Knot in Vein from IV?

Question

I had gone to the ER appox 6 weeks ago for stomach cramping and they gave me an IV... When the nurse gave me my IV she put the rubber band thingy around my arm to draw blood first, and then put the IV in... without releasing the rubber band....It was painfull!!.. Anyways after I left the ER that day I had a bruise for about 3 weeks about 5inches long on my vein from the crease in my arm and up... now I found a lump in my vein at the same area... I went back to the ER as my husband was afraid that the clot could kill me... The ER did a ultra sound of my veins and told me it was a thromboplebitis.. and it should clear up on its own, just to take ibuprophen and put heat on the area... How did this happen and is it really not a big deal??

Answer 1

Thrombophlebitis is most common in the legs. Many things could have happened. I will assure you that this is something that normally is nothing to worry about. Use warm (as warm as your can stand), wet compresses 3 times daily, this will usually loosen the clot up. If you do not see/feel improvement within 48 hours, seek medical attention (at another medical facility if possible). Continue the IBUProfen and only apply the wet heat, do not apply pressure. Also, when you are applying the wet heat, elevate your arm if possible.

This advice does not substitute medical advice given to you by your local physician. All information above is for informational purposes only. Please seek local medical attention in the case of any emergency.

DocMattW

Answer 2

I had the same thing happen to me about a month ago. I had a painful lump in my arm that lasted about 3 weeks after the IV was removed. I was a bit worried about it as well but it went away on it's own. It's not normal because I've had several IV's prior to this one and it's never happened before. It was definitely an error caused by the person who either administered the IV or removed it. Don't worry though, it will go away.