What to expect during and after stem cell IV therapy
The infusion itself runs about 45 minutes, inside about 2 hours at Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, and most patients feel very little during infusion beyond the IV itself. The first 24 hours after are quiet for most. Some patients report more energy in the first 2 weeks, and the response peaks around 12 to 16 weeks.
How long does a stem cell infusion take?
About 45 minutes for the infusion itself. From San Diego and back, the full visit is about 3 hours: 25 to 30 minutes from San Diego to the hospital in our black SUV, about 2 hours on site (check-in, infusion, monitoring), then a same-day return through the medical lane.
- 25 to 30 minutes
- About 2 hours on site
- About 45 minutes of infusion
- Same-day return
Can I drive home the same day?
Yes, you are home the same day. Once the attending physician signs your discharge, a Celva driver takes you back across the border, the part most patients would rather not navigate themselves. Do not plan a long drive of your own the same day. If your day is combined with a joint or spine injection and you chose twilight sedation, do not drive at all that day. An overnight is needed only when your intake says so. You are told before you travel, not on arrival.
How do you prepare for stem cell IV therapy?
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The day before
Hydrate well: plenty of water, a light dinner, and your normal sleep routine. Alcohol stops 7 to 10 days before treatment, so the evening before is no exception. Medications continue as usual unless you were directed otherwise during intake.
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The day itself
A Celva driver picks you up anywhere in Southern California: your home, a hotel, the SAN curb, even LAX. Treatment may be in the morning or the afternoon. The driver is vetted and the vehicle is tracked. You're back the same day, including when your visit is combined with joint therapy.
Can I eat before?
For an IV-only day, yes. A light breakfast is fine and fasting is not required. If sedation is part of your day, nothing to eat for 6 hours before; clear liquids are fine until 1 to 2 hours before.
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On arrival
A short check-in comes first: registration, vitals, consent and a briefing. Labs are drawn only when the physician team asks for them. You'll meet the attending physician before anything is placed: the attending confirms the case the physician team has already reviewed.
The stem cell infusion procedure, step by step
IV placement
A nurse places a single peripheral IV. A warm saline flush comes first, to confirm line integrity.
Paced infusion
A nurse runs the infusion. Cells are delivered at a slower rate than routine IVs. Biologics aren't rushed. The rate is monitored and adjusted, and the infusion runs about 45 minutes.
Continuous vitals
Blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation (BP, HR, SpO2) are monitored throughout. The attending physician supervises and is immediately available. You're in a reclined lounger, and most patients read or nap.
Monitored rest
Post-infusion monitoring continues until the attending physician signs your discharge, with light refreshments and final vitals before release.
Concierge transport home
A direct return with a Celva driver. Most patients are home the same day.
How do you feel after stem cell IV therapy?
The first 24 hours are quiet for most.
Do not read the first 72 hours as the therapeutic response. They are physiology settling. Some patients report more energy in the first 2 weeks, and the response peaks around 12 to 16 weeks.
Can I exercise afterward?
Walking and light activity the same day. Workouts, sauna, and ice baths wait 7 to 10 days, and so does alcohol. We ask patients to avoid NSAIDs for at least the first two weeks as a precaution; the clinical evidence on NSAID interaction with MSC therapy is preliminary.
Hours 0 to 6
Post-infusion
Normal activity. Hydrate, and avoid heavy exercise. Many feel no different yet.
Hours 6 to 24
Mild fatigue for some
A subset report mild fatigue, just a pull toward rest. A slight fever that evening is common; if it lasts more than 24 hours, call. Many sleep unusually well that night and the next.
Days 2 to 3
Back to baseline
A return to normal daily activity. Workouts wait until day 7 to 10.
Week 1 onward
Therapeutic window opens
Some patients report more energy in the first 2 weeks. The response peaks around 12 to 16 weeks.
Start your intake
Day-of logistics come together once candidacy is confirmed, and sorting them out is our job, not yours. Your first call is with a Celva patient coordinator; the physician team reviews your baseline and goals.
Book a call