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My radial nerve has been damaged during cannulation what next

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angie18087
angie18087

I was in hospital on the weekend, and had a cannulation attempt in my left hand without success, I explained I was difficult to cannulate and usually a doctor has to carry out the procedure. I was taken into the operation room and another nurse had a go, on my right hand this time, just above my thumb and into my wrist. With instant eye watering searing pain I was floored , pins and needles in my thumb, loss of sensation and thumb contracted into my hand. She instantly removed cannula,  and was quite upset. Though  now I  have pins and needles in my thumb and finger and weakness in thumb. Plus pain on extending, or certain movements of my arm. My GP was great and has referred me to a OT urgently, I wonder if anyone else has had this and if it has healed, if rest is best or movement. I work with my hands, and now totally limited as right handed. Thanks for any advice. 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Valhalla
    Valhalla angie18087

    Posted

    As someone who has cannulated/drawn blood for over 15 years I am well-used to patients saying “Im difficult, the doctor has to do it”.   Doctors (unless they’re anaesthetists) rarely get to take blood, so you’re generally better off sticking with the nurse/phlebotomist.  I can only say that when I broke my arm a year ago my radial nerve was damaged, but with a lot of hard work and physio it gradually returned to normal.  Hopefully you will have a similar outcome.  Good luck!
    • vanessa2018
      vanessa2018 Valhalla

      Posted

      Hi - hope you don’t mind me asking but what were your symptoms of radial nerve damage and how long did it take you to recovery?

      I broke my distal radius on my right wrist on 3rd April and had cast removed on 9th May but since then I have been experiencing tingling and numbness - upon saying that, these symptoms have improved!

      I fest noticed that the sensation on my palm and fingers feels really weird, as if I was touching coarse sandpaper and my orthopaedic doctor mentioned carpal tunnel and wasn’t too worried. This sensation has diminished but I have noticed mild tingling on the back of my hand - mainly my thumb and first finger and the web of skin between these.  The severity seems to intensify and diminish throughout the day.  I have noticed these symptoms mainly since I started strengthening exercises with a resistance band that my physio gave me to do so I don’t know if this has aggravated any nerves?

      My wrist is not in pain and there is no wrist droop just and odd feeling  inside my wrist that I can only describe as numbness even though I can feel my skin being touched!  I forgot to add that I had a closed reduction where my bone was manipulated back into place so could this have damaged any nerves?

      I have been discharged from fracture clinic as the orthopaedic doctor doesn’t need to see me again even though I have these symptoms! I still have physio appointments - my next one being next week so I will also mention my symptoms to him then!

      Hope you have healed fully - take care!

    • angie18087
      angie18087 Valhalla

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for your feedback on your arm, at the moment I am on the verge of tears all the time, I'm in constant pain and frankly I'm rather upset that this has been inflicted on me. I can't imagine a year of hard work and physio, that in itself is just an unbearable thought. All because of a cannula

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