I have a pretty painful lump in my arm located near the anesthesia site for surgery performed over 2 weeks ago. I did not notice anything until a few days ago. I will see a physician in the coming week to have him look at it. Is it possible that the lump is somehow related to the effects of the surgery even though it was performed over 2 weeks ago? I am concerned because I have had a DVT in my right leg but have been off anticoagulants for about 2 months now. 

It sounds as though you have superficial thrombophlebitis, a painful condition in which a vein is inflamed and may have a blood clot in it. Although similar in some ways to a DVT (deep venous thrombosis), superficial thrombophlebitis does not have the same potentially serious consequences as a DVT. In other words there is little or no risk of the blood clot breaking off and flowing in the bloodstream all the way to the heart and lungs. This condition is commonly associated with intravenous catheters. It does not necessarily imply that anything went wrong with the insertion of the catheter. So, a superficial thrombophlebitis does not require treatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants) but should respond to analgesics like ibuprofenﾠor acetaminophen and local heat. It's a good idea to consult your physician to have a look. Should your condition worsen in any way you should of course seek medical attention right away. 

Six days ago I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically, and the most painful part of my recovery has been the phlebitis that I was diagnosed with, because of the IV. When they took the IV out (which was put in at the bend of my arm), the whole area became swollen, hot to the touch, hard/lumpy, itchy, and extremely painful. I was (and still am) unable to straighten my arm because of the excruciating pain. One day after leaving the hospital, I called the hospital and they said to put warm compresses on it, elevate the arm and take Ibuprofen. Because this didn`t help any, the next day I went and saw my surgeon, who diagnosed it as "phlebitis" and said to continue elevating the arm, taking Ibuprofen, and putting warm compresses on the area. He also prescribed an antibiotic - Keflax (spelling?) I have been taking the antibiotic for 3 days now, and following the other advice, but there has been no noticeable improvement. Do you think I could have something more serious? I am worried about blood clots and such... 

You should contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible. It does sound as though you have developed phlebitis and the treatment you received would be appropriate for that condition. Phlebitis is usually a sterile condition - that is, there is no infection. If your symptoms are not improving you may need intravenous antibiotics or other treatment in hospital. 

I recently had surgery and was put under and one week later noticed that my vein at the iv site is hard and lumpy and sensitive to the touch. It is also kinda red at this area. Is this very dangerous blood clots or just a side effect of iv. 

The condition you are describing is known as phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis. This is the inflammation of a vein, with or with out blood clots inside the vein. Phlebitis is a common condition, and generally gets better without treatment. In your case, it is probably caused by the presence of the IV catheter in the vein, which may damage the lining of the vein. This stimulates the body's protective blood clotting mechanisms. (I am assuming that your IV was in your hand or arm). This kind of small, local blood clot does not have the same potential consequences as blood clots in other deeper and larger veins in the body, such as those in the legs. These "deep vein thromboses" may break off and go to the heart and lungs. The only treatment usually necessary is for the symptoms. You may try anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen for pain, or local heat. If the condition worsens, especially if the area of redness increases or you begin to feel unwell, you should definitely seek medical attention. 

Two weeks ago I had oral surgery and had light sedation via IV in the arm, in the inside of the elbow area. During the surgery I was awake, in and out of sleep but I could still feel that my arm at the IV site was burning on and off, which I thought was odd as I`ve had the same sedation before and didn`t have the burning at the IV site. I also noted that their was no bleeding from the vein after they took the IV out, the bandaid was clean. After about two days the vein was hard, it feels like a plastic tube under the skin, and it spreads about 3" above the IV site. There is only occasional pain, usually at night before bed but I wouldn`t say it is painful and at no stage has it been tender, red, swollen etc. The only concern I have is how hard it feels and the fact it extends up my arm. I understand there are certain conditions you can get after IV such as superficial phlebitis, do you think this is what I have? Also would you suggest to see a doctor at this stage? 

It certainly sounds like superficial phlebitis. None of your symptoms are warning signs and this condition normally improves without specific treatment. Please keep in mind that this is not an emergency service. We provide information only so you should always ask your doctor for advice about whether to go in and be seen. 

I had an IV inserted and removed 3 months ago which was used for versed and NS only and I have a bruise that follows my vein up my forearm still. It is yellowish in color and still tender to the touch. The vein was a little hard feeling also. How long is this supposed to last and/or is this common? 

This question has been answered previously. 

