I had a cortisol test done at the endocrinologist’s office this past Wednesday. I had blood drawn, a drug designed to stimulate cortisol production injected, and then blood drawn again 45 minutes later. Both times I had the blood drawn, the nurse had to "fish around" for my veins. This has happened to me before (my veins are small and not terribly close to the surface), and although it was painful, the first time I didn't think much of it. However, the second time the nurse drew my blood, using my other arm, not only did she have to fish around for the vein longer than the first time, but when she finally put the needle in the vein, it hurt terribly. Usually I am very good with pain, and even watch as the nurse draws my blood, but this was just not normal, especially with the pain from a needle digging around in my arm for about a minute before hand. Then, the nurse was having issues pushing the button that retracts the needle, and as she finally pressed it, my arm twitched and I felt a pull from my elbow down to the palm of my hand. It felt like she had damaged my nerve. However, when I looked up at the doctor (she had come in for the second round of blood drawing, making the poor nurse incredibly nervous) and told her "my arm twitched," her answer was "it could be the pressure from the tourniquet." I didn't believe this because it felt like something from inside my arm as a result of the needle moving around, but didn't say anything else about it. Now, four days later, I still feel a pull from my elbow to palm along with a very uncomfortable tingling feeling whenever I extend my arm too quickly or lift something. I assume that the nurse has damaged a nerve in my arm. Is there anything I can or should do about this? How long will it take for it to heal?
I just had the same thing happen to me on Friday. I went to an independent lab to have blood drawn, and the woman who did it seemed to be flustered and in a hurry. She poked me, and my whole arm felt like I had stuck it in a light socket. Now, three days later, my left thumb and portions of my palm periodically feel like I'm being electrocuted...all the way up my forearm. The pain & feeling is becoming more pronounced and frequent. I'm waiting for my doctor to call me this morning. I'll try to post another answer after he calls me back...
DIDO!!!! And on Friday as well....When I called the nurse said..huh I've never heard of that happening..that was reassuring, I was hoping for ...that happens all the time but I was told ibuprofen, ice and call back if needed but go to the ER if I loose feeling in my fingers or can't grasp things.. Yes post when you get a call back.. Im trying to not freak out.. I kinda use my left arm on a regular basis...Hoping its temporary...I guess just wait it out...Mine even feels kinda warm and tingly with sharp pains when I move it....
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Posted by XOXO
I had a cortisol test done at the endocrinologist’s office this past Wednesday. I had blood drawn, a drug designed to stimulate cortisol production injected, and then blood drawn again 45 minutes later. Both times I had the blood drawn, the nurse had to "fish around" for my veins. This has happened to me before (my veins are small and not terribly close to the surface), and although it was painful, the first time I didn't think much of it. However, the second time the nurse drew my blood, using my other arm, not only did she have to fish around for the vein longer than the first time, but when she finally put the needle in the vein, it hurt terribly. Usually I am very good with pain, and even watch as the nurse draws my blood, but this was just not normal, especially with the pain from a needle digging around in my arm for about a minute before hand. Then, the nurse was having issues pushing the button that retracts the needle, and as she finally pressed it, my arm twitched and I felt a pull from my elbow down to the palm of my hand. It felt like she had damaged my nerve. However, when I looked up at the doctor (she had come in for the second round of blood drawing, making the poor nurse incredibly nervous) and told her "my arm twitched," her answer was "it could be the pressure from the tourniquet." I didn't believe this because it felt like something from inside my arm as a result of the needle moving around, but didn't say anything else about it. Now, four days later, I still feel a pull from my elbow to palm along with a very uncomfortable tingling feeling whenever I extend my arm too quickly or lift something. I assume that the nurse has damaged a nerve in my arm. Is there anything I can or should do about this? How long will it take for it to heal?