venipuncture, hematoma, and radial nerve injury
 

7 months ago, I had a problematic venipuncture on my right arm, which resulted in a hematoma. I didn't feel any serious pain when the needle was inserted. I then developed these symptoms:
- pain whenever I bent my right arm backwards
- pain whenever I pulled down my right arm.
- occasionally the right thumb, index and middle fingers went numb in the morning and when I drove.

Doctors told me that one of my nerve was injured, and it would take months for it to heal. Fortunately, this pain didn't really bother my daily living that much.

5 months later, my symptoms didn't improve nor deteriorate. But I had new interest with folk dancing. There were some arm pulling movements, which resulted in a lot of pain. I had to give it up after 4 dances because of the pain. I also realize now my symptoms had become worse. These are my new symptoms:

- pain and weakness when open heavy doors
- pain when extending the right elbow.
- pain raising up the right arm
- When sleep on the right side at a particular angle, pain at a specific spot on the right shoulder.
- Some mornings, the right hand is stiff.

Upon my research on the internet, I learn that hematoma itself can cause nerve injury. It also seems that my pain and numbness are all related to redial nerve injury.

What I don't understand is the lack of healing and the easy deterioration. Is it typical for a nerve injury? Is it possible that I have other conditions that cause the lack of healing and easy injury of the nerve? Also, is the stiffness of the right hand in the morning a symptom of radial nerve injury? Also, what can I do to speed up the healing?

Thank you all for reading and responding.

Maybe some kind of scar tissue preventing the nerve from healing or restricting it from moving? Have you been to a specialist or just a general doctor? Further testing like emg or viewing the injury on ultrasound might be helpful.

Thank you so much for your response. I don't have a primary physician at this moment. I've tried and have no luck finding one. What kind of specialist should I see?

I think it is possible you are developing RSD... We've had some posters over time on our RSD forum, who developed RSD from a venipuncture injury.

Here is our RSD forum link:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

RSD is difficult to diagnose. So ask your questions over there too, as those members may have suggestions for you.