Bruises and aching arm after venesection.

[RobPV]

Hello all, in May of this year my diagnosis was changed from ET to PV after the consultant notice high red blood cell count. My haematocrit was 49. I was sent for venesection the following week. I didn't experience any problems with the first 3 but last week I went to the hospital for my 4th. As soon as the needle was in, my arm ached along it's whole length. The ache subsided but is still there and is worse at night. After 3 days a huge bruise appeared around my arm and is quite sore, especially when lifting things or walking the dog. I'm just wandering if the hospital should be bandaging the arm straight away. They did the first time but not since. Has anyone else had similar problems after venesection?

[catkinspolymer]

Hi Rob ,

I have also been changed from Et to "evolving PV" . I have about 6 venesections a yearno bandaging . Do bruise a bit but not painful get more from DIY

best wishes Town crier

[Jasbak22]

Hi I think this happens sometimes if they don’t hit the vein right and some blood leaks during the venesection but don’t think it’s anything to get worried about.

[Betsywest]

Hi there, I get given a pressure bandage after every one which they always tell me to keep on until going to bed. Hope it improves for you quickly.

[Fionnuaghla]

Hi Rob

Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience and that it is still uncomfortable for you. Hopefully the bruising and soreness will disappear soon. Since Dec 15, I have been having regular venesections, weekly at first and now 8 weekly with each hospital visit. I had the same person for quite a long time with just the usual discomfort. Then after a staff change and different people each time, I had a few occasions of poking about with the thick needle, moving the bag (which I really do not want to see) in front of me and some real bruising. At my last visit, I really only had minor discomfort and I am hoping that person will attend to me on a regular basis. She mentioned about locating the needle to one side of a little bump in my vein and it really was stress free. All of the staff in the department are so pleasant, caring and friendly. I feel that they have to cope with the variations in our veins and people like me, not the bravest soldier. I am sure you have been advised already regarding gallons of water beforehand to help the flow of blood. I have been given EMLA cream, a local anaesthetic cream which I apply before hand and I feel that really helps. You might like to ask for some at the hospital. Like Betsy, a bandage is always applied which I leave on until bedtime. I hope that if you need a venesection in the future that it is less painful.

Warm regards