Frequently Asked Questions | Answers for Patients

At Hydrate GA, we provide medical-grade wellness that bridges the gap between traditional medicine and optimal health. Led by Lisa Kubiak, RN, a veteran clinician with 30 years of Critical Care (ICU) experience, our protocols are designed for safety, precision, and tangible results.

Below is a detailed clinical breakdown of our IV therapy process and what you can expect for your physiology.

A.1. The primary difference is that we operate as a professional medical clinic, not a retail shop. In a typical franchise, you select a “flavor” of IV from a menu. At Hydrate GA, we prioritize your specific biology:

  • Nurse Practitioner Consultation: Before receiving any treatment, you receive a full consultation and physical exam with our Nurse Practitioner. We review your complete medical history and current pharmaceutical medications to ensure that our services are both safe and effective for you.
  • Custom Compounding: We do not believe in “one size fits all” protocols. Your IV bag is prepared specifically for what your body needs at that moment; you aren’t ordering off a menu and potentially receiving (and paying for) nutrients your body doesn’t actually require.
  • Therapeutic Doses: We use high-quality, clinical-grade ingredients in therapeutic concentrations. Because we are taking the clinical steps to establish an IV and administer medications, vitamins, and minerals, we ensure the dosage is high enough to create a physiological shift. You aren’t just getting hydrated—you are going to feel a significant difference in your systemic function.

A.2. We understand that some patients feel apprehensive about needles. Because of our ICU background, we utilize specialized techniques to ensure a comfortable experience:

  • The Insertion: While there is a brief “pinch” when the IV catheter is inserted, we use very small catheters to minimize trauma to the tissue. We also utilize a clinical “brain distraction” trick during the insertion process to shift your focus away from the site. Many of our clients report feeling nothing at all.
  • The Sensation of Fluid: As the IV infuses, your arm may feel cold, and you may feel a cold sensation throughout your body. This is a simple matter of physics: your internal body temperature is roughly 98.6 degrees, while IV fluids are kept at room temperature. With a 20-degree difference between the fluid and your body, the coolness is expected.
  • Clinical Comfort: To ensure you remain in a “soft-healing” state, we provide heated blankets to counteract the cold sensation of the fluids, allowing you to relax completely during your infusion.

A.3. A standard liter bag of IV fluids is a massive boost to your hydration levels.

  • The Drinking Equivalent: Receiving a one-liter bag of fluids is the physiological equivalent of drinking 5 gallons of water directly into your venous system.
  • The Void Response: Most clients report one “good void” (trips to the bathroom) shortly after their infusion. However, if you arrive severely dehydrated, it may take a few hours for your body to produce urine, as your thirsty tissues will soak up the hydration before it ever reaches the kidneys.
  • Respiratory Benefits: If you are visiting us while battling a respiratory infection or dehydration, you will notice a mechanical shift in your symptoms. As the hydration enters your system, the secretions in your head and chest will begin to loosen. You may notice your nose running or a sudden ability to cough up secretions that were previously “stuck.” This is a visual and physical sign that your body is clearing the infection.

A.4. The Myers Cocktail is our most popular foundational infusion because of its rapid impact on the nervous system.

  • Mental Clarity: Most clients report that their brain fog begins to clear within the hour of receiving the treatment.
  • Relaxation vs. Energy: You will feel a deep sense of relaxation during the infusion. This is caused by the Magnesium in the bag, which acts as a natural smooth-muscle relaxant. While you will likely enjoy a great night of sleep after your session, the B12 ensures you won’t be “sleepy” or groggy during the day. Instead, you’ll feel a clean energy boost.
  • Longevity: The enhanced effects of a single IV typically last for two to three weeks. Our regular clients are often so in tune with their bodies that they can report the exact day the effects start “wearing off,” which is why many schedule their sessions on a monthly basis.

A.5. This is a perfectly normal and expected physiological response. The first time you use the restroom after your session, your urine will likely be a vibrant, bright yellow and have a distinct scent reminiscent of vitamins.

  • The Science of Excretion: This is simply your body processing the water-soluble vitamins it didn’t immediately require for cellular repair. Your kidneys filter the excess, providing visual confirmation that your system has been successfully saturated with high-potency nutrients.

A.6. Yes, though your schedule can be flexible.

  • The Short Break: It is perfectly okay to stop taking your oral vitamins for a few days after an infusion; it won’t hurt anything if you take them, but your body will likely just excrete what it doesn’t need. We prefer you don’t “waste” your vitamins while your levels are at their peak.
  • Maintenance: Resuming your multivitamin and supplement regimen in the weeks following your IV is highly recommended. These oral doses help “bridge the gap” and make the benefits of your IV infusion last significantly longer.

A.7. To ensure your vein heals properly and to minimize any cosmetic bruising, we ask you to follow two simple clinical rules:

  • The Pressure Dressing: Keep your pressure dressing on for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Because a catheter was placed in the vein, we need to give the body a chance to let that specific area clot off and begin the healing process.
  • Avoid Strenuous Activity: Refrain from heavy lifting or intense exercise immediately after your infusion. This minimizes the internal pressure on the vein, which helps prevent bruising from forming at the site of the catheter insertion.

Ready to Close the Gap in Your Health?

Stop settling for being just “medically stable” and start your journey toward being optimally healthy. You shouldn’t have to wait for a medical crisis to receive the high-level clinical attention and physiological precision your body deserves.

Whether you are a UGA faculty member in Athens seeking cognitive clarity, an athlete needing recovery, or a senior looking for anti-aging solutions, we provide the ICU-grade oversight and raw materials your system needs to thrive.

Experience the difference of a practice led by 30 years of critical care expertise.

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Disclaimer: Statements regarding these services have not been evaluated by the FDA. Hydrate GA does not offer diagnoses, cures, or treatments for specific diseases. Content is for educational use only. Results are individual and vary. Consult your doctor before starting any new regimen.