✨Inside an IV Infusion at Nandish: What to Expect✨

One of the most consistent things people tell us when they book their first IV at Nandish is that they had a lot of questions they were not sure how to ask. What actually happens? Will it hurt? What do you do for an hour? What if something feels off?

This post is written to answer all of those questions plainly. It is a step-by-step account of what the experience looks like at Nandish Health — from the moment you book through to your follow-up conversation. If you are considering an IV infusion and want to know exactly what you are walking into, this is for you.

Before your visit: the consultation
No infusion at Nandish happens without a prior consultation. This is not a box-ticking exercise — it is the part that makes everything else clinically appropriate.

The consultation might be your first appointment at Nandish, or it might be part of an ongoing relationship with the clinic. Either way, it is a genuine conversation. We ask about your health history, your current symptoms and concerns, your medications and supplements, any known allergies, and your lifestyle. We ask what has brought you to us, and what outcome you are hoping for — knowing that what you hope for is not always the same as what will help most.

If you have recent pathology results — a blood panel from your GP, ferritin levels, a B12 result — please bring them or share them beforehand. They are useful context that helps us understand your picture rather than starting from scratch.

Based on the consultation, the clinician will discuss whether IV therapy is appropriate for you, what kind of infusion makes sense, and what the alternatives or complements might be. If an IV is not the right fit for what you have described, we will tell you honestly — and talk through what might be more useful.

What we screen for
Before any infusion is administered, we confirm that you do not have contraindications that would make IV therapy inadvisable. These include:

• Certain kidney conditions that affect fluid and electrolyte management
• Heart failure or significant cardiovascular conditions where fluid load is a concern
• Known allergies to any component of the proposed infusion
• Active infection or fever in some contexts
• Pregnancy — which requires specific clinical consideration

This screening exists because IV therapy is a clinical procedure, not a consumer product. It should feel reassuring rather than inconvenient. If you are in good general health and your GP has not flagged any major concerns, you are unlikely to encounter a contraindication. But the check matters.

Arriving at the clinic
The Nandish clinic is designed to feel calm. We are not a medical waiting room with strip lighting and plastic chairs, and we are not a nightclub-aesthetic drip bar. The environment is quiet, warm, and unhurried — which is the right setting for a procedure that involves sitting still for a meaningful period of time.

When you arrive, a member of the team will welcome you, confirm your details, and settle you into the treatment area. If you have questions you forgot to ask before arriving, now is a good time to ask them.

A few practical things: wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the inner arm (a loose-sleeved top is ideal). Eat something beforehand — arriving fasted is not necessary for most infusions and can leave some people feeling lightheaded. Bring something to do if you like — reading, listening to a podcast, or simply resting are all fine. You do not need to be on your phone.

The clinical assessment on the day
Before the cannula is placed, the clinician will do a brief assessment: confirm your vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate), ask how you are feeling today compared to when you last spoke, and review any changes since the consultation. This is a quick step but an important one — circumstances can change, and we want to know your status on the day.

Preparing the infusion: how your protocol is chosen
The infusion is prepared according to your protocol — the specific combination of fluids, vitamins, and minerals that the clinician has determined is appropriate for you. At Nandish, these are not off-the-shelf packages that every patient receives. They are individualised formulations mixed under clean conditions.

Your clinician will confirm with you what is in your infusion before it is started. If you want to understand what each component is and why it is included, ask — we are happy to explain.

The infusion: the cannula, the sensation, the time
A small cannula — a thin flexible tube — is placed in a vein, typically in the inner arm or the back of the hand. The placement involves a brief, sharp sensation similar to a blood test. Once the cannula is in position, it is secured with a small adhesive dressing, and the infusion line is connected.

Most people describe the experience of the infusion itself as unremarkable. You may notice a slight coolness as the fluid enters. With certain constituents — magnesium in particular — some people notice a mild warmth or a gentle flushing sensation; this is normal and typically resolves quickly. If anything feels uncomfortable or unusual, you tell us, and we adjust.

The duration depends on what is being administered:

• Hydration infusions — approximately 20–45 minutes
• Vitamin and mineral infusions (including the Myers cocktail) — typically 30–60 minutes
• Iron infusions — varies significantly by preparation; some are 15–30 minutes, others several hours
• NAD+ infusions — these are administered slowly and may take 2 hours or more

You are monitored throughout. A member of the team checks in regularly. You are not left alone in a room with a drip bag and a timer.

During the infusion: what to do
Whatever helps you relax. Many people read. Some listen to music or a podcast with earphones. Some take a nap — the treatment area is quiet enough for it. Some like to talk. You do not need to do anything particular; the infusion works the same regardless.

The one practical note: try not to bend the arm with the cannula significantly, as this can affect flow. If the cannula arm is your dominant hand, it can take a little adjustment.

After the infusion: what you might notice
Once the infusion is complete, the cannula is removed and a small dressing is applied. Most people feel fine to drive and return to their usual activities immediately.

Some people report feeling a sense of calm or lightness after an infusion — particularly those containing magnesium. Some feel very little change on the day, with any response being more gradual over the following days. Individual responses vary, and we are careful not to promise a particular subjective experience.

It is worth staying well hydrated for the rest of the day. Light physical activity is fine; if you have had an iron infusion specifically, the clinician will give you tailored aftercare guidance.

If you notice any unusual symptoms after leaving — significant redness, swelling or bruising at the cannula site, or anything that concerns you — contact us. We would rather hear from you unnecessarily than have you wondering.

When we follow up
For most infusions, we follow up within a few days to understand how you are feeling. For iron infusions and other clinically significant protocols, follow-up may include retesting at an appropriate interval to assess response. This follow-up is part of the service — it is how we know whether what we have done is working and whether any adjustments are warranted.

Frequently asked questions

Will it hurt?
The cannula placement involves a brief, sharp sensation — similar to having a blood test. Once it is in position, most people do not notice it.

Can I eat before my infusion?
Yes — we recommend it. Arriving having had something to eat is generally more comfortable than arriving fasted.

Can I drive afterwards?
For most infusions, yes. If you are having a NAD+ infusion for the first time, we suggest allowing some time before driving as the experience can be more intense for some people. We will advise you specifically.

What if I feel unwell during the infusion?
Tell us immediately. The infusion can be slowed or stopped at any point. We are equipped to respond to adverse reactions, and adverse events during a well-conducted IV infusion in a clinic setting are rare.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. We do not accept walk-ins for IV therapy — each infusion requires a prior consultation and preparation time. Booking ahead ensures we have the right time and protocol ready for you.

The information in this article is general wellness education and is not medical advice. IV therapy at Nandish Health is provided following a consultation with a qualified clinician and is one of several options that may be considered as part of a broader wellness plan. Outcomes vary between individuals. Speak with your GP or one of our clinicians before starting any new therapy.

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