Question:
Has anyone experienced terrible arm pain at their I-V site?
My surgery was on Dec. 7th. I was just released from the hopital today. At one of my I-V sites, I have terrible pain that is spreading up my arm. You can actually see a redness that is warm to touch that is spreading upwards. Has anyone out there had this problem? I am 3.5 hours away from the hosptial and don't wish to make a trip back unless it is an emergerncy. You all have been so helpful in the past!!!! — Kathi L. (posted on December 12, 1999)
December 12, 1999
Call your doctor right now!! It could be a blood clot or infection and you
need to let them know. They may have you go somewhere local to have it
checked out, but do not wait!! Call now!!!
— JAN C.
December 12, 1999
sounds like blood poisoning to me you need to see a dr... when you say that
there is a redness moving up your arm does it look like a streak? i had it
before from an i.v. mine was blood poisoning.... please see a dr...
— teresa K.
December 12, 1999
The red heat at the IV site may be blood poisoning or some other type of
infection. Please hot/moist pack the site and call your doctor!
— jjames-thomas
December 12, 1999
Kathi, you probably have phlebitis (inflamation of the vein). It will be
ok. It is probably from you recieving harsh medicines through this site
such as potassium, some antibiotics or even a drug called phenergan (for
nausea & vomiting) can really do a number on the old veins. Try some
warm soaks, or compresses, and use your pain meds or tylenol for the
discomfort. I don't think you need to go all the way back to the surgeon.
You can see your regular home town doc for this. if you develop a fever
above 100.5 or have chills, then you need to see a doc today, otherwise it
can wait until Monday. In case you were wondering, I am a nurse with 14
yrs experience. I have seen this before, and it is painful, but it will get
better. Take care and a big YaHOO for your surgery, I am sooo jealous!
— Valerie B.
December 12, 1999
YOU NEED TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM RIGHT AWAY, YOU HAVE AN INFECTION.
WHO CARES IF IT IS 3 HOURS?
— [Anonymous]
December 12, 1999
Kathy, I have to agree with the comments from the nurse. I had the same
darn thing happen to me on my surgery of 11/30. Surgery was LAP RNY and it
was fine. The darn arm with IV hurt like heck!!!! I couldn't do a thing
with it and never let it hang down or it hurt something awful. It is
better now but it took all of this time up until today. You will be fine.
— Toni K.
December 12, 1999
You're describing symptoms of an infection! You need to get to the
emergency room or doctor immediately!!!
— Sherrie G.
December 12, 1999
The closest hospital to you is 3.5 hours away? or the one you had your
surgery is? You don't need to go back to the hospital that did your
surgery you need to get to the closest medical emergency facility you have
ASAP!!!
— Sherrie G.
December 12, 1999
Thanks for all your support. I went to my local hospital
and was treated for filtration and infection of my
lymphnoids. I'm on an antibotic now. You guys are great.
This is my 1st time (and last) having the surgery and I
just thought it maybe normal side affect. By the way, my
surgeon is 3.5 hours away from here. He is the only that
can help me if an emergency came up with my bypass surgery.
Luckily, this problem was handled at home. You answered my
questions before my doctor returned my phone call....you all
are the best!!!!!
Kathi
— Kathi L.
December 13, 1999
Sounds like you might have a phlebitis (inflammation) of that vein. I would
contact my Dr. by phone and ask for instructions. In the meantime, apply
warm compresses 3 times a day. If redness and pain persist, your may need
antibiotics to help clear it up. Good luck, Sandy RN
— Sandy 2.
December 13, 1999
Hi, I am in the medical field and it sounds like you have phlebitis. What
you may want to try to do is to put some heat on the site and alternate
with cold compresses. I was told this may help with the pain and swelling
of the site.
— PNethery
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