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What Does Lump At IV Site After Surgery Indicate?
I was just in the hospital for a dissected vertebral artery. I had my IV removed from my elbow and today I have a large lump just above the IV site. I m also on plavix and baby aspirin to keep my blood from clotting. Should I go back to the ER for the lump?
Mon, 23 May 2022
Hello,
The lump at the intravenous injection site is due to clot or thrombus formation. You don't need to rush to ER for that as it resolves by itself. The following are recommended:
1) Keep the affected arm or leg above the heart level
2) Apply warm compressors to the area
3) NSAIDs like tab Ibuprofen can be used if pain is severe
4) Thrombophob ointment can be applied on the affected site
5) It usually resolves within a week but the vein may be hard to touch
6) There are no complications involved as it is superficial thrombophlebitis
7) Avoid keeping your affected arm still for long time, keep moving it
You need to see a physician only if the following appear:
1) Excessive swelling and redness extending the entire arm
2) Worsening pain and difficulty in moving the arm
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
The lump at the intravenous injection site is due to clot or thrombus formation. You don't need to rush to ER for that as it resolves by itself. The following are recommended:
1) Keep the affected arm or leg above the heart level
2) Apply warm compressors to the area
3) NSAIDs like tab Ibuprofen can be used if pain is severe
4) Thrombophob ointment can be applied on the affected site
5) It usually resolves within a week but the vein may be hard to touch
6) There are no complications involved as it is superficial thrombophlebitis
7) Avoid keeping your affected arm still for long time, keep moving it
You need to see a physician only if the following appear:
1) Excessive swelling and redness extending the entire arm
2) Worsening pain and difficulty in moving the arm
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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