If you or a family member is coming for infusion therapy for the first time, knowing what to anticipate will ease your concern and set you up perfectly for what’s ahead. Infusion therapy is a type of specialized medical treatment that directly infuses drugs into your body via an intravenous (IV) catheter. It is primarily used in the management of many diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, infections, and other chronic disorders.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through what infusion therapy is, why you require it, and what happens when you visit the Infusion Center in Palm Harbor, FL, for the first time. If you are receiving chemotherapy, biologics, or other advanced treatments, this guide will comfort you more and prepare you better.
What is Infusion Therapy, and Why Is It Needed?
Infusion therapy is directly giving medicines or fluids intravenously. It allows medicines to take a quicker and more efficient effect if they are not being taken by mouth because they do not need to go through the digestive tract and directly enter the bloodstream.
Your doctor might recommend infusion therapy for the following reasons:
- When oral medication cannot provide the desired dose or can be inadequately absorbed by your body
- When life-saving speed of medication is required, such as chemotherapy or infection
- When drugs are available in only intravenous form
- When chronic or prolonged therapy needs to be administered for long-term disease
Some of the diseases where infusion therapy is essential are cancer, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, severe bacterial infections, immune deficiency syndromes, and some hematologic (blood) diseases.
The Role of Comprehensive Hematology Oncology in Infusion Therapy
If you are undergoing treatment for hematologic disorders, or blood cancer, infusion therapy will typically be one of the focus areas of your treatment. Comprehensive Hematology Oncology specialists play a critically important role in the evaluation of your condition, planning your treatment, and management of your treatment.
These specialists customize your chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens and closely communicate with the staff at the infusion center to deliver your treatments safely and effectively. Their input is extremely important in tracking your response, fine-tuning medications, and controlling side effects on your therapy.
Expect at Your First Visit to the Infusion Center Palm Harbor, FL
Scheduling and Preparation
Once your doctor has ordered you for infusion therapy, Infusion Center Palm Harbor will contact you to make an initial appointment. Before going, make sure that
- You verify coverage by insurance and bring your insurance card with you
- Gather your medications on which you are being treated currently and medical history data
- Arrange for transportation, especially if you anticipate exhaustion or side effects from the treatment
- Wear loose-fitting garments and loose-fitting if feasible with easy access to your arms
Arrival and Check-In
Upon arrival at the center, you will be greeted by administrative staff who will verify your personal and insurance information. You will likely need to fill out or provide an update of medical forms and consent forms related to your infusion therapy.
One of our nurses will interview you and review your medical history, allergies, and symptoms. We will take your vital signs of blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation to ensure that you are stable enough to undergo treatment.
IV Access Placement
One of the most significant procedures is inserting the intravenous (IV) line that will administer your medication. A registered nurse will insert a small catheter into a vein, typically in your arm or hand. This is typically quick and employs sterile methods to reduce pain and eliminate infection.
For repeated or ongoing infusion needs for a patient, the treatment team can consider using a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line or an implanted port, which provide longer-term access.
Medication Administration
After your IV line is placed, the medication will then be drawn up and administered based on your individual treatment protocol. Your infusion time varies with the type of medication and the dose. Some infusions are less than an hour, and others may take several hours.
Throughout this time, the nurses will be closely monitoring you for side effects or reactions, such as allergic reactions or pain at the infusion site. They will also be monitoring your vital signs and asking how you feel. In case you experience any symptom such as rash, itching, dizziness, or breathing difficulty, report to the nursing staff at once.
Comfort During Infusion
The Infusion Center strives to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you. You will be reclining in a recliner and provided blankets, Wi-Fi, and entertainment options to pass the time. Nurses will check on you regularly, changing pillows, providing snack or beverage access if allowed, and responding to questions promptly.
Completion of Therapy and Post-Infusion Care
Once your infusion is complete, your nurse will remove your IV line slowly and put a bandage on it. You may be monitored for a little while to check if you have any reaction later on before you are discharged.
Your aftercare instructions will be provided at discharge by the nurses, such as:
- How to maintain your IV site infection-free and clean
- Signs to look out for when you are home
- Activity and hydration guidelines following infusion
- Information about your follow-up visit and after-care
Side Effects and Management
Infusion treatment can cause side effects, depending on the drug infused. Side effects that occur frequently include
- Slight redness, swelling, or irritation at the IV site
- Tiredness or weakness
- Nausea or indigestion
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or shortness of breath (rare but serious)
Side effects are treated and recognized by the infusion center staff. Side effects or allergic reactions can be minimized by employing drugs administered during infusion as and when needed.
Preparation for Your Infusion Therapy: Tips and Suggestions
- Wear loose, easy-access clothing to allow easy IV access.
- Keep well-hydrated before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.
- Bring something engaging like a book, music, or tablet to help the time pass when the infusion is longer than expected.
- Make arrangements for transportation, especially if your medication has the potential to cause dizziness or fatigue.
- Prepare a list of questions for your team about your therapy or what to expect.
Why Choose the Infusion Center Palm Harbor, FL?
The Infusion Center Palm Harbor, FL, is committed to offering experienced, compassionate care within a patient-focused environment. Their trained nursing staff, working together with Comprehensive Hematology Oncology experts, ensures personalized treatment programs and close monitoring.
Benefits of utilizing this infusion center are:
- Skilled nursing care exclusively for infusion therapy
- Calming treatment rooms with patient comforts
- Prompt detection and management of side effects
- Round-the-clock care with oncology and hematology experts
- Convenient location and flexible scheduling
What to Expect Following Your Infusion Therapy
Your infusion therapy can be a multi-session therapy. After each session, your health care team will assess your response and adjust the course as needed.
Regular follow-up with your Comprehensive Hematology Oncology healthcare team will allow you to monitor your response, address complications, and plan for future treatments. This interpersonal working relationship is designed to provide you with the safety and efficacy of your therapy.
Last Thoughts: The Next Phase of Your Treatment
Your first infusion center visit is an important benchmark. Through clear communication and proper preparation, you can approach infusion therapy with confidence.
The Infusion Center Palm Harbor, FL, offers progressive, compassionate care, which will see you chatting through your therapy. In association with Comprehensive Hematology Oncology specialists, the center offers personalized treatment focused on your comfort and health.
Ready to Book Your First Consult?
If you or a loved one requires infusion therapy, don’t put off getting the qualified care that you deserve. Call the Infusion Center in Palm Harbor, FL, today and schedule your first consultation or talk about the therapy options available. Their welcoming staff is there to help you every step of the way along the path to well-being.
THIS BLOG POST IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY; FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.