Annie,

I'm expriencing the same exact issues with my nerve injury after attempted blood donation. It's unbelievable that I have been able to find someone who is experiencing the same issues.

I also have contacted a lawyer, the Blood Drive folks had never contacted me to check on me after even after the Phlebotomist admitted she to me that day she must have hit a nerve or muscle. The total kicker is...I recieved an invitiation to donate blood in the mail today by that same hospital. I mean, they have my information (obviously) but they couldnt even follow up?

Secondly, when I called to ask for my record of that day, it took them over a month to find it and not once did they offer help even after I had explained what I was experiencing. I think it's great to consider the blood ricipients, but it really stinks that if they hurt a person, who is giving, such as a donor and they just don't care. Kinda hypectritical if you want my opinion!

The one problem I throwback was a Charitable Cap which exists on some hopsitals and the difficulty in getting much compensation if, god forbid, I'm able to never work again and provide for my family. In that case, I would be screwed again, wouldn't I?

But you know...right now I just want recovery, that's all I really care about! I just want to be happy and healthy again and I definatley do not want it to get any worse!!!! That is my biggest fear, waking up to an arm three times bigger than it already is. I worry about it affecting my brain, heart etc. I can feel that it has spread from my forearm, to my fingers and my shoulder and now the back of my neck. Actually I keep coughing and I'm really starting to worry that my asophagus is being compressed from swelling in that area. Maybe I'm just fighting a cold, but swollowing sometimes can be a chore.

This has plagued so much of my life...if I'm cured, again I will be happy. But if I'm not able to work or enjoy my life then you'd better believe I think it's only fair that the people who allowed this to get this far at least do their part and give me less to worry about finanically if I'm unable to provide for myself and family.

It's great reading your posts...I really feel like I've hit the jackpot in finding this forum.

Hugs

Melissa