Why does my arm still hurt from giving blood?

Question

Its been three days since I went to the doctor, where they took 6 tubes of blood out of my relatively thin arm. I'm already queasy with needles, so it wasn't a pleasant experience sitting there as the nurse dug around looking for my vein. Still, its never hurt for more than a day like this. I can't use my right arm for any lifting or sports, which sucks because I try to stay in shape. What should I do to ease the pain, and how long do think it will take to heal?

Answer 1

Sounds like whoever took the blood didn't do a good job. That's usually why there is pain like yours several days later.

I would suggest putting an ice pac on it for 15 minutes a couple times of day.

Best wishes

Answer 2

You had an inexperienced nurse.  If you dig around for a vein you damage cells and cause bruising and pain.  Just take mild pain relievers and try to work through the pain.  Most bruising can take up to a week to heal.  For future reference you have the right to ask fo another nurse if they are having trouble finding a vein.

Answer 3

probably you carried heavy stuff

Answer 4

Well, that's enough to put you off donating!  That lack of skill is extremely rare.  I had someone do that once - and it was painful.  Did you TELL your doctor?  His nurse needs to practice drawing blood.

Easiest icepack in the world:  use a bag of frozen peas.  You can refreeze it when it begins to thaw, but you need to mark it "discard" so no one uses it for food.

Your arm won't hurt long enough to interfere with sports fitness, but your mind needs to be reassured - that was not a normal blood draw, and it is your responsibility to report it so that no one else has the same experience.

Answer 5

I hear you,put some ice on it and take some Tylenol.It will get better and try not to baby it.LOL