I had surgery to laparascopically remove my gallbladder on Tuesday, late afternoon. I remained in hospital overnight, so naturally, my IV was not taken out until discharge on Wednesday afternoon. My hand was swollen at first, but the swelling has gone away, but I have terrible pain in my forearm up to my elbow. My mother tells me its because the IV infiltrated the vein and the liquid is being absorbed into the tissue. What can I do to make the pain subside. It's now Sunday morning. Is there anything I should be worried about or is this something that will go away with hot or cold compresses?