Concerns About Possible IV Complication After Hospital Stay
I’m a 30-year-old female, and I was admitted to the hospital from August 31 to September 2 due to a lamotrigine overdose. During my stay, I had an intravenous line inserted into my right arm. While it seemed to function normally for the most part, I experienced significant burning sensations in my bicep during the administration of a particular fluid—possibly vitamin B-12, though my memory is vague on that. On September 2, as they were preparing to change the dressing, the medical staff observed that my bicep was notably swollen, extremely tender, and exhibited warm, red, and white patches, although there was no bruising at that point. Since I was scheduled for discharge later that day, they opted to remove the IV entirely. I overheard the nurse mention that “it blew” but wasn’t offered much explanation directly. By September 4, the swelling, pain, and discoloration had diminished; however, I had started to notice numbness spreading from the middle of my right forearm up to my shoulder and armpit, extending to my upper back and the area near my right ribcage and breast. Additionally, I began experiencing muscle spasms in the same locale. Following this, I developed a new bruise approximately the size and shape of a pinky, extending diagonally from where the IV had been placed towards my bicep. I also struggled with mild chest heaviness and shortness of breath, and unexpectedly felt dizzy, weak, and shaky, accompanied by a sharp pain behind my left ear. The dizziness and head pain were fleeting, lasting only a few minutes on a couple of occasions. As of today, my symptoms remain largely unchanged; however, I've noticed a burning and stinging sensation in my arm, predominantly around the armpit and shoulder region. The numbness persists as well. I also encounter increasingly intense dizzy spells when I stand up, and I find it challenging to breathe normally when standing for too long, having conversations, or walking extensively. Could all of this be related to the IV issue I experienced? Is it something that will likely resolve without intervention? I attempted to visit the ER on September 4, but was relegated to the back of the triage line, ultimately leading me to leave after waiting for five hours. This inaction also contributes to my belief that my condition isn’t particularly serious.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 3:20:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're having a challenging experience with several concerning symptoms following your hospital stay and IV insertion. Given your symptoms, it's important to understand the potential connection to your IV and how to manage it effectively.
Main Points:
Your symptoms may be related to complications from the IV placement, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), localized infection, or even nerve involvement due to swelling or damage. The experiences of numbness, burning sensations, dizziness, and shortness of breath are significant and warrant careful consideration.
Explanation:
- IV Complications: The symptoms you described after the IV insertion, particularly swelling, tenderness, and the burning sensation, suggest potential issues like infiltration (fluid leaking out of the vein into surrounding tissue) or phlebitis. The presence of bruising and numbness could indicate irritation or pressure on nearby nerves.
- Nerve Symptoms: The spreading numbness and burning pain around your shoulder and upper back could be due to nerve irritation. The dizziness and shortness of breath, especially when standing, could indicate various issues, such as orthostatic hypotension or anxiety.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of any changes in your numbness, pain, and dizziness, noting when they occur and their severity.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and rested, as dehydration can worsen dizziness or headaches. Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms, especially those that require standing or physical exertion.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle stretching and mobility exercises that don’t exacerbate pain, particularly in your arm and shoulder. This can help improve blood flow and reduce stiffness.
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Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
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Seek Care: Given the range of your symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. If symptoms worsen (e.g., increasing pain, swelling, or new neurological symptoms), consider contacting a healthcare provider for a more immediate assessment, or seeking urgent care options.
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Emergency Signs: If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or worsening dizziness, these require immediate medical attention.
It's understandable to feel worried about these symptoms, and it’s important to be proactive about your health. I recommend following these steps and staying vigilant about symptom changes. Please take care of yourself.
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