Please Help! Gave blood two days ago, now sharp pain when I bend my elbow.?

Question:

I gave blood two days ago. The lady had problems getting my blood to flow fast enough. She came over and had to keep moving the needle around in my arm. She finally found a position for the needle that allowed my blood to come out faster. It took about 15 minutes to fill up my bag. The area where the needle had been did hurt and it has a bruise around it, but I figured that the discomfort would go away (and it has, at least in the area right around where the needle went in).

So fast forward to yesterday morning. I noticed that whenever I lifted my arm to brush my teeth, or put my shirt on, there was a sharp pain in my elbow. I tried different positions, and sometimes it doesn't hurt but if I lift it up and then straighten it out, there is a sharp pain in the back of my elbow where the bone is. I can press at the spot where it hurts the most. So has anyone had anything like this happen after donating blood? What was it, how long did it last? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Answers:
This can happen.

Most likely, you have developed a hematoma at the site where the blood was taken. It's happened to me before. It's no big deal. It was sore for a week or so and then it was fine (except for the rainbow of colors my arm was).

A hematoma is a collection of blood under your skin. You can use ice to treat it and take an over-the-counter pain reliever (Advil, Tylenol). DO NOT take aspirin.

If your arm has not improved within a week, see your doctor. Just remember, when you give blood, a large needle is used and that can hurt.

EMT

Thank you for donating and please consider doing it again when you are next eligible (about 8 weeks).

I had a routine blood test. When the needle was pulled out there was a sharp pain at the site (elbow) and resulted in a bruise. It ended up as a hematoma. I was in pain for a long time-Jan-June 07(6 months). I feel better now. It still hurts when I strain my arm. I had seen docs and nobody did anything much excepting for saying it will go away in three months max. Using bengay helped me through. I trust that medication. See the doc and do home treatment and it takes time to heal,. don't strain your arm. Wish you luck

Please Help! Gave blood two days ago, now sharp pain when I bend my elbow.?

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