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What Causes Pain And Numbness In Hands And Feet After Hospitalization?

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Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Question: I fell and hit my head and was in the trauma unit for a couple of days. I am a 79 yof. Had CT scan that showed some bleeding that subsided. I have been out of the hospital for about two weeks now. I have pain in both arms where my picc lines were. The skin on my arms is extremely tender to touch with numbness in hands and feet. I was thinking possible nerve damage from picc lines?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
thrombophlebitis, likely complication of IV lines

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
Prolonged admission and more than 72 hours of IV lines make the odds of thrombophlebitis most likely( an infection and inflammation of the Iv cannulation site).
usually some ill expertise or not following protocol for the cannulation or prolonged cannulation for more than 2 to 3 days makes the infection of the veins called thrombophlebitis. Also failed attempts make the veins puncture and swell the area around. Antibiotics are already administered. for the pain apply topical anesthetic creams and take some oral acetaminophen.
visiting a vascular specialist to rule out any grievous worrisome complication like thrombo embolism or DVT or deranged bleeding profile etc would be wise.
rest assured , apply some topical Anesthetic gels to the area and use some NSAIDs or aspirin. You will be fine. It will resolve.
Nut shell, Wait and see. do as directed. Ambulate the arm as much as possible, apply topical anesthetic gel, take aspirin for the pain in low dosages and hope for the best.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
May the odds be ever in your favour.
regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Pain And Numbness In Hands And Feet After Hospitalization?

Brief Answer: thrombophlebitis, likely complication of IV lines Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking Prolonged admission and more than 72 hours of IV lines make the odds of thrombophlebitis most likely( an infection and inflammation of the Iv cannulation site). usually some ill expertise or not following protocol for the cannulation or prolonged cannulation for more than 2 to 3 days makes the infection of the veins called thrombophlebitis. Also failed attempts make the veins puncture and swell the area around. Antibiotics are already administered. for the pain apply topical anesthetic creams and take some oral acetaminophen. visiting a vascular specialist to rule out any grievous worrisome complication like thrombo embolism or DVT or deranged bleeding profile etc would be wise. rest assured , apply some topical Anesthetic gels to the area and use some NSAIDs or aspirin. You will be fine. It will resolve. Nut shell, Wait and see. do as directed. Ambulate the arm as much as possible, apply topical anesthetic gel, take aspirin for the pain in low dosages and hope for the best. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. May the odds be ever in your favour. regards Khan