I had an IV last week for a CT scan and the tech managed to go through the vein and dump a fair amount of contrast into my arm. My entire upper arm and upper half of my lower arm swelled to double their size. The pain was horrible when the swelling wasn't making my arm numb. The area above the IV insertion point blistered and weeped for two days after the CT and now look like there will be scars. My arm feels bruised and tired/sore, but looks relatively normal. Is this normal? How long am I going to be sore? Is there anything I can do to help minimize the scarring (a friend said there wasn't much to do since the scarring is from the inside, from the contrast pushing through from deep in my arm)?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated...
2007-01-25 18:45:21 · 5 answers · asked by Barney's Betty 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
The scarring is in the area that blistered, not the entire arm. The blistered area is about 1.5 in long and .5 in wide. It scabbed over once the weeping dried up and is now starting to peel. The skin beneath is shiney and pale pale pink (mush lighter than my skin) with some white patches.
The radiology department says that accidents will happen and that they are sorry. And that I just have to give it time -- it's been a week already!
2007-01-25 19:27:10 · update #1
You shouldn't have any "scaring". I think that what your seeing is some very nice bruising. The contrast should be absorbed by your body and your arm will look and feel fine. Depending upon the amounts the healing process could take up to a week. If it continues to bother you call the radiology department that did it. If you are having any itching around the site, you may be allergic to the contrast. Take a anti-histamine such as Benadyrl and you'll be fine. Hope all gets well.
2007-01-25 19:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jon R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the accident happened they should of informed you to keep warm compresses on the area to help healing/absorption of contrast.
You should look out for symptoms of compartment syndrome.---Decreased pulses to extremity, numbness or tingling. delayed cap refill time, or possible swelling distal to the infiltration site.
You should consult a physician or return to where you had the exam. A week is a little long for this to be continuing.
Is the area warm to the touch or have you had any low grade fevers? Sounds like cellulitis. Either way you need to have it looked at. If the radiology dept. refuses to look at it, then seek help at a local er or family physician.
2007-01-25 20:06:27 · answer #2 · answered by Frederick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you are not allergic to the contrast medium, that should settle down in another week probably. Yes, accidents will happen but they should have exerted extra effort to make sure it didn't happen since this was contrast medium they were injecting into you-not your everyday medication. I think "sorry" doesn't cut it.
2007-01-25 21:51:50 · answer #3 · answered by Rene B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My morphine IV infiltrated when I had my c-section. It hurt like hell and swelled up really huge, but I have no scars. The swelling and pain went away within three days for me.
I hope yours is better soon, hun. Talk to your doctor!
*hugs*
2007-01-25 18:51:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thrombophelibitis secondary to a punctured vein is the probable cause as large gauge needles are used.
Nothing to worry relax and enjoy life.
2007-01-28 09:43:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