Upper Arm Sensations
I'm 27 years old, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds. Currently, I'm on a low dose of Lexapro (5mg) and am a cigarette smoker, but I don't use other drugs. I could share an image of the affected area, but visually, there’s nothing to observe—no redness, swelling, or other visible signs. About three years ago, I had a troubling incident where a small insulin syringe broke in my right arm due to drug use. Following this, I've been sober for two years after serving a prison sentence. This event led to a few significant health concerns for me: 1) While incarcerated, the needle inadvertently entered my bloodstream, traveling up my arm toward my chest. I distinctly remember the unsettling sensation, which felt like something crawling. It moved from my right bicep down to where my heart is located, provoking intense panic as I feared for my life. Thankfully, a friend helped calm my anxiety, pulling my hand away from my chest and encouraging me to breathe. I had managed to halt its movement right before it reached my chest, which reassured me somewhat at that moment. Throughout that time, I frequently experienced an odd discomfort in my arm during physical activities, akin to a pinching feeling. 2) After being released on parole on September 11 last year, I had some additional legal matters to clear up. I didn’t return home until January 8 this year. While in county jail on September 29, the broken needle re-emerged at the surface of my skin in the crook of my right elbow, where many individuals administer drugs, despite being lodged in my bicep initially. Medical staff were notified, and they pushed the needle further into my arm and dressed the area with gauze. Since that incident, I’ve undergone two separate X-ray examinations—one was focused on my right arm and chest while I was in jail, and the other checked my forearms and humerus once more. Neither X-ray revealed any foreign object, yet I firmly believe the needle remained in my arm as I was unable to extract it and have not undergone surgery. Recently, I’ve begun to feel that same strange irritation in my arm, reminiscent of my prison experience, where it seems like something is scratching around inside. My last X-ray two weeks ago also indicated no abnormalities. However, I recently learned that I had a swollen lymph node, and I'm currently taking Amoxicillin for it. I'm beginning to worry that the needle might still be causing underlying problems that haven’t been detected on the X-ray. Despite the time elapsed since the incident, I wonder if it could still be a source of serious harm or infection. My primary care physician is skeptical about the needle still being present, dismissing my discomfort as unremarkable since the X-ray didn’t reveal anything alarming. However, given the needle's small size, what if it’s being overlooked? The traumatic experience of the needle traveling through my vein is still fresh in my mind—it was terrifying. I fought against it moving along the vein, but it continued its course, undeterred by my attempts to stop it. I'm currently looking for guidance on how to proceed from here. Should I be concerned about this ongoing discomfort? Are there specialists I could consult who might take a closer look at my X-ray images? Is there a risk of infection this long after the incident, or would that typically manifest by now? I’m seeking any advice or insights. Thank you for your help.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 9:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns; I can understand how unsettling these sensations must be, especially given your past experiences. Here’s a brief overview of the main considerations based on your description:
- Physical discomfort may stem from previous injuries or sensitization rather than the presence of a needle.
- Ongoing anxiety and trauma-related feelings may contribute to your experiences.
- Further evaluation is warranted to rule out other causes of discomfort, particularly given your history.
Explanation:
From what you've shared, the discomfort in your upper arm could be related to several factors:
- Nerve Sensitivity: After traumatic experiences, it’s not uncommon to experience lingering sensations, which may be related to nerve pathways becoming extra sensitive. This could explain the crawling or pinching feeling you’ve described.
- Muscle or Soft Tissue Issues: Past injuries or irritation can lead to muscle tension or soft tissue issues, which may be mistaken for something more serious.
- Infections: While a swollen lymph node is a concern, if you’re responding to antibiotics, that points more towards a current infection rather than something leftover from years ago.
Next Steps:
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Document Changes: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers you notice. This information can help healthcare providers better understand your condition.
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Consider a Specialist: If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a consultation with a specialist, such as a neurologist or pain management expert, may provide fresh insights. They may suggest advanced imaging (like MRI) or nerve conduction studies that can offer more information.
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Talk to Your Doctor: Schedule a follow-up with your primary care physician to discuss ongoing concerns. Bring your symptom diary, and express your anxiety about the previous incidents. Advocate for potentially re-evaluating with a different imaging technique if discomfort continues.
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Manage Anxiety: Since your past experiences have caused significant trauma, consider exploring resources for mental health support. Even if the pain has physical origins, anxiety management can greatly improve your overall well-being and help you cope.
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Stay Updated on Infections: Monitor any changes in your swollen lymph node. If you notice increased pain, redness, swelling, or fever, communicate this with your physician promptly.
Your experiences are valid, and it’s important to prioritize your health. Taking these steps can help clarify your situation and hopefully lead to relief. Please feel free to share updates or seek further guidance!
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