RSD and venipuncture
 

Hi everyone, I am new and I came across this site because I was searching for help with my RSD. Even though I say "my RSD", I certainly don't want to own it:eek:
My experience began in late 2009 when I had a routine physical that required blood work. My appt was running a little over like so many doctor appointments do, but it was unfortunate for me that it was running into the current lunch hour. My doctor asked the head phlebotomist to take my blood and because the doctor interrupted her lunch she took it out on me!!

She was the most unfriendly sort, talking under her breath, scrunched face, the typical ****** off attitude. Being a medical professional myself, I though she would be just that, a professional. I was dead wrong. She slammed that needle deep within my arm and it wasn't even fully extended yet, and was sitting to the side of me when she did it. I told her it hurt, the worst I ever felt, and she rolled her chair towards me and twisted the needle in my arm as she repositioned herself. I kept telling her how much pain I was in but she completely ignored me. She just wanted to get it done and get it done fast.

Once she finished filling the first blood vile she needed a second and because she was in such a hurry she never prepared her station and didn't get out what she was going to use. So she dropped the syringe in my arm to reach for another blood tube. The syringe fell to the inside of my arm and the needle ripped upward and the syringe was just hanging there. I asked her to take care of it and instead of being gentle, like she never was, she grabbed it, scratching my arm in the process, and twisted the syringe back up with the needle still stuck in my arm. When this hellish ordeal was finally over she pulled out that needle and it hurt like a SOB. I immediately had a massive hematoma forming and she grabbed and squeezed my arm and told me that I had internal bleeding. Oh, really, ya think?!!
My pain has never subsided only fluctuates (that's a good way to describe it). I have had nothing but trouble ever since. I have been on multiple medications, had nerve blocks and now discussing new options to control this wickedly unpredictable disease. I have learned much through my own experiences and come to realize that this is just the way it is going to be, but hoping and still searching for a cure. Oh, and before I forget to mention this important little tidbit, I have since been unemployed. I was kindly asked by my employer to leave, who could blame him? I understand where he was coming from though, I just couldn't do my job.
I am in a lawsuit of a lifetime and get this...the defense says she did nothing wrong! Wow, how does that work?
I am asking if anyone else out there has gotten RSD from a botched venipuncture and if so what was your experience? Were you involved in a lawsuit over it and what was the outcome? I was told by my former doctor on a return visit that this nurse has cause RSD in another patient too. I was apparently the last one that this woman injured before they decided to finally terminate her, a little too late.
I had this done at a Clinic where I live here in Santa Clarita, Ca. It you or someone you know has gone through this or if you or someone you know is this other person, I would really like to hear from you.
Signed,
Desperately searching

Hi Ms. Ronnie,

I'm really sorry to hear what you've been through. RSD as a freak accident is rough enough; having it inflicted on you like that... You have my deepest sympathy.

As for a cure, my doctors always told me there is none, the best I could hope for was remission. I must say, having gotten it into remission half a decade ago, it might as well be a cure by comparison. So there is hope. Wish I could tell you there was some trick to it, but AFAICT, it was brute-force pain management, lots of physical therapy, and a whole lot of luck.

Best wishes. I hope you find what you're searching for.

Hello and Welcome!
 

I'm sorry to hear you too are battling this MONSTER called RSD!! Though not via a venipuncture I've been fighting RSD for nearly 8 years.

Here is the link to our RSD forum.... I think you will find others there who, like you, have RSD via Venipuncture.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/im...allink_ltr.gif Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS)
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

There is a wealth of information here and a WONDERFUL, CARING, UNDERSTANDING RSD family that will graciously offer a shoulder to cry on and understand the need to vent.

Please feel free to roam around and join in anywhere... kick off your shoes and stay a while.

If you have any questions or need any assistance in finding your way around please don't hesitate to ask.... Someone will always be around soon to help in any way that we can....

I look forward to seeing you around the board!
:)
Abbie

Thank you for your kind words. My doctor has also told me there is no cure, only management. That is wonderful that your disease is in remission and for so long, I am envious, but the pain you must have gone through to get there must have been quite treacherous. I do have hope and I have been searching for a cure (remission), I will not give up.

Great to meet you!!
 

Ms. Ronnie,

Happy to see you have come to be with us. We have a great number of friends here to assist you in questions you have. Just let us know if we can be of any help. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene :hug: