Experiencing Pain and Tingling in My Arm for Four Days
I am a 35-year-old woman, weighing 265 pounds and standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall. I take no medications and have no health issues to report. Four days ago, I underwent a CT scan to investigate abdominal pain. Unfortunately, the nurse failed to heed my warning about my difficult veins. She appeared irritated with my comment. Initially, she attempted to draw blood in the crease of my arm, but as she inserted the needle, I felt a sharp jolt that radiated down to my fingers, causing them to go numb. After this, she removed the needle and successfully placed it in my forearm, which I had informed her was a more reliable location for me. Now, four days later, I’m experiencing a peculiar sensation whenever I move my arm in specific ways. I continuously feel a sharp tingling and occasional zaps throughout the day.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 2:40:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing pain and tingling in your arm after an intravenous (IV) attempt, likely caused by irritation or injury to a nerve in the area where the needle was placed. While this sensation can be concerning, it's essential to address it carefully and monitor your symptoms.
Explanation
The sharp jolt and subsequent numbness you felt when the nurse attempted to draw blood could have led to temporary nerve irritation or compression. This type of discomfort can sometimes arise from a variety of sources, including the way the needle is positioned or whether there was any movement of the arm during the procedure.
While many cases resolve on their own over time, it’s important to be attentive to changes in your symptoms.
Next Steps
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Rest and Protect Your Arm: Try to minimize any activities that require extensive use of your arm, especially movements that provoke the tingling. Use support, like a soft brace or wrap, if it helps.
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Ice Application: Apply ice to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes, several times a day, especially if there is any swelling. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the sensations.
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Gentle Stretching: If moving your arm doesn’t cause pain, light stretching might be beneficial to keep the muscles and tendons moving. However, avoid anything that worsens your tingling.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in sensations—note if the tingling worsens, spreads, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness or persistent numbness.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If you experience discomfort, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the directions on the label.
If the tingling persists beyond a week, worsens, or if you start experiencing additional symptoms like weakness or a significant change in arm function, it would be advisable to seek follow-up care.
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