Dr. or nurse in the house? Is this normal after an IV?

[Janna]

After having an IV on Thursday near my wrist, is it normal to have my wrist and arm up to my elbow be tender and bruised? Is it normal that the tenderness was at first only about an inch up from the IV spot, but now 3 days later it's up to my elbow? It's not red or swollen, but it is definitely painful to carry my handbag on that arm, or a stack of books (like I just did going to the library).

Thanks!

[Whisperlily]

Yes, I'd say what you're describing is normal. It was for me. IF it becomes red, warm, or swollen then you should have it checked out.

[Unicorn]

I would have it checked out. I got an infection in my IV site (near wrist) after my gall bladder was removed. I thought it very ironic that the IV was pumping me w/ antibiotics, and that's where I got an infection!

[kalanamak]

Yes, I'd say what you're describing is normal. It was for me. IF it becomes red, warm, or swollen then you should have it checked out.

I agree. I have the wimpiest veins on earth, and every time I have a simple blood draw I look like I've been beaten. Just getting an IV and my vein aches all the way to my shoulder.
OTOH, while my family all bruise easily, have bloody noses easily, we don't get clots in our legs or hearts,etc either

Try warm compresses (wet a washcloth, nuke it, fluff it out so it isn't too hot, wrap over arm, wrap a dry towel around it and then wrap with saran wrap and rest it, elevated until the heat is gone).

[Janna]

Thanks, you guys. I will assume it's normal unless it becomes swollen or red. I do have a check up on Wednesday, so if it's still this bothersome (which will be only a day short of a week later), I will ask about it.

The warm compress is a good idea. Thanks, kalanamak!

[Doran]

After having an IV on Thursday near my wrist, is it normal to have my wrist and arm up to my elbow be tender and bruised? Is it normal that the tenderness was at first only about an inch up from the IV spot, but now 3 days later it's up to my elbow? It's not red or swollen, but it is definitely painful to carry my handbag on that arm, or a stack of books (like I just did going to the library).

Thanks!


I've been thinking of you. Hope you are feeling better today. I wondered if this site (http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/35924.htm) would be helpful to you at all with regard to your arm. This makes it sound rather normal.

Doran

[Janna]

Hey Doran,

Thanks for asking. I am feeling much better today finally. Thanks for thinking of me and your kind words on my original post. I have a check up again on Wednesday, so I'm sure this will all be discussed when I'm not in such a heightened state :).

Thanks for the link. It was somewhat helpful, though I don't have a bump or anything, and in fact the area where the IV actually went in is visibly bruised and tender as well, as opposed to the person who asked that question. BUT, it does let me know that it's more than likely normal and will go away soon. I've had IV's before though and don't recall this, esp. not letting up 3 days later. But who knows. She (the nurse) did make quite a mess of things when she inserted the IV. I had my head facing the other way with my eyes closed concentrating on a contraction when I heard the nurse say laughingly, "Wow, I'm making quite the mess here". I look over and there's blood all over the place. Nice. I had asked though, if this would be difficult to get a vein when I'm dehydrated. She assured me it would be fine. Whatever. :)

Thanks again!

[Doran]

...I had my head facing the other way with my eyes closed concentrating on a contraction when I heard the nurse say laughingly, "Wow, I'm making quite the mess here". I look over and there's blood all over the place. Nice. I had asked though, if this would be difficult to get a vein when I'm dehydrated. She assured me it would be fine. Whatever. :)

Thanks again!

It sounds like the "stick" wasn't the best and, therefore, you were maybe leaking a little blood under the skin. Hence the bruising. It always kind of bugs me when nurses/phlebotomists act like a messy stick is no big deal. Seems like the least they could do is say, "Aw, gee. I'm sorry. That may hurt a little a few days from now." But, I'm not a nurse, so what do I know.:rolleyes:

Cheers,
Doran