Infusion Services Specialist
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The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
Hematologists & Infusion Therapy Clinics located in Hollywood, FL & Jacksonville, FL
Infusion therapy allows life-saving medications to enter your bloodstream safely and effectively, bypassing the digestive system. At The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida, Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, and the team of hematologists offer infusion services for patients with sickle cell disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Crohn's disease. To schedule an appointment, call the practice or book online today.
Infusion Services Q & A
What do infusion services include?
Infusion therapy delivers medications, vitamins, and nutrients directly into your bloodstream through an IV. This delivery method allows medications to bypass your digestive tract, so it begins working as quickly as possible.
IV therapy also results in better absorption and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea, than oral medications.
What can infusion services treat?
Infusion therapy can relieve uncomfortable symptoms from a broad range of medical conditions, including:
Sickle cell anemia (SCA)
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder that affects the shape of the red blood cells. The primary role of the red blood cells is to carry healthy oxygen throughout your body.
When red blood cells take on a sickle shape, they can’t easily travel through your blood vessels. As a result, they can block healthy blood flow, leading to complications such as severe pain.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s own immune system identifies your own organs and tissues as foreign invaders. This leads to substantial inflammation, which can damage your joints, kidneys, blood cells, lungs, and heart.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that interferes with the brain and spinal cord. The condition primarily targets the myelin — the coverings that protect the nerves. As MS eats away at these protective sheaths, the nerves themselves can deteriorate.
Over time, MS can cause a number of complications, including chronic fatigue, weakness in the limbs, and even loss of mobility.
Crohn's disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the bowels. Since Crohn’s causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, it can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, and even malnutrition.
How do infusion services work?
When you arrive for your infusion appointment, your provider discusses your medication and answers any questions you may have. After explaining any potential side effects, they insert the IV needle into your arm.
Infusion therapy can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to complete, depending on your medication.
Many medications delivered intravenously for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions target pain and inflammation. By minimizing these symptoms, infusion therapy can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of relapse in many chronic conditions.
To learn more, call The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research or schedule an appointment online now.