Intravenous Cannulation Treatment in India

Emily Bhatia, a 28-year-old junior architect,...

Emily Bhatia, a 28-year-old junior architect, had been battling a severe case of viral gastroenteritis for three days. Living alone in the city, she had tried to manage with oral rehydration but became progressively weaker, dizzy, and unable to keep even sips of water down. Her concerned colleague drove her to the Internal Medicine clinic where she presented with tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and orthostatic hypotension. The doctor, Dr. Mehta, gently explained that Emily was severely dehydrated and needed rapid fluid replacement, which required an intravenous (IV) cannula. Emily, who had a lifelong fear of needles stemming from a childhood hospitalization, felt a wave of panic. She confessed her fear to the nurse, Anya, who took time to explain each step, used a topical numbing spray, and encouraged Emily to look away and take deep breaths. The cannulation was quick and relatively painless. Over the next few hours, as the fluids restored her energy and cleared her mind, Emily's anxiety melted into profound relief and gratitude. She felt cared for and safe, a stark contrast to the lonely fear she had felt just hours before. She was discharged later that day with oral medications, feeling physically recovered and emotionally empowered for having faced her fear with support.