OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns After Improper Propofol IV Placement

I'm a 43-year-old woman, standing 5’4” tall and weighing 141 lbs. I deal with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) stemming from a congenital hiatal hernia, along with gastroparesis and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Currently, I take omeprazole 40 mg twice daily. Recently, I underwent extensive dental work that required general anesthesia, during which propofol and remifentanil were administered. Initially, an IV was inserted into my right hand, which was somewhat uncomfortable but not overly painful. Having experienced propofol before, I knew it could cause some burning sensation, although it typically hasn’t been an issue for me. This time, however, the pain escalated severely—as if my hand were burning from the inside. I informed the anesthesiologist about my excruciating pain and the lack of sedation after a brief wait. Despite being reassured that a burning sensation is common, when I noticed my hand beginning to swell, they immediately turned off the IV and attempted to relieve some of the pressure by massaging the area. They acknowledged that the IV hadn’t been properly placed and apologized for the situation. Afterward, they inserted a new IV near my elbow, and I quickly fell unconscious right away. The surgical procedure proceeded without a hitch, but my primary discomfort has not stemmed from the dental work—it’s been from my hand. Over the past two days, the area on the back of my hand, from my knuckles to my wrist, has developed severe bruising, turning black and blue. The pain has actually intensified since my surgery, although it doesn't compare to the initial agony I felt when they activated the anesthesia. The spot where the IV was inserted remains numb, while the surrounding area feels as if I had a heavy object fall on it. My mobility is significantly impaired, making daily tasks challenging, especially since my left hand is partially paralyzed, a condition I've endured for over 30 years. Should I seek medical attention for this issue, or is it typical to experience these symptoms after an improperly placed propofol IV? Will this condition likely resolve on its own?

Answers (1)

6/16/2025, 12:01:25 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the discomfort and complications you're experiencing after your recent dental procedure. It sounds like the IV placement issue has caused significant pain and bruising in your hand.

Here’s a breakdown of your situation and immediate considerations:

Main Points:

• Improper IV placement can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.
• Your symptoms may resolve, but monitoring is essential.

Explanation:

A properly placed intravenous (IV) line is crucial to avoid complications such as infiltration or phlebitis, where the IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and bruising. Your experience of increased pain, swelling, and bruising is not uncommon but indicates that the area needs monitoring, especially given your history of mobility challenges and the current pain level.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the severity of your pain and any changes in swelling or color of the bruised area. If the bruising spreads or the area becomes increasingly painful, this could indicate a more serious issue.

2. Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as needed (unless contraindicated for you). Applying a cold compress may also help reduce swelling and numb discomfort. Limit movement of your hand as much as possible to avoid aggravating the area.

3. Assess Mobility: Given your partial paralysis in the left hand, be mindful of tasks that may strain the right hand further. Consider temporary modifications to your daily activities to ensure safety and reduce strain.

4. Follow-Up: While some bruising and pain can resolve on their own, I recommend that you seek medical attention if:

   • The pain worsens or does not decrease within a few days.
   • You develop a fever or signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus).
   • The numbness persists or increases in severity.

Your comfort and recovery are important, so don't hesitate to seek help if you're concerned. Let me know if you need more guidance or support.