COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INTRAVENOUS THERAPY

Intravenous (IV) Therapy

Vitamins and minerals provide the raw materials necessary for our cells to function properly. Usually we can get these nutrients through our diet if we are conscientious of what we eat. However, sometimes even a great diet may not translate to proper nutrition at the cellular level. There can be many causes of this, which may include poor digestion, food sensitivities, chronic inflammation, poor immune function, or any sickness. A vicious cycle ensues. Our cells are not healthy and they need nutrients to heal. But, the nutrients are not available because our cells are too weak to transport the vitamins and minerals to where they are needed. This scenario describes a typical situation in which intravenous vitamin (IV) therapy would be indicated.

 Intravenous therapy takes place when medicine is injected directly into the veins and often works more swiftly and successfully than medicine given through the stomach. In the past, a very limited amount drugs could be administered intravenously, but in todays health care world the number has been greatly extended with applications for many additional disease treatments. Especially in cases of pneumonia and diphtheria, the rapid passage of the medicine through the body using intravenous therapy gives it an advantage over the much slower process of ingesting medication orally.

There are numerous conditions that IV therapy and chelation therapy (injection of a solution into the bloodstream that binds with metals and passes through the kidneys for removal from the body) can improve. Patients Medical can tailor the IV protocol by varying the type and amounts of nutrients. When this is done, IV therapy can be beneficial for: Asthma Migraines Hepatitis Fibromyalgia Muscle spasm Chronic fatigue Upper respiratory infection Parkinsons disease Malnutrition Anti-aging Allergic rhinitis Chronic sinusitis Acute viral illness Herpes outbreaks Acute strain or injury Coronary artery disease (hypertension) Detoxification (including heavy metals) Depression High cholesterol

High blood pressure

 It can even be used periodically in healthy people to enhance overall well-being. It is impossible orally to attain the high levels of nutrients that IV vitamins are capable of delivering. Oral vitamins and nutrients are converted or broken down in the stomach and liver during the absorption process. High doses often cause gastrointestinal symptoms and diarrhea. IV nutrients go directly into the bloodstream in an unaltered, safe form that is very well tolerated, with minimal or no side effects. Intravenous vitamin C is especially effective in fighting viruses and cancer cells, while being completely safe for all normal cells. It is because of this characteristic that IV vitamin C is particularly useful in knocking out the viruses of the common cold, flu, and sore throat. Patients often start feeling better within hours of administration.

 IV Therapy for Fibromyalgia The fatigue, pain, and depression from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia are real, and they have a cause. More importantly, help is available. At Patients Medical we don't just treat the symptoms of these disorderswe take a comprehensive approach that has the potential to reverse these conditions, alleviating pain, increasing energy, and boosting immunity.

People suffering with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue are believed to have impaired cellular functionparticularly in the way muscle cells handle calcium and phosphate. This, in turn, stimulates painful contractions and muscle spasms. To address these problems, we prescribe a full regimen of therapies, including IV doses of B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, and other nutrients proven to boost energy, improve tissue repair, and relieve stress. Get Additional Information on Fibromyalgia Here

 IV Therapy for Asthma

Asthma has been a major focus for physicians in recent years because both the incidence and mortality rate appear to be increasing, especially within certain ethnic or geographic groups. This increase has been blamed variously on different types of inhalers used for asthma, chemical pollution (mostly of the air), increased reporting of incidences, and many other factors. No matter what the cause, the incidence of asthma has appeared to increase and to worsen over the years, even if it may appear to be more stable recently. In addition, asthma has become increasingly more difficult to treat. Several studies indicate the mortality rate of asthma is on the rise, and the number of people being seen in emergency rooms with severe asthma attacks that can lead to respiratory failure is also increasing. The use of IV nutrient therapy for asthma was begun in the late 1980s, soon after the first research results were published involving the administration of magnesium through an IV for the treatment of acute asthma. Most have found that magnesium sulfate, via IV infusion, is very beneficial for the treatment of asthma.

