Pain after giving blood - - -

[Analog]

I gave blood a few days ago, my 22nd time I believe. I have never had any complications until now. Noticed some bruising a couple of days after, and now I have pain radiating down my arm from where they took it on the inside of my elbow down to my wrist. It can be exacerbated by extending my arm fully, almost like there's a cord in there under tension - kind of a burning sensation.

Any ideas on what this is or how I can make it better? Should I go back and see the nurse?

 

[Ruptga]

you have teh aids

 

[Drakkon]

Sounds like a blown vein (had same thing and same pain) - not much can be done but wait for it to heal - but worth seeing the doc to make sure its healing okay.

 

[Slew Foot]

The hematoma sounds like its pushing on a nerve.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Poor quality sticker

 

[Gibsons]

Put some ice on it.

watch for any signs of infection (swelling, redness, especially if it spreads).

 

[Pliablemoose]

you need to give the donation center a call, the pain & tingling isn't normal, something is/did stimulate the nerve in your arm.

 

[Shadow Conception]

I gave blood a couple days ago. Nearly passed out after like 5 minutes.

Not doing that again.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I noticed some times it hurts more then others. Think it really depends on how much the nurse had to play around to get a good pick. I occasionally get a small bruise but nothing major. I also tend to alternate arms which seems to help.

 

[StinkyPinky]

Infection? Would get it checked out.

 

[911paramedic]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
you need to give the donation center a call, the pain & tingling isn't normal, something is/did stimulate the nerve in your arm.

Yup, either they hit something that became inflamed or you have "free" blood in there causing compartment syndrome. (minor) The inside of your elbow is the last place they should take it from because there are so many things that can go wrong.

Yes, I am also a phlebotomist.

Do what Pliable said and give the donation center a call, or go by and get it looked at.

 

[Analog]

Originally posted by: 911paramedic

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
you need to give the donation center a call, the pain & tingling isn't normal, something is/did stimulate the nerve in your arm.

Yup, either they hit something that became inflamed or you have "free" blood in there causing compartment syndrome. (minor) The inside of your elbow is the last place they should take it from because there are so many things that can go wrong.

Yes, I am also a phlebotomist.

Do what Pliable said and give the donation center a call, or go by and get it looked at.

Thanks, I'll do that tomorrow.

 

[Wag]

Damn, it's amazing how many people in pain ask for medical advice on the forum. If you are in that much pain either go to the ER or go to your doctor.

 

[Analog]

Originally posted by: Wag
Damn, it's amazing how many people in pain ask for medical advice on the forum. If you are in that much pain either go to the ER or go to your doctor.

Its not debilitating pain, so the ER is not really needed. And since its Sunday, I can't see my doc today.

 

[Sust]

thrombophlebitis?
I second the motion to go see your doctor.
It's doubtful that the blood drive people are going to take the time to do an evaluation.
If you can't see your primary care doc then go to local urgent care center so that the dying heart attack rolling in from the ambulance gets the ER's full attention.

 

[BlackTigers]

I only get tingling when I give double blood. It last for about 6 hours and is really annoying.

But I give blood every chance I get becase they give me shirts and food!

 

[xSauronx]

22 times?

i suspect this thread is to provide an excuse for the trackmarks the police found on him over the weekend

too little, too late

 

[StevenYoo]

remember to replace your fluids with beer!

 

[paulney]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
22 times?

i suspect this thread is to provide an excuse for the trackmarks the police found on him over the weekend

too little, too late

It's normal for regular donors. I have double that probably (lost count). 99% of times the blood center people do a normal job, but occasionally they screw up. I remember once they inserted the needle, and it hurt like a b!tch - very unusual. Don't know what it was, but the pain went away after the donation was done.

 

[Nik]

Originally posted by: Analog

Originally posted by: Wag
Damn, it's amazing how many people in pain ask for medical advice on the forum. If you are in that much pain either go to the ER or go to your doctor.

Its not debilitating pain, so the ER is not really needed. And since its Sunday, I can't see my doc today.

A computer forum is not the best place to ask for advice. Try looking up a medical-related forum. Don't be lazy, be self reliant.

(and yes, you gots teh herpaids)

 

[duragezic]

A few months ago I had blood drawn for routine tests. I never had blood drawn before. It was super quick and painless but a day or so after I noticed my arm was bruised around the area. I asked someone at work and he's like "oh yeah dude, no problem, I get that". A couple days later and it's worse, like seriously bruised, so I ask someone else... "yeah that's fine, it's normal". So I left it be and it started to get better. The next time I had it done it bruised a tiny bit but hardly at all. Weird because to me, the nurse taking the blood was basically just as good the second time as the first.