Pain in hand after Blood gases

  I am writing for some assistance regarding the severe pain
  that I have in my right hand. I have COPD/cystic and was an
  inpatient, while having blood gases performed, the Resp Therp
  hit a nerve in the wrist/hand area. At the moment it happened
  I had a severe pain in the area, alomost like an electric shock
  that went down my entire hand and up my arm. The pain was so bad
  at the time that it made me vomit. I advised the Resp therp of the
  extreme pain, etc, she contined to take blood from the artery, moving
  the needle around. After the speciman was completed, ice was put on
  the area for several hours, and contined to have pain in the area.
  I have continued to have pain every day since then. I have trouble
  using my thumb and hand. Over the last few weeks, the pain and become
  unbearable, with swelling at the site. I need some assistance with this
  problem. What should be done ?????  Help !!!

Dear Patty:
This sort of injury can occur following a needle stick for a blood gas analysis.
For the most part, these injuries are self limiting and patients in general
do well although the recovery time may be long. If the pain is very
bothersome, then I would recommend that you seek the adivice of a neurologist
who specializes in peripheral nerve disorders. However I do think that with time this should resolve.
Good Luck!