Three weeks ago today I had a tooth pulled by an Oral Surgeon and they ended up having to give me an IV to knock me out. The Oral Surgeon put the IV in the back of my hand. I have been having pain in my hand ever since I had the IV. Two week after the IV I noticed that the vein in my hand was swollen and it hurt up into my wrist. I did call the Oral Surgeons office and I did go see her. She said that there could be a possibilty that it could be phlebitis or a blood clot. She told me to use an anti-inflamatory and to put warm compreses on my hand and to come back to see her in 3 days. I have another appointment with her today. I would like to know if something like this normal after having an IV. I did contact my Internal Medicine doctors office and they told me to see the Oral Surgeon today and see what she says and then to call their office back. Is this something that is normal or could it be a serious problem. Thank You 

Thanks for your question. Phlebitis is a term that means inflammation of a blood vessel. Phlebitis occurs quite commonly after the insertion of intravenous catheters ("IV"). The exact frequency of phlebitis is anywhere from 2.5 to 45% or more. The frequency depends on how phlebitis is defined, the site of IV insertion, the duration that the IV has been in place, the type of material that the IV is made of, the length of the IV catheter, and on the existence of other disorders as diabetes. Phlebitis can also be associated with the formation of a blood clot in the vein. In more serious cases the site can become infected. If infection develops, the infection can be spread throughout the body. It would be very unusual for an IV placed in a hand, for a short period as you describe, to develop a serious infection. One sign of infection is the presence of enlarged lymph nodes under the arm on the affected side. Because of the risk (though small) of serious complications, you should definitely make sure to see your surgeon for the follow-up appointment. Hopefully the standard conservative treatment you mention will be successful.ﾠ 

During a recent trip to the ER I had an IV inserted into my hand. What would have caused body twisting pain when the RN injected meds in the IV? This happened also when the CT tech injected me prior to xray. I have had IV`s before and never had this problem. 

ﾠThat is a bit unusual. Severe pain during an IV injection may have to do with the IV cannula, or with the medication that was injected. Certain medications can cause pain on injection. An example is the common anesthetic agent called propofol (Diprivan). This drug causes pain that may be quite severe though transient (just a few seconds). There are other drugs that have similar irritant properties..one that comes to mind is Valium (diazepam). The other possibility is that the cannula is somehow misplaced. The tip of the cannula may be wholly or partially in the tissues. If this is the case it is usually possible to detect the misplacement because the tissues will swell as more intravenous fluid is given. Hopefully you did not have any permanent adverse effects from the IV cannula. Please refer to another answer I have given recently on the issue of complications of IV cannulas. 

I had an IV placed in my arm approximately 2 months ago, and am experiencing a large lump still to this day. Its now red and very sore around the area and seems to be getting bigger. Is this a cause for concern?? 

It isﾠ not possible to say what your problem is without a full history and a physical examination, so you should be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.You may have thrombophlebitis - inflammation of the vein - with, or without, a blood clot in the vein (thrombosis). If the areaﾠis extremely tender and warm you may have developed an abscess, which would require treatment right away with antibiotics. 

I was hospitalized lastﾠSaturday for a severe migraine. They hooked me up to IV for about 3 hours to administer pain meds and anti nausea meds, along with the fluids. They removed it after giving me some narcotic for the pain and I went home. On Tuesday AM I woke up with a sore wrist and forearm and some swelling, no redness. It`s now Thursday and it still is swollen, a little less but still sore. What`s the story? 

ﾠYou don't say where the IV was sited and whether it corresponds with the area that is now sore and swollen. Assuming it is the same area, you might have some mild phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) or some of the fluid administered via the IV might have leaked into the surrounding tissues. Another possibility is that the pain and swelling are completely unrelated to the IV or the medication you were given. Perhaps you have some arthritis or some sort of muscle or tendon problem. Please consult with your doctor to make a proper diagnosis, especially if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve. 

I had outpatient surgery 10 days ago and every time I move my wrist I get a twinge of pain due to the IV needle insertion. I won't mention the horrible bruising that lasts for weeks from failed needle insertions from past surgeries. I`ve been told my veins aren`t difficult but it seems OR personnel are careless. This has happened to others I`ve spoken with, and it truly is more common than not. The charge anesthesiologist always leaves this `unimportant` (in his mind) task to the CRNA`s who frankly are harsh and uncaring. Please comment. 

