big fat swollen vein in hand where IV was

lovecats85 · October 6, 2005

It's so swollen and it hurts so bad! Did this happen to anyone else? When does it go away?

cissy · October 6, 2005

Mine stayed bruised for a couple of weeks. Today I still have a little spot on my hand where they inserted the IV into the vein.

Jill_S · October 6, 2005

Banded 18 days, still have this too. Has started to be less sore, but I can certainly still feel it.

Victoria 1 · October 6, 2005

It appears you have a bit of inflammation there at the site. May take days or even a few weeks to get it back to normal. If it is painful, try some warm compresses and you might also give a call to your doctor (PC) or your surgeon just to have your concerns put to rest. Good luck!

leatha_g · October 6, 2005

warm compresses/moist heating pad is the treatment for sure. if you notice the vein becoming red and inflamed, you may certainly need to report it. occasionally, a person will get what is called thrombophlebitis in an injection/iv site. if it moves upward along the arm, that is your sign. even then, moist heating pad is the treatment, but yes, it can be extremely painful. i've had it.

chris101 · October 7, 2005

I had surgery 8/25 in MX and had this too - developed 3 days after surgery - I was scared as it was red, swollen, painful and migrating up my arm. I went to our family doctor and he assured me it was just an inflammation and would resolve on it's own. AND, he assured me that it would not result in blood clots killing me - which was my main concern. Now I can still see a little bruising but no redness or pain. If you are concerned, see a doctor - it will put your mind at ease.....and if it is something, they can help!

lovecats85 · October 7, 2005

I was concerned about blood clots killing me too! My doc said it's ok and you guys have said it's ok so I guess I won't plan my funeral yet! Thanks everyone!

Thinjen · October 7, 2005

Apply heat and elevate on a pilliow. I'm not a doctor...I just play one on tv.

HarleyNana · October 8, 2005

I feel for you, that was the worst part of my surgery. The IV needle slipped out of the vein, but the nurse refused to listen, kept putting more meds in it, which obv went straight into my hand. I couldn't even make a fist, probably a good thing or I would have decked her, LOL. Now, ten months later and I still have a tender spot on my upper hand.