[himomdp]

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.

[Jomar]

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.

[himomdp]

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

[debbiehub]

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

[Annie Poo]

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

[jcherry]

Welcome aboard.. As glad as I am to have you join us, I sure hope you don't have RSD, as it is one of the worse monsters you can deal with.

I do know of several people that has been unfortunate and ended up with RSD after getting blood work done, getting flu shots, etc. I do hope this isn't your case, but I agree with the others to see a Neurologist. I have had my hormone shot before where they hit a nerve, and it burned for several days, but after getting RSD I wouldn't chance any time waiting to see what happens.

Again, welcome to our little family, which is one of the best group of supporters any where in the world..

Janet

[Cake]

Hi and welcome!
My rsd started from median nerve damage during a blood collection 6 years ago. My gp kept brushing me off, telling me the pain would die down but of course it didn't. I later found out that if I'd have gone to hospital in the first few days they could have attempted to "fix" it, before the rsd set in. I saw an ortho dr first, who said it was just nerve damage and it would heal itself- at about a rate of 1cm per month, but it didnt. I was diagnosed at about the 5 month mark with rsd by a dr at a pain management clinic.
I hope for your sake it is just nerve damage and will heal, but if not get yourself to a pain clinic (your dr can refer you) so you can begin nerve blocks.
If you have any questions about my experiences with this, feel free to pm me!
x Kate

[wintiskinti]

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

[Farm Wife]

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