I know you are being ironic and of course inserting an IV cannula is not a trivial orﾠunimportant task - if you are the person it's being inserted into! You might in future politely request that the most experienced availableﾠpractitioner insert your IV. Hopefully you would then be less likely to end upﾠwith a painful or bruised arm. During an unsuccessful (or successful) IV insertion the vein is penetrated. When the needle or cannula is withdrawn the vessel will bleed. Prolonged compression at the site is needed to avoid blood leaking out of the injured vessel and into the tissues - a bruise. IV insertion occasionally results in minor nerve injury. Unfortunately we don't have a routine method of visualizing small structures like tiny sensory nerves that might get in the way of the needle.ﾠ 

Iﾠhad an IV placed in the top of my hand for approx. 3 hours. a bruise appeared the next day, but no pain/swelling. Now, 5 days later my wrist (below the site) and forearm are VERY sore and swollen, like I can follow the vein up my arm, my wrist is very stiff and swollen. Should I be concerned??? 

It sounds as though you have developed phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis. This is a condition of inflammation of veins that may also be associated with blood clot formation in the vein. Phlebitis is fairly common after IV placement. You should be concerned if the condition is not improving, if you have a fever, if the glands in your axilla (armpit) are swollen,ﾠor if you feel generally unwell. Uncomplicated phlebitis normally heals on its own, and the treatment is "symptomatic" - that is, things which improve symptoms, like simple pain relievers and local heat. In some cases however the phlebitis can become septic - infected. This can be a very serious problem needing urgent treatment with antibiotics. You should seek attention as soon as possible from your healthcare provider to make sure you are not developing this more serious condition. 

I had surgery 4 weeks ago and it took over 6 attempts to place the IV in, I had no problem with the final spot he found but on the back of my right hand (where he tried twice) I swear it feels like a piece of cannula is left inside the vein. If I pull the skin on the base of my hand near the wrist I can feel a distinctive pull sensation up through the vein. If I brush the back of my hand by the knuckle again a get a strange sensation down that vein and if I try to place a finger on the base of the vein and pull down it feels like I am pulling at something. Is it possible when the cannula was inserted to set up the IV that the piece got severed somehow and was left inside the vein?? 

It is possible to leave a piece of the IV cannula inside the vein. Although possible, this is presumably a very rare occurrence. One way it can happen is if the person placing the IV withdraws the needle part and then reinserts it through the teflon cannula. In the process, the tip of the cannula can be sheared off by the needle. The plastic bit can then travel up the vein - this is called an embolus - and can theoretically go all the way to the heart. 

A more likely possibility is that you have some venous irritation from the IV cannula. Is there any tenderness over the vein? Is there any lumpiness or hardness over the vein? These are signs of phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, which are much more common complications of IV cannula placement. This type of problem normally resolves over a few weeks. I would look out for any signs of inflammation (warmth, redness, pain, swelling, tenderness) - these should be signs that you need to seek medical attention. If none of these are present then hopefully the unusual sensations you described will disappear without treatment over the next couple of weeks. If not, you should consider seeing a vascular surgeon. 

I had surgery 4 weeks ago and had an IV in my right wrist for 4 days. My wrist is is more sore now then when I had the IV and there appears to be a "knot" where the IV was placed. What can I do to make the pain and "knot" go away? 

This problem - pain after intravenous ("IV") catheter insertion - is one I've commented on previously. What I've said is that a small number of people who undergo the very common procedure of IV insertion, or have blood drawn, end up with injuries, usually minor. In your case, the "knot" might be a small hematoma (blood clot) in a blood vessel that is inflamed. This is known as phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis. It gets better with basic pain relief measures - pain medicine, anti-inflammatory medication, local heat. Occasionally, a nerve can be injured - here the pain is more persistent and is not just in the area where the IV was sited. If this is the case, you should seek attention from your doctor. It all goes to show that even minor medical procedures - like IVs or blood draws are, unfortunately, not completely without risk. 

I had a hysterectomy 6 mo ago, it took the nurses 8 tries to hit a vein, which was crazy because I have easy veins to hit. They finally put the IV on the inside of my forearm at the bend. When I woke up from surgery the pain in my arm was worse then my surgery. I had a burning pain from my hand all the way up to my sholder, numbness in my hand, throbbing pain over my entire arm. The overall pain has lessened and eventually went away. Last month I went to have routine blood work and the pain is back all over again and almost made me pass out and I am not sensitive like that, it almost felt like there was a burr on the needle, arm still hurts. . Any answer of what is going on? 

