29th October, London: I expect nothing short of a glamorous launch if it has anything to do with PR wizards Can Associates, so as I arrived at The Reviv Launch in London on a cold blustery evening I was immediately greeted by a wave of flashbulbs, smiling PR faces, and a gaggle of gorgeous futuristic models who ushered me into a packed venue of industry faces, celebrities and wellness experts.

Reviv is a service that offers IV Vitamin injections to people who are run down, vitamin deficient, lethargic or recovering from extensive travel or fatigue.  As I arrived at the event crippling flu plagued me and so the launch was timely, I was offered a ‘booster’ treatment, which I did try. I had to complete a medical questionnaire, which I did and once it was checked over by a medical professional, I was allowed to be ‘hooked up’.

I experienced the “Booster” IV shot which was administered by having a small cannula inserted into my arm to which was attached a saline bag, a vitamin concoction (of which I did not know the dosage quantities) thereafter slowly released itself into my body through the drip.

There were no immediate effects, however, the next day I was a lot more clear headed, I felt lighter and not so heavy and lethargic, my energy levels surged beyond belief and I was able to work on a presentation until 2am! I suspect my body was really dehydrated as a result of the flu and the sudden surge in hydration made a dramatic difference to me. I think we humans are far too dehydrated; we just don’t drink enough water.

On Friday I was back at square one, tired lethargic and run down, and battling the flu, the Reviv me treatment provided me with a much needed interim break from the flu, which seems to have take over me now for 2 weeks.

I posted a request for information on my Facebook page about IV Vitamin treatments, the thread was a long one which seemed to raise much debate in the medical community about the safety, and efficacy of such treatments, I was fascinated by the subject that I had walked into, it seems there is much divided opinion, and as a result of this I am going to look into the subject on a deeper level.

If you are thinking of having IV Vitamin shots my suggestion is this, and please take note:

If you do have a particular medical history, or condition, or are taking medications, or have allergies please don’t just walk into these treatments ‘blasé’ perhaps have a chat with your GP, so that if you do decide to go ahead with this kind of treatment you present all the relevant facts about your medical history, as you may find you are not suitable for such treatments.

Reviv have an excellent medical team, but if you bring your own ‘homework’ to the table, surely it can make for a much less complicated and safer experience, remember your well being is ‘teamwork’, it’s your collaboration as much as the people you choose to put your faith in, so make sure you are in control of the choices you make.

I can’t write off the experience that I had, it was eye opening and indeed interesting as a subject, I was treated with regard, and with the clinical diligence I expected by the Reviv team (who are serious and very professional about what they do and how they do it) I cannot fault my experience one tiny bit. I am grateful also for that 24-hour reprise from flu and for being able to finish a work task that was so important to me.

However as an advocate of safety in beauty I would always enter into any treatment attached with a needle with extreme caution, please do your research and be sure of what you are about to do.

Remember that even a saline bag of fluids is classified as a ‘medical drug’.

With kind thanks to President of Reviv Sarah Lomas and to Dr. Martin Kinsella for their care and attention.