Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Remedy For Intense Pain In The Area Of Injected Heroin With Swelling, Hot And Redness
SHi,
My boyfriend injected herion 3days ago and thought he hit a nerve at the time of poking the needle into his arm. He assumed it was a nerve because of the intense pain that was associated with it. Because of the pain, he did not continue in the arm; did not inject into it. Its 3 days later and he is in excruciating pain at the site and redness, severe swelling, hotness and pain are localized around the IV site. I have been applying ice (I froze water in the bottom of a cup) for 2-3 minutes as often as tolerated which averages every couple hours and it really helps with the swelling and pain. He has also been alternating ib profin and tylenol. Is this something that can resolve on its own? He does not have money to pay for antibiotics if we go to the ER. Any suggestions?
My boyfriend injected herion 3days ago and thought he hit a nerve at the time of poking the needle into his arm. He assumed it was a nerve because of the intense pain that was associated with it. Because of the pain, he did not continue in the arm; did not inject into it. Its 3 days later and he is in excruciating pain at the site and redness, severe swelling, hotness and pain are localized around the IV site. I have been applying ice (I froze water in the bottom of a cup) for 2-3 minutes as often as tolerated which averages every couple hours and it really helps with the swelling and pain. He has also been alternating ib profin and tylenol. Is this something that can resolve on its own? He does not have money to pay for antibiotics if we go to the ER. Any suggestions?
Tue, 18 Mar 2014
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Injection of heroin is associated with tingling sensation in the area where it is injected.
Besides there are symptoms like burning sensation all over the body, dryness of mouth, anxiety, dilation of pupil leading to blurred vision, ringing in ears, constipation, difficulty in urinating, etc.
The symptoms of swelling, hotness and pain around the injection site suggest infection of the injection site.
Using unsterile or used needles can result in these symptoms.
You need to see a doctor for clinical assessment.
In case infection is present, antibiotics will be required.
If not treated in time, cellulitis and/or sepsis can occur.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Injection of heroin is associated with tingling sensation in the area where it is injected.
Besides there are symptoms like burning sensation all over the body, dryness of mouth, anxiety, dilation of pupil leading to blurred vision, ringing in ears, constipation, difficulty in urinating, etc.
The symptoms of swelling, hotness and pain around the injection site suggest infection of the injection site.
Using unsterile or used needles can result in these symptoms.
You need to see a doctor for clinical assessment.
In case infection is present, antibiotics will be required.
If not treated in time, cellulitis and/or sepsis can occur.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Cellulitis
Loading Online Doctors....