Swelling at IV site

[ALCapshaw2]

Last week I went to the ER after getting nauseous and vomiting repeatedly. Cause undetermined but I was dehydrated so Doc ordered a bag of saline solution.

I've been noticing some mild 'discomfort' near the IV site for a few days and tonight there is a pea sized 'bump' at the point of discomfort. I 'thought' the injection site was about an inch from that site but not really sure (I always look away when getting stuck ).

SO, I'm wondering what could cause this swelling and discomfort? INR was 4.0 today (due to course of antibiotics). Nurse recommended cutting Coumadin dose in half tonight with very small reduction for the following week.

REAL QUESTION: Should I go to the ER, or just wait to call my PCP in the morning?

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Ross]

I've had that happen the last few times. More then likely nothing to worry about unless you see distinct discoloration or the size increases. I'd call the PCP and discuss it.

 

[hensylee]

It's called 'infiltration' - meaning that at some point the needle slipped out of the vein and some of the solution went under the skin and not in the vein. This happened to my husband after removal of his spleen. The whole pkg went under the skin and he complained more of that pain than the surgical pain. It was awful. It happened to me once, but I knew it immediately, alerted the nurse, and she fixed it right away. It will take about a month for the solution to be absorbed by your body. Not to worry. Unless it turns red - then get help.