can use a slightly larger catheter, and cut it down to less than thirty minutes.
Is your curiosity piqued? If you’re thinking about trying IV Therapy and live in the Tampa Bay area you simply cannot go wrong by visiting InVigorate IV. They’re located at 124 9th Street North and can be reached by calling (727) 551-4281. Outside of this area, try an internet search for “IV Therapy” to see locations near you. Taking preventative action to manage your health and wellness will save you the time and money that getting sick can cost.
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