This blood draw was over a week ago. Yesterday, it started hurting to bend my elbow. Today I can feel a big lump in the bend of my elbow that is as sore as a boil. There is no discