Question for Dr. C

I'm feeling fine since my surgery on Monday, but I do have something quirky going on so I thought I would ask about it. I had a problem with my IV in my left hand. It caused swelling and bruising. I kept telling the nurses when they went to put meds in there that it was burning something terrible. They did change it to my right hand on Tues. evening. Anyway the problem is that the bruise and aching is moving up my arm and has passed thru my elbow area and is now almost to my shoulder. I look like someone has been pinching me! I'm bruised all the way up. I have been putting a heating pad on it. Is it anything to worry about? Other than that, I'm doing great and can't wait to come in Monday to have the drain removed. Thanks for your help! Nancy Pappas-Teismann

Nancy, I would wrap it in a hot wet towel and then wrap it with a heating pad. Do this for about 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a day. C