Has anyone had their radial nerve caught when having their blood taken. The other week I had loads of blood tests including my warfarin

[MaryH]

then the phlebotomist caught my radial nerve, pain shot down from my inner arm to just above my thumb. Still having problems two weeks on, anyone else had this done to them?

[MaryF Administrator]

Dear dear.... the word 'ow' springs to mind... luckily I have not encountered the delights of this... I hope it calms down soon, various awful hospital jokes spring to mind to tell you of course! M x

[christinebonner]

Mary that sound very pain full

I had my nerve realise a few years ago as had had no feeling in my hand. my nurse is very good when she take mine and used the same place must of the time

hope it get better soon

Christine

[paddyandlin]

Hi Mary Ouch is all i can say sorry never had this happen did you raise it with the medical team?

paddy

[MaryH]

Well , thank you to all that answered this, even if it was to commiserate. The reason I asked this question is because I was wondering if continual taking of blood makes it more likely (on average) for this sort of thing to happen. It had never happened to me before, but after a search I can see that it happens to others. I think the mistake was that the phlebotomist who did the deed carried on and took at least 5 phials of blood! I think she should have stopped immediately it became obvious that I was in pain. Should then have used the other arm to continue, however everyone has difficulty getting a vein in the first place. I am surprised that there was anyone sitting outside waiting for their bloods to be taken, as I yelled and (possibly) swore. The pain really was excruciating and I can take a lot. I shall mention it next time I go and ask them to be careful and stop if they hit it again. I shall stop moaning now and I hope it NEVER happens again to any of us. Much love xxx MaryH