IV Infiltration

I had an IV in my left hand the entire time I was in the hospital. They didnt take it out until right before I was to leave. Well, it infiltrated and now my hand and arm are swollen and red and hot. I cant even see my knuckles! It hurts a lot. I called the ER and they said to take my antibiotics, which I am, and use a heating pad on the swelling to keep the blood flowing to it. Does anyone have any other suggestions to help the fluid be absorbed faster? Anything to make the pain less? How common is this? I am upset that they let this happen and didnt say anything before I was discharged.

I, too, had some infiltration, but not that bad. Keep the arm elevated, move it around as much as possible. you want to increase circulation because that's the only thing that will help the body absorb and remove what's in the arm.

In addition to waht bluekitty recommended, you might try some warm moist heat. Take a wet warm towel and wrap it around your hand. Depending on what pain medications you are already taking ibuprofen may help with the inflammation and pain.
If it's not better soon, I would check with your doctor and let them take a look.

I had a small issue with the IV. The second night they came rolling with another bag of antibiotic. This is after they disconnected it, but left what was in my arm hooked up just in case they need it. I had spiked a small fever, which probably is normal with all that has taken place in the body. Well this nurse insisted upon re-hooking me up at 11pm. Out of stupidity~~~I let her. It started burning (infiltrating) my arm instantly, you could feel it getting hard.
She patted my arm and said, try and get some sleep honey.
15 min. later I had to ring that red button again, when she came in I simply and gently said (not sure how I held my temper, but I was in no position to fight) that she needed to take IV out and I only want to see a bandaid on my left arm. She actually wanted to know if I wanted her to re-stick me with another. NO NO NO
It's been 8 days now and the redness is all gone, but the vein is mending slowly. Circulation and time seems to be the only thing that clears infiltration up. Good luck