Nerve pinch after blood drawing (Sorry for the long post)

[Jennifer435]

Around 6 months ago, I had a severe allergic reaction for the first time in my life. I was working at a summer camp and I woke up one morning covered in hives. I've spent the last 6 months trying to get medical insurance and situating myself back home after being gone for 3 months. Anyway, I recently went to the doctor's office to get blood drawn so that I could find out any blood allergies. I have a thing with blood and needles, so I looked away when the nurse was trying to find my veins. She went from my left to right to left again before she settled with a barely noticeable vein on my left arm. My mother told me to suck it, because I do tend to be a big baby when it comes to needles and blood. For once I listened to her. When the nurse was drawing blood I felt an extreme pain in my arm, it felt like a pinch at first, but the pain escalated to an almost like electric shock. At this moment I was more in shock from the feeling that I didn't react until my mother had said something about the nurse moving the needle around too much in my arm. It wasn't meant to be a rude comment, but I really felt it and she removed the needle and asked if we could try again or we would go to a blood work clinic instead. After my experience with the first attempt, I decided to go to the clinic. I figured the faintness and nausea I was feeling, along with the newfound shooting pain in my arm would go away after I left the clinic. It did not. I had a better experience with the blood work clinic, it honestly took 10 minutes for the whole appointment (including the wait time) The needle was in and out, I felt like "That's it? Was it ever in?" It's been about a week and the pain has not gone away, I have a part-time job as a waitress/busser so my job has been a little hard for me with this. I have been massaging the area with lotion and using heating pads/icing the area as a sort of remedy to make it better faster because of my job. Also, I went to the doctor's to talk about the pain in my arm and to discuss my lab results and they were actually denying that it was even possible to pinch my nerve with the needle. They were saying that there was no way that the needle could move because it was so small...so on. Before, I walked in that day for the appointment they also had me re-sign a waiver (I signed when I was 18 already and I'm 19 now) that mentioned something about complications.

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If you ever have a blood test, be sure to drink loads of water beforehand, it really does make a difference as to how easy it is to get into your veins.

[1949liz]

Hi Jennifer,

I am personally not aware that you have any major nerve endings near your blood veins, but when I have blood taken I am always left with bruising but that my age. I am sure if you asked your nurse at your surgery she would be able to help you. Sorry I am not able to help you with your dilemma.Regards Liz x

[sealiphone]

I had a nurse insert the needle in to the tendon but that was instantaneous pain.

It was over 8 years before it faded, the tendon would occasionally flare-up, and it still feels like a weak spot.

I'd certainly make sure it's in your medical record to assist any compensation claim, should that be necessary.

[Jennifer435]

It's a day to the second week. Still feel electric shock pain. The area is not as sensitive, but I am still unable to extend my arm to certain point. There are still certain movements I cannot make. Going to see same doctor on Wednesday. Switching clinics after this though.