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Swollen vein 1 week after I.V.
robbeh
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So I had an MRI done and they put in contrast and saline. I was on the table for like 45 minutes, and I had an I.V. in vein at the crook of my arm the whole time. When they took it out and I got up, my arm hurt to move and the vein was really swollen. Still hurts after a week, feels like something is getting pinched when I flex my arm. I called up the MRI office and told them whoever did the I.V. fucked up and I don't want to have to pay for their mistake, so I'm going to see a doc in their office tomorrow, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had pain/swelling after and I.V. or something similar and have it heal normal. I'm worried my vein will be permanently swollen and cause me pain working out etc. The only other time something like this happened is when I donated plasma a few years ago, and the process of pumping the blood back into my vein left it all bloated in the same way - I think it was really swollen/noticeable at first then it went down a bit over time, but the vein was still a lot bigger than the other arm. FYI I don't think it's infected - not red or hard or anything it's just swollen. I'm young and in good shape.
robbeh on
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I would suggest not taking this tone, simply because you are not likely to get as good of service with a bee in your bonnet. A few times after having blood taken I've had swelling, but usually not for more than a few days. The most important thing is not to be negative to your doctor. No one is willingly trying to hurt you, especially in the medical profession. Try to be courteous and your doctors will do their part too.
If you have insurance, there probably wouldn't be a copay for a follow up visit anyhow. If you don't and there is something wrong from the MRI, stand your ground on payment (again politely).
but it's probably just some blood bruising. Some blood escaped the vein and got trapped under your skin, which is where the pain/swelling come from. It's not dangerous, just sort of ugly/annoying.
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
I had an I.V back in February ago that resulted in something similar to yours. A hard lump on the vein on my forearm, although mine didn't cause me any significant physical pain. When I asked my doctor about it, I was told it was probably just scar-tissue in the vein (didn't know that was something you could get) and it would go away by itself. And it has, although you can still kinda make out where the lump it used to be.
Best case scenario; you have phlebitis, it's just swelling and it'll go away soon!
Medium case scenario; you had an allergic reaction to the contrast material. I dunno how common this is, but it's a standard question on the MRI checklist, so probably fairly common!
Worst case scenario; blood clot, this'd be serious business, but it's also way less likely than phlebitis. Basically a non-option if you're otherwise healthy.
Rest the arm and don't go back to working out immediately until it's cleared or you're just going to prolong it.
For what it's worth, this is precisely what you do not do if you feel you've been wronged by a medical provider. Putting your own caregivers on the defensive over a perceived mistake is a surefire way to get your questions and concerns relegated to Patient Affairs and the Legal Department - rather than someone who could really help you. 99% of medical care providers from technicians to physicians genuinely are trying to do their best, but sometimes things to do wrong for patients and the current culture is one of full disclosure and treatment.
In your case, this wasn't a mistake or an error - it was a side effect of a procedure. A side effect that's irritating, sure, but guaranteed to be covered in the informed consent you signed prior tot he procedure.
In the future, if you really feel you were harmed by someone above and beyond expected complications then contact the manager or director of that department and explain your concerns clearly, concisely, and without as much vitriol as you did earlier.