When flareups hit won't you do anything to start feeling better? Could IV therapy colitis treatment work?
Colitis Diagnosis
Did you receive a diagnosis for colitis, IBS, IBD, Crohns, SIBO or other stomach disorder? I finally got my diagnosis ten years ago after battling since the age of 15 with symptoms. I was in the throes of a 9 month flare up. Gratefully that long flare up finally got me a diagnosis after a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Since my diagnosis diet and stress reduction has helped, but doesn't always eliminate flare ups.
Read more about what is colitis
Colitis Treatment
Diet, stress reduction, therapy and medications can all be effective colitis treatments but they aren't going to get rid of colitis. Unfortunately colitis likes to stick around and often rear it's ugly head at the best times *sarcasm*
Read what I would tell someone newly diagnosed with colitis.
IV Therapy
After several trips to the emergency room to be given a cocktail of medications and IV fluids, I got an advertisement for an IV therapy clinic. Could these IV therapy clinics work for colitis?
Some of the things that appealed to me were:
- I could go into an IV therapy clinic at the start of a flare up to hopefully reduce the severity.
- It was MUCH more comfortable to go into one of these clinics. Heated massage chairs, light and oxygen therapy? And thick warm blankets?? It sounded like heaven!
- I could customize my treatment. Adding some vitamins or extra nutrients really helps when you are depleted.
- It was covered under my FSA or HSA.
- I could schedule a time. No more loooong ER waits for an hour long treatment.
- There is always a nurse on duty at the IV clinic and the clinics are overseen by doctors.
FAQ
Every IV clinic is different but the ones I have gone to are set up like a doctor's salon. I go into an intake room, have my vitals taken and answer some questions. A nurse goes over a customized IV plan for me. Then I go into the IV room. Some rooms you are in alone and others may have several patients in them. Some have massage chairs or heated chairs or beds you sit or lay in.
There are many options to choose from in IV treatments. Some IV therapy give you the option of adding different vitamins to them.
One of the best things about going to the ER is they can add in anti nausea and other medications into my IV. Even though I may be in a flare up and taken the same medications over the counter for weeks, sometimes getting them by IV helps them work faster or absorb better. My IV clinic near me has just started to allow you to add Zofran, an anti nausea medication into their IV's.
I've spent anywhere from $79-150 on IV therapy. $79 is usually an introductory price for one bag of IV fluid but may include 1-2 add ins like vitamins. Memberships are available too.
Most places do not take insurance but most places I've gone to allow you to use your HSA and FSA.
Yes! The clinics are overseen by a doctor and nurses are there all the time at each clinic. While my IV is running their is a nurse in the room checking my IV, asking me questions periodically and making sure the IV fluids are running well.
For me, I like to use IV therapy clinics right when I'm starting a flare up. Sometimes it does help stop the duration of a flare up and gives me added nutrients and fluids I'm not getting from my diet. I also like the convienence of being able to schedule a time to go in. And it's much more comfortable than the emergency room!
There obviously aren't a cure all for the emergency room and helps you may receive there. I would also consider checking with your doctor or medical provider prior to going to one of these clinics.
A quick google search should lead you to clinics in your area.
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