 IV Therapy for Anti-aging Poor nutrition, chronic stress, improper sleep patterns and lack of physical activity all contribute to premature aging, loss of skin elasticity, weight gain, abdominal fat, anxiety/depression, digestive disorders, skin problems, fatigue, and illness. Learning how to manage your lifestyle is key to slowing the aging process and retaining youth. A healthy diet high in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, fibre and amino acids, along with proper sleep, exercise, and stress management techniques, are all necessary for retaining youth and slowing the aging process. Even if you eat well, your body might not be absorbing the vitamins and minerals it needs to fight the aging process. IV therapy boosts the antioxidant vitamin and mineral levels in your body much more effectively than oral supplements. You can choose from a variety of IV cocktails, each designed to help your body repair damage, prevent aging, and recover its youthful vigor.

 IV Therapy for Detoxification The objective of detoxification is to remove toxic metals from the body and restore proper functioning of the autonomic nervous system and the organs affected by it. Detoxification is done in phases over time to protect the body and allow rest and healing. A multiple strategy approach is used depending on the patient's needs and desires which may include: Safe mercury removal Rest Oral chelation Nutritional supplementation Rejuvenation and detoxification therapies Organ rehabilitation and/or support

 The body's weakest area is most likely to develop the problem first. Because the mercury toxins can travel either by way of the blood stream or by nerve pathways, one person may develop bleeding gums and bowel problems and another severe asthma or bronchitis. A third person may experience concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, hearing loss, and dizziness, and still others will have extreme fatigue, lack of initiative, and clumsiness. Mercury can interfere with virtually any process of any organ of the body. Removal of mercury must be done by a caring professional who will take all precautions to protect you from further exposure.

Nourishment to the body is provided through high-grade nutritional supplements, herbs, and IV therapy, while therapeutic massage is given, all to calm and nourish the body while the detox is slowly taking place.

 Types of IV Therapy
Allergy and Asthma IV: IV nutritional therapy used for asthma, COPD, pneumonia, respiratory infections and allergies. IV nutrients include vitamin C, magnesium, mucosa compositum, and pyridoxine. Anti-Fungal IV: Many patients suffer from the yeast syndrome, as described by William Crook, MD, in his bestselling book. Fungus can develop and contribute to a myriad of health problems including diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and depression/anxiety to name a few. The "ABCS"--Antibiotics, Birth control pills, Cortisone (Prednisone), and Sugar found in the typical American diet-are considered to be the major triggers for this disorder. Anti-fungal IV drips are used to inactivate fungus and improve immune function.

 Arthritis IV: IV nutritional therapy with an anti-inflammatory effect, helpful for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and degenerative disc disease. IV nutrients include USP vitamin C, discus composition, and trace minerals. Brain Improvement IV: IV nutritional therapy that combines Glutathione (primary brain anti-oxidant), alpha lipoic acid, folate, and cerecomp homeopathic to improve memory, impaired concentration, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Cancer IV: Recent studies at the NIH (National Institute of Health), conducted by Harvard Medical School researcher, Mark Levin, MD have demonstrated the anti-tumor effect of high dosages of vitamin C given intravenously. This same effect does not occur with oral vitamin C. This therapy was originally developed by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling, expanded upon by Dr. Klenner and Dr. Cathcart and, more recently, Hugh Rirodan, MD. Intravenous, high-dosage vitamin C also reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation for those receiving conventional medical therapies.

 Chelation Therapy IV: IV nutritional therapy that uses either calcium EDTA or disodium EDTA to remove heavy metals, improve blood flow, and remove artery damaging chemicals from the blood vessels. Some of the health conditions that benefit from chelation therapy include hypertension, heart disease, memory decline, autism, diabetic complications, and many others. Diabetes IV: IV nutritional therapy used to improve glucose metabolism, improve neuropathy and vascular disease associated with diabetes. IV nutrients include alpha lipoic acid, folic acid, vitamin B12, thiamin, and ubichinon compositum. Digestive IV: IV nutritional therapy used to promote digestive track repair associated with chronic gerd, ulcers, maldigestion and malabsorption, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IV nutrients including mucosa compositum, ala, riboflavin, and others. Dr Gallaghers Cocktail IV: IV nutritional therapy used to increase energy, repair enzyme systems, and promote optimum nervous system function. IV nutrients include vitamin C, glutathione, glyoxal compositum, and coenzyme compositum.

