Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Can I Do About Ongoing Pain And Functional Loss In My Arm Four Months After A Problematic Blood Draw?

Trying to deal with a routine doctor prescribed blood draw four months ago. Nerve damage for certain. The phlebotomist jabbed the needle deep and through the side of a large vein inside my right inner elbow area hat has always protruded well about the inner elbow area and is an easy target, or should I say WAS. There is now a small indentation there. Have had numerous blood draws from the same vein. After four months there is still pain in the area, have difficulty typing or lifting. Pain in the fingers has lessened, but still hurts to lift anything heavier than half a pound. The place where the blood draw occured has been in contact with me, and denies all responsibility. My former doctor retired and I ll be seeing a new doctor soon. I have been reluctant to massage the area for fear of making the pain worse and possible disturbing the damaged nerves. At first, I tried the warm and cold compresses that were advised, but they did not help. I am worried that I ve lost the use of my right arm (I am right-handed). I play the large celtic harp and am an avid gardener, formerly using hoes and rakes and shovels with ease. I won t be able to do either activity now. Can I be helped?
posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2023
Twitter