Maybe it’s because I’ve been writing everyday for 29 straight days, but all I can think to write lately are the whiney complaints I have about my health issues. It’s all I can talk about too. I know Brad has got to be tired of me. Even now that he’s starting to get a cold and has been feeling really blah lately, and even though he took such good care of me when I was miserable, instead of being caring and nurturing, all I can do is bitch about my trivial problems and occassionally ask “Oh yeah how are you feeling?”
Well Brad and the Internet: forgive me this one more time (this month at least). I’m having a problem, I don’t like it, and I need your help.
See that cotton ball covered with tape? That’s where the IV was. It hurt when I got it, but it was worth it to help me feel better. But now it’s been over five days since they removed it, and my arm still feels like someone is trying to cut it off. There hasn’t been any bruising like some people warned, but my arm aches deep inside. Not only at the injection site, but in my forearm and bicep too. For a few days it was just tender, meaning I couldn’t touch it or bend or straighten my arm completely.
Now it straight up aches. It’s worse when I bend or straighten, but even when immobile, it’s still uncomfortable. I’m not saying it’s extremely painful, but that’s such a sensitive part of my body so I’m constantly aware of it. I can’t stop thinking about my arm! …or talking about it apparently.
Is this normal? Should my whole arm be affected like this? I expected a little pain for a couple days, yes. But it’s been five, and a little pain has turned into the sensation of having my arm impaled with metal rods. Sort of. Is it time to amputate or am I overreacting?
I suggest amputating. Definitely.
i had an iv when i had my wisdom teeth out and i remember that ache-ing sensation. it felt like i had creaking, old, sore bones. i feel for you!!
also, needles AND cotton balls all together just about put me over the edge. both freak me out.
and finally, i was thinking that the month is coming to an end soon and i’m not sure how i’ll get through my day-to-day without reading your always updated blog. i hope you still blog really often, if not daily. i’ll miss you.
It’s nice to know I’ll be missed. But don’t worry, I’ll still post as often as possible. And hopefully I’ll stop complaining so much.
yikes. you know that i was most scared of giving birth because of the iv? i HATE needles… but no, i don’t think your arm should feel it’s been impaled with metal rods.
I’m personally okay with needles as long as I don’t see it go in. I look away while they do their business, and then once they say “All done,” I’m good to go.
Shannon, your arm will be sore. If it doesn’t start getting better, or gets worse, call a med-center and ask if you should come in. I believe soreness is pretty normal, but you have insurance, so why not take advantage of it if you’re worried?
***The following stories are not for the squeamish.***
In first grade, I was in the hospital for 2 months (I can remember being taken to the hospital right after eating a huge meal right around thanksgiving), with an IV for all of it. I remember one night when the IV fell out, and I instead had blood running out of my arm. They didn’t notice it for a while (it was like 4am), because I remember the blood on the floor making a nurse slip when she came running in. It was all over me, my pillow, and my blankets, but somehow miraculously did not get on my brand new stuffed dog named “Bones.” I still have Bones.
I also remember when after like the first month of having an IV (they moved it around some so that I wouldn’t get a permanent hole), while trying to replace the IV, the needle curled up because my veins were now tougher than the plastic tips of the needle they were using.
The moral: I was a badass in first grade. Now I’m a giant metro. Go figure.
i had so many ivs while in hospital that my entire arm was blackened with bruises for a good month (went from black to a lovely shade of elphaba green to that sickly yellow yuck) and i’m pretty sure it was sore and painful inside for quite a while but if i were you, i would definitely get it checked out if it still hurts in a few days …
i hate pain … hates it hates it hates it … hope your arm feels better soon : )
Shan, Andy had to be in the hospital around Labor Day and had to have an IV and his wrist still hurts from it. His vein is now hard in that area and he’s having some problems from his. I don’t think it’s normal, I told Andy to make an appointment with the doctor.
Hope your arm (and body) get back to feeling better soon. As long as the site doesn’t feel warm, have red streaks or is rock hard, you should be ok. Sometimes they hit a tendon or nerve and it can be very painful.
They may have bruised something while poking you. If your muscles are sore, this could be it. IV’s are awfully invasive. It will probably take a while to heal. I have had several but those were the least of my worries. Having my knee cut open was worse so I didn’t notice the IV. Well, except that one time (at band camp LOL) that the guy tried THREE times and then decided he’d redo it after I was asleep. THANKS!
Anyway, I get side-tracked easily…I hope it heals soon.