In the course of medical treatment about 25 million Americans have intravenous catheters placed each year. Serious complications are very uncommon, but problems can occur. These problems include infection, thrombosis (blood clot in the blood vessel), phlebitis (inflammation of the blood vessel), hematoma (blood clot in the tissues next to the blood vessel, emboli (small blood clots dislodged from the inside of the blood vessel), and infiltration (the catheter goes into the tissues next to the blood vessel). It is also possible for the needle to penetrate and injure a nerve, and for bruising and bleeding to irritate a nerve. Nerves are invisible from the skin surface so you can understand how this might happen. There are a couple of larger nerves that supply the forearm and that pass through the area at the inside of the elbow. These are the median and radial nerves. It's possible in your case that one of those nerves was injured by the IV needle or catheter. In most cases, such an injury would heal over a few weeks or months. I believe that injuries from intravenous catheters and from blood draws ("phlebotomy") are under-appreciated. There is little information in the medical literature on this subject. However a 1996 study of 419,000 blood donations showed that 1 in every 6300 donors had a nerve injury. Fortunately, most got better within a month. The symptoms included excessive or radiating pain, and loss of arm or hand strength. Fifty-two of 56 donors achieved a full recovery, and 4 other donors had only a mild, localized, residual numbness. The inside of the elbow is not usually the best place to insert an IV, except in an emergency or when other sites are not available. It is however the commonest site from which blood is withdrawn. I hope that having blood drawn from this site has not made your unpleasant symptoms come back again. If your symptoms persist you should consult a physician because in rare instances (such as persistent weakness) specific treatment, even surgery, may become necessary. I think that in the future you should avoid having blood taken, or an intravenous catheter (IV) inserted, in that part of your arm. 

I had surgery about 2 1/2 years ago and had an IV in topside of my right hand. My surgery was early morning and I woke up during the night after the surgery with my hand and arm hurting - I called the nurse and my hand and arm up to my elbow looked like they were going to explode they were so swolen. They immediately removed the IV. Afterward the veins in my hand were so large and hard for weeks then where the IV had been the veins began to shink to almost nothing. When looking at my arm (palm up) the veins look lumpy particularly if I place my hand lightly on my arm. I mentioned to my regulard doctor and he said it was scaring of the veins and nothing to worry about. Ever since the surgery, my hand gets so cold and my hand and forearm hurt almost as if the circulation is poor and it is more uncomfortable in the cold weather months - sometimes at work I turn on a portable heater and place my hand close to it (I work inside in computer department). Any thoughts on this, I have concerns if there could be serious damage to the veins in my hand and arm. 

It sounds as though your IV "infiltrated" or became "interstitial". In other words, the intravenous catheter became misplaced, and the intravenous fluids entered the tissues of your hand arm. This is a recognised complication of intravenous infusions. Most times there is no permanent injury. The fluid gets absorbed into your system, and the swelling goes down. The lumpiness of the veins suggests you had in addition some degree of phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. Please see the article referenced below for more information. Your current, persistent, problems are a bit more worrying. You may have developed what used to be called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, now named Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a strange set of symptoms that can occur after various kinds of injuries to an extremity. It is characterized by pain, swelling, color change and occasionally sweating, tremor or decreased strength and range of motion of the extremity. Often, the psyche of the patient is affected. The RSD Association website and related sites may offer useful information. However, you should see an experienced Pain Medicine specialist and possibly other specialists for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Should the diagnosis of RSD (CRPS) be confirmed, occupational therapy and rehab of the upper extremity will be the mainstay of therapy with occasional interventions by the pain doctor as needed. 

Is it possible to get anesthesia somehow without an IV? Can I get it in a gas form? I am terrified of needles....and I am not looking forward to getting an IV. Please help. 

You can get put to sleep without an IV. This is called an inhalational induction. You breathe a mixture of anesthetic gas - sevoflurane is the best agent available today - and oxygen, sometimes with nitrous oxide. Over a period of 1 to 5 minutes general anesthesia can be achieved. This is the method used in small children, but is rarely done with adults. The gas is not all that pleasant to breathe so after trying it you might actually decide that an IV is not the worst thing in the world. Small children can't readily be made to cooperate for a needle, but as an adult you should be able to master it, especially if you're given some oral premedication 45 minutes to an hour beforehand. The premed will get you relaxed. Another trick used with children is to apply a mix of local anesthetics to the skin site of the needle insertion which over an hour or so numbs it up so that the needle is hardly felt at all. Finally, you can get general anesthesia from an intramuscular injection of a drug like ketamine, or midazolam. So, no IV, but still a needle. With any of these non-IV methods of inducing anesthesia, the IV can be inserted once you're unconscious. Presumably you're not going to mind at that stage.