 Dr. Wrights RMR: IV protocol developed by Jonathan Wright, MD, that infuses high concentrations of minerals to quickly boost energy and alkalinize in the body. Rapid mineral replacement (RMR) often has immediate health benefits for those suffering from stress related disorders, exhaustion, or a general sense of depletion. Glutathione IV: Powerful anti-oxidant found predominately in the brain and liver. When given intravenously it improves liver and brain function. Often used for memory enhancement, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, neuropathy, and liver disease. Healthy Defense IV: IV nutritional therapy used for viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Helpful for sinusitis, bronchitis, COPD, and asthma. IV nutrients include therapeutic doses of ascorbic acid, pantothenic acid, and galium-heel. Healthy Heart IV: IV nutritional therapy helpful for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and hypertension. IV nutrients include magnesium, trace minerals, cerecomp, and pyridoxine. Heavy Metal Detox IV: IV nutritional therapy used to treat heavy metal exposure that may contribute to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental illness and other degenerative diseases. IV nutrients include calcium EDTA and vitamin C.

 Hypertension IV: High blood pressure is often associated with mineral deficiencies and heavy metal burden. Intravenous nutritional therapy can rapidly lower blood pressure, and when used in conjunction with other lifestyle measures can reduce the risk of heart disease. Immune Drips: IV nutritional therapy infusions that include high dosage, pharmaceutical grade vitamin C found to be helpful for chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, chronic infections, hepatitis, and cancer. Liver Detox IV: IV nutritional therapy used for liver repair and detoxification. Contains glutathione, ALA, hepar compositum, and high dose vitamin C. Magnesium IV: Used for arrhythmia, asthma, diabetes and more. Intravenous magnesium has been shown to increase the rate of survival after a heart attack. It has the ability to smooth arrhythmias, lower blood pressure, and improve the outcome for patients undergoing stent placement for blocked coronary arteries. Asthmatic, COPD, and chronic bronchitis patients benefit from this therapy because IV magnesium relaxes the spastic bronchial tubes (airway) associated with these disorders. This is an important therapy for diabetics suffering from retinopathy (eye damage), and helps to improve the sensitivity of insulin. Patients suffering from kidney stones also benefit from this therapy.

Migraine Headache IV: For millions of Americans, migraine headaches can be disabling, leading to countless medications that are often replete with side effects. The migraine IV cocktail utilizes concentrations of magnesium, riboflavin, and other key nutrients to relieve acute migraine episodes and prevent future occurrences. Myers Cocktail: IV vitamin and mineral therapy developed in the 1970s by John Meyer, M.D., a physician at Johns Hopkins University. The cocktail is indicated for chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, muscle spasm, asthma, hives, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), infections, and senile dementia. Plaquex Therapy: Plaquex does just what its name suggests; it reduces plaque deposits in arterial walls. But it isn't just for people with arterial blockages. Plaquex is a combination of essential phospholipids (EPL) specially formulated for IV administration. Phospholipids are primary constituents of the membranes that surround each of our cells, protecting and controlling what enters them. Among the most essential phospholipids is phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is the backbone of Plaquex. As we age, our production of PC and other phospholipids falters, which has adverse effects throughout your body. Plaquex therapy replenishes your supply of these crucial building blocks, and has demonstrated the ability to: Decrease plaque deposits in arteries Improve exercise tolerance Reduce angina attacks Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels Boost circulation Increase male potency Improve kidney function

 Anyone with heart disease, diabetes, arterial blockages, sexual dysfunction, high cholesterol, or lipid problems can greatly benefit from Plaquex therapy. PMS/Menopause IV: IV nutritional therapy used for PMS, menopause, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, depression, cramps, etc. IV nutrients include vitamin B complex, pyridoxine, magnesium, and cerecomp. Vision IV: Deterioration of sight, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, is one of the most common problems associated with aging. Around age 60, the likelihood of serious ocular disorders, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy accelerates. Fortunately, these vision problems can be slowed and even reversed in many cases. Due to the fact that free radical damage is a significant contributor to these problems, antioxidants have a strong protective effect. Current medical research has proven that visual decline can often be improved or reversed with anti-oxidant therapies. Special vision drips including antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids, carotenoids, minerals, and glutathione are used individually or combined with chelation to help with visual decline.

 PRESENTED BY: Angelica del Rosario

Jeanne Mendegorin
BSN II