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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedies For Swollen And Painful Site On Arm Post IV Insertion

I underwent a procedure in the hospital on Tuesday and had an IV in my left hand, The veins in my left hand near the IV site are swollen and it hurts more and more, some are bumpy, Is this serious? What can I do for relief? Should I contact the doctor or go back to the hospital?
Tue, 2 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
This is superficial thrombophlebitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the veins due to a blood clot. Some factors contribute and increase the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis and it is intravenous catheter/injection which has caused superficial thrombophlebitis in your case. Involved vein becomes hard, red, swollen and there will be pain and tenderness in the area of distribution of involved vein.
Advise
1.     Apply cold compress with ice soaked pack
2.     Keep your hand elevated
3.     Tablet ibuprofen 400 mg thrice daily for 1 week
4.     Tablet ranitidine 150 mg daily for 1 week to reduce acidity caused by ibuprofen
5.     Apply heparin gel (Thrombophob topical gel) five time daily for 15 days
Hardness of vein will go slowly and it may take more than 6 months to become soft as normal. In a rare, serious instance, removal or stripping of the vein is necessary. If your condition is deteriorating then definitely go to your doctor.
Thanks!
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Suggest Remedies For Swollen And Painful Site On Arm Post IV Insertion

This is superficial thrombophlebitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the veins due to a blood clot. Some factors contribute and increase the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis and it is intravenous catheter/injection which has caused superficial thrombophlebitis in your case. Involved vein becomes hard, red, swollen and there will be pain and tenderness in the area of distribution of involved vein. Advise 1. Apply cold compress with ice soaked pack 2. Keep your hand elevated 3. Tablet ibuprofen 400 mg thrice daily for 1 week 4. Tablet ranitidine 150 mg daily for 1 week to reduce acidity caused by ibuprofen 5. Apply heparin gel (Thrombophob topical gel) five time daily for 15 days Hardness of vein will go slowly and it may take more than 6 months to become soft as normal. In a rare, serious instance, removal or stripping of the vein is necessary. If your condition is deteriorating then definitely go to your doctor. Thanks!