Hi Froglady,

Sorry to hear about your injury. Mine is from a venipuncture injury as well, but happened while I was donating blood almost two years ago. The (inexperienced) nurse was in a hurry and took out the sensory branch of my radial nerve in my right forearm. The initial symptoms never went away, worsened significantly ~6 months after the injury, then spread up the arm and to my neck and right half of my head. Symptoms are primarily in forearm and upper arm/shoulder.

I've also read that venipuncture RSD/CRPS injuries can be among the most painful and long-lasting. I think it's because the nerve takes such a direct hit.

I fortunately haven't had the experience of Dr's not wanting to treat me. I think it's because the injury happened at a blood donation center, not at any facility associated with my HMO, so I would guess that everyone treating me feels a bit insulated from the legal issues. I have a good lawyer, and will file an insurance claim (or lawsuit, if necessary) when we have more of an idea what the long-term consequences will be for me, probably within then next 6 months. He tells me I have a very good case, mostly due to the circumstances (i.e. obvious negligence) surrounding the injury, total lack of followup & documentation on the part of the blood donation center, and my very detailed records from day one. My symptoms spread last winter, and appear to be getting worse (although it's hard to tell, because as we all know, symptoms change all of the time). It's soooooo frustrating that I don't know what will happen in the future with this.

I'm probably going to be having surgery (hysterectomy) this spring for an unrelated problem. Based on what I've been reading in this forum, I plan on writing "NO IV THIS ARM" all over my right arm before going into the hospital. The thought of a needle in my injured arm makes me very anxious.

I hope you find a good Dr. that will treat you. I also wish you well in your lawsuit. I'm the LAST person I ever thought would every file a lawsuit (sometimes I'm too darn nice about everything), especially against a nationally known blood donation organization,no less. However, as I'm sure you're feeling, I'm so angry about what this has done to my life, that I want some sense of justice.

Anyway, I'm blabbing on. Please let us know how you are doing.

Annie