Question:
We think an IV catheter was left in my husband's arm

My husband have gastric bypass on 10/29/02 and all went perfectly. We noticed a hard area in his arm a week later where the IV had been. We assumed it was just from the vein being damaged and would heal back to normal. Looks like at this point it is part of the IV catheter that broke off when the IV was removed. It is hard, about 1/2" long and wedge shaped. Anyone else have this happen?    — crishsapig (posted on January 16, 2003)

January 16, 2003
Christine, Although anything is possible its not probable that an iv catheter was left in your husbands arm.The actual iv catheter is made of a very flexible nylon type of material that is near impossible to break.The actual needle that is used to thread the catheter into the vein is removed after insertion and were it let in the iv would not be accessable. I would have it checked but if something were in there he also would probably have redness and warmth at the site and possibly some type of drainage also,but to be safe he should have it looked at.Just my 2cents! Congrats on his surgery and Good Luck!
   — Lisa F.

January 16, 2003
I had the same exact thing, it was really tender too. I had the Dr. check it and it was from the IV being in so long (they have a word for it), it took about 3 months before the lump was completely gone. It wouldn't hurt to have a Dr check it out though.
   — Dana B.

January 16, 2003
I had the same thing. It was on the back of my hand and I could actually move it around. I swore that it was part of the IV that had broken off but the doc said it was just the vein. It tood 8 weeks to start going away. It is gone now but still tender in that area. I am sure this is what yours is but I am also sure that you might want to have it checked just in case.
   — debbie11092002

January 16, 2003
I have horrible reactions ot IV's. I had breast reduction on 12/18/02. It was out patient. I could not have had the IV in my arm for more then 6 hours. The pain, hardness, and redness just went away this past week. For a little while, I swore that the pain of the IV site was worse then the surgical sites!! What you are experiencing is common. It will go away. You can put a heating pad on it to help it some. But generallly, it just takes time.
   — Vicki L.

January 16, 2003
Called Thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the vein, caused by trauma (IV). As another suggested, warm compresses should help. The pain from this was worse and lasted longer than the pain I had from my LAP RNY. Hope it feels better soon.
   — Cheri M.

January 16, 2003
Thanks so much everyone for all the answers and feedback!ch
   — crishsapig

January 16, 2003
It's probably like the other posters have mentioned, but do not assume this is the case. Get in an get it checked out....you'll feel better knowing for sure and I'd hate to see something happen if something were left in there. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.