I have a question, about 7 weeks ago I was getting my blood drawn and the girl hit a nerve in my arm. The ulnar nerve. At the time, it sent an electrical shock through my arm.
At first I mainly just had tingling in my fingers and dull pain in my arm.
Now the tingling is gone, but I still have some dull pain in my arm. And my fingers, mainly in my knuckles.
I have some mild weakness. I also get this cold feeling sometimes.
I have read that a person can get rsd from venipuncture. Does anyone know anything about this?
Thank you,
Michelle McKibben

Hi Michelle, WELCOME!! 7 weeks and it is still hurting? Why don't you go and get you a good pain doctor and see what he/ she says? I think that this is too long for you to still be having some pain. You mentioned this "cold feeling" where at? All over, like chills or the arm itself? Mention all these symptoms that you mentioned here to your doctor. Maybe your family doc. can recommed a good RSD doctor, pain specialist for you. Good luck to you, Michele!~Love, Desi

I agree with Desi. Maybe a neurologist since this most certainly a nerve-related problem. If you are in an HMO, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor for any specialist. He/she (if they are good) should be able to help point you in the right direction.

This sounds like something that should not be ignored. Seven weeks is way too long.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Mike

Desi, when there is pain, it is mild and dull. I have read that rsd is severe pain.
The cold feeling is weird, it's not like I'm cold, but some cold feeling on my arm randomly.
It has definitely gotten better over the past 7 weeks as the tingling has gone away.

Hi Michelle

My rsd started from a blood test, and it happened the same way as yours- with that immediate intense sharp pain that went right up and down my arm and then burning and other pains later.

My dr told me to just wait and see what happens, but for me that wasn't a successful response as rsd soon developed in that area due to the nerve damage. Hopefully yours is still at a local level and there are things that can be done to help with nerve damage, to help prevent rsd from starting.

Definately try and see someone asap. I was told by another dr that nerves heal at a rate of about 1cm month, so it would take a while for it to stop affecting my arm down to my fingers. I don't know how true this is, but if they do tell you to just let it heal naturally, this maybe their thinking about it, but of course that's the worst thing you can do in terms of rsd, as the longer you leave it the less chance you have of getting rid of it. If nerve blocks are done in the first few months then it can help stop rsd from developing.

Definately get it checked out asap- any pain beyond the original injury (ie takes longer to heal than it should do) is something that should be followed up on.

x Kate

My RSD spread to my right arm inside the elbow after getting a shot to give contrast for an MRI. It's still there and has subsided gradually over the 3 years or so. In my case it has been insignificant because it's just some pain and there isn't any apparent loss of function or ability caused by it. I'd sure notice it a lot more if other stuff wasn't giving me a lot more problem.

Michelle I am new to these forums and am not sure you will get this reply. I have suffered from the disease for 16 years and would love to communicate with you. Please reply and let me know you received this.

Hello, I sent you a private message.
Michelle

I have CRPS type II resulting from a venipuncture injury to the sensory branch of the radial nerve in my right arm that occurred over 3 years ago. The symptoms spread to my upper arm, neck and head after 10 months, then to the rest of the right half of my body 2.5 years after the injury. Cold sensations & cold sensitivity are a significant part of my symptoms.

PLEASE go see a neurologist that specializes in CRPS/peripheral nerve injuries as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms are fairly mild now, they could get worse without treatment. The faster you get treatment, the better. If there is a pain clinic available through your insurance, have the neurologist refer you there as well.

Also, just in case you need documentation of the injury at a later date, sit down right now and write out exactly what happened to the best of your recollection. Include any information related to medical treatment you have recieved for this, and any correspondence you have had with anyone at the facility where the injury occurred. Summarize your symptoms at the time of the injury, and where they are at right now. Six months from now, if you need this detailed information, you won't be able to remember it as clearly as you do now, so get it on paper ASAP.

Good luck!

Annie