Superficial Thrombosis

[Llexi]

Hello All,

I had surgery for deviated septum on December 26th 2013. The nurse placed the IV in my left hand. She had numbed the area before inserting the IV so I could not feel if she was"fishing" for the vein or not. Surgery went well and was home within a couple hours. The next day I noticed my hand was warm and the vein slightly swollen and getting hard. I ignored it for about a week and a half thinking it would go away but it continually has gotten worse. On Friday January 3, I was in my ENT's office getting a recheck as well as scheduling for tubes. My doctor said it was just phletbitus and prescribed me keflex antibiotic to take and to put warm compresses on the area affected (by this time the hardness and pain has not only been in the hand but has moved up past my wrist to my elbow) The following tuesday I was in so much pain and was noticing multiple large lumps that were hard as rocks in my hand, wrist, and arm. I went to urgent care who said they believed it to be superficial thrombosis and ordered an ultrasound as well as gave me a solumedrol shot and prednisone to take at home. This confirmed there are blood clots in my hand/wrist/arm. This is becoming more and more painful as well as not healing but getting worse. On Friday January 10th my ENT referred me to see a vascular surgeon. I am seeing the vascular surgeon today. Last night I noticed another large hard lump in another vein in my wrist. This is extremely painful to the point work is becoming difficult (i work in an office and spend my day on the computer). I cannot find any information about these blood clots or what happens when they get worse (as mine have). Has anyone experienced this and what will the surgeon do to alleviate this. I am worried that these clots will travel to other parts of my body and cause further damage and worst case embolisms.

Thank you!

[Llexi]

Hello,

I am doing ok. Currently in a relapse of my MS but yes I did see a vascular surgeon. Complete waste of time and money. He was extremely arrogant and rude to me. He basically said to try all the things that I have done (aspirin, warm compresses, soaking the area, and I've also been on two different antibiotics as well as having steroid shots) and that my body will take care of it. I told him that it is painful and I am on the computer all day for my job, so having the blood clots right on my wrist area (which now I have more lumps going up my arm) is very hard to keep up with my work quotas. He laugh and said well I can always write a note. I still have the large clots that are still really painful. I've just been trying to deal with it since my insurance is a high deductible plan I really don't have the money to keep seeking help, especially with my MS and needing multiple MRI's a year.

Thank you very much for answering my question and for your care and concern.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? How was your follow up with the vascular surgeon? Do you still have the symptoms that you mentioned? I understand your concern regarding this condition. Possible complications such as infection and deep vein thrombosis.  Medical management may be indicated.  The risks for this condition include chemical irritation of the area, infection, disorders that involve increased blood clotting, varicose veins and even use of birth control pills. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation. Take care and do keep us posted.