I posted a copy of your message so all would have a chance to see. I hope that you don't mind. Dana
Venipuncture Nerve Damage

I've got damage to the median nerve after a venipuncture ( blood drawing ) 4 days ago. The pain in my arm is going worse and I wonder if anyone can tell me what will happen next, who I should see and what is the long term prognosis Thank you very much.

Hello - I think I would follow up with with your personal doctor and ask if a neuro is needed to evaluate injury/damage?

If it seems very bad - start taking notes and symptoms as proof for doctors and /or lawyers - just in case a legal action comes out of this issue.

Wintiskinti Welcome!

Sorry I got called away before I had a chance to actually respond to your question.

I was sort of confused. Have you actually been diagnosed w/ RSD?

I agree that you should call your doctor.

I've never had a blood draw that went bad. Of course, I've had some very nasty bruising and that sometimes hurts something awful so I never have blood draws, IV, or anything done on my Right Arm.

Maybe others here have had some experiences such as yours.

dana

I know of 2 people who got RSD from blood draws- Don't want to scare you but you should see a competant Neurologist and tell him your concerns

Debbie

Following is what I posted on the other thread......


Don't bother seeing your regular doctor (GP, internist, etc.) unless you need a referral; you need to see a neurologist ASAP. Be assertive about getting an appointment soon. If there is more than one neurologist available, ask for one that handles patients with CRPS/RSD and/or peripheral nerve damage (if the receptionist doesn't know, ask to talk to one of the nurses, who should be able to tell you which neurologist to see). If indeed you have CRPS/RSD due to venipuncture, prognosis is variable, but early treatment is key. Many of these cases get better in a couple of months, and many last years and years. It's extremely important that you see a neurologist as soon as you can.

Keep detailed notes (names, date/time) about every contact you have with anyone from the place where this happened. Take time soon to write down exactly what happened at the time of the injury and in the days afterwards, and start keeping track of the progression of your symptoms. These notes will also be very helpful to your neurologist. Keep notes of every doctor's appointment. A high percentage of venipuncture CRPS cases result in insurance claims or lawsuits. If your symptoms are still there a month from now, or are getting worse in the next couple of weeks, find a lawyer.

My injury occurred during a blood donation, and I waited almost a year to see a lawyer. Because I'm a nice person, I didn't want to sue the (nationwide) organization involved. However, when a person from the organization suggested I hadn't complained enough when it happend (which is bull!), basically insinuating that it was my fault, I was finally angry enough to get a lawyer. Fortunately, at the recommendation of my mom, who is a nurse (and who recommended I get a lawyer from day one), I kept excellent records.

I wish you very much luck. Stay optimistic. Stay informed. Let us know how you are doing.

Annie Poo

Hi there!
Very pleased you've joined us, you seem to have already met just the right people to help you, I'm so glad. Wintiskinti - there's got to be a story for that name, no?
all the best

THANK YOU THANK YOU so much Annie Poo and everyone for the replies. You have all helped me more than the doctors I have seen. I've been given gabapentin and some painkillers and am feeling much better. Have seen a neurologist as recommended by Annie Poo and am booked in for some tests in 2 weeks. Have never posted anything like this before and am so grateful for you taking the time to help and advise me. Once again THANK YOU. By the way message to artist: my name comes from always being skint! Good luck good love to everyone xxxx

so nice to meetcha.
good luck with the neuro. i hope you get the answers you need. my prayers are with you.

hugs and prayers

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME oh did I mention WELCOME!!

It is always great to have new folks coming aboard. Don't be shy. If you have been here for more than a day than you are no longer a new member!!!

Chin Up!!

Mark

Hi again,

Glad to hear you got in to see a neuro right away. I'm guessing that the tests you have scheduled probably include a nerve conduction study(?). With a venipuncture injury, there's a good chance they can conclusively document the site of nerve damage using this method, such as the exact branch of the nerve that was injured. I'm hoping that you just have a damaged nerve and not Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). By the way, CRPS Type I is the new name for RSD. Type II is when the CRPS results from a known nerve injury. If you have CRPS, and they can document the specific nerve injury using nerve conduction study or other methods, then you would have CRPS Type II (like myself).

Gabapentin works very well for many (including myself), and not well for others. Be aware that it and other anticonvulsant medications can cause some pretty hefty side effects, especially at higher doses, but not everyone experiences these. Also beware that neurologists often tend to understate the severity of these side effects. Weight gain, general fatigue, and "brain fog" are common.

As Dana mentioned, stay the heck away from ice, and try to stay warm in general. Many CRPS patients, including myself, experience extreme cold sensitivity on the skin of the affected area. Being cold in general can cause symptoms to flare up.

The tendency with painful nerve injuries is to protect the limb and not use it. However, if you can, use your hand as much as possible. Do simple range of motion exercises with your hand and fingers. Try to keep your hand & arm muscles strong and your fingers and wrist flexible, but also don't overdo it.

Good luck, and let us know how you are doing!

Annie