Blood Draw Pain?

Question

I recently went to a surgical center and had a blood draw. Had an intern (who was very nice and gentle) try to draw blood but accidently missed the vein. Instead of pulling the needle out though, her supervisor grabbed it out of her hand while it was still in my arm and poked it around numerous times under the skin before finally getting my vein going into my bicep. It hurt so bad that i yelped under my breath and realized she had gone in at a wicked 90 degree angle from my arm, no joke, legit. Heres the thing. I think she hit a nerve. Its day 3 and i feel super bad stabbing pains that run down to my fingers and have a huge golf ball sized lump where she dug around in my arm. Everything in my lower bicep is tight going into all my fingers. Help.. ideas..? Should this be looked at or should i leave it alone?

Answer 1

Oh boy. That officious person definitely did you an injury! Hopefully it will heal sooner or later.



Yes, you need to go to your own doctor, explain what happened, and receive an evaluation and treatment. You probably have a legitimate claim for malpractice, but you'll need medical backup of your own to pursue it.



I had one of those incompetent phlebotomists whose training was definitely faulty. She waved the needle around under the skin of my hand to "loosen it up" or something. The pain was severe, so I yelled and told her to stop doing what she was doing. Fortunately another person heard, and made her stop immediately. The skin on that hand remains a bit looser than the skin on the other hand, though.

Answer 2

Why on earth was an intern drawing your blood?

Answer 3

I have had nerves hit when getting blood draws or IVs inserted. There is not much a doctor can do for you. Icing the draw spot might help. An insulted nerve ending can take a long time to settle back down, but usually will resolve on their own. If symptoms get worse or hang around for a super long time, you might want to talk to a doctor.

Answer 4

See a doctor ASAP. And report the supervisor LOUDLY at the front desk to whoever is in charge. Speak. Up.

Answer 5

something that size needs to be seen by a Dr