Odd question about IV site

ladybug_238 · July 3, 2008

Hi all I'm 6 days post op and doing really well. I do have a slight infection in one of my incisions but I am taking care of that. My question is about where my iv was. Today I have noticed that my wrist is sore where the iv was and above that I am developing some pretty good swelling. It's not red or hot to the touch and I am not running a fever. It is getting pretty sore and seems to be a little bruised. There is only a small dot where the iv was. Anybody else experience something like this or have any idea what might be going on. I am going to call the post op nurse tomorrow but thought I would check here in the mean time. Thanks for all your help.

auntlucy · July 3, 2008

I did have something similar...mine was a hemotoma. The doctor had me take ecotrin (otc anti-inflamatory) and put heat on it while keeping it elevated as much as possible. After a few days, mine was much better. But, you should ask your doctor. Good luck!

To be free · July 4, 2008

I had pain to the touch from the top of my hand, to wrist and even the lower part of my arm to almost my elbow.

I couldn't wear my watch...it took about 2 1/2 weeks to go away completely.

She had a hard time getting the IV in and I banged it around a little so that may be why, at the time I thought the heparin shot hurt worse than the IV, the brusing lasted about a week and 1/2. My husband said maybe it hit the muscle, but it seemed to follow the vein.

Good luck!

SeattleSweetie · July 4, 2008

My surgery was last Monday, and I don't have any swelling, but I do still have a good amount of pain where my IV was. It's fine if I leave it alone, but if I touch or press it hurts quite a bit. From what I understand, that's normal and it will go away, however, I've not heard that swelling is normal, it sounds like you should call your nurse as you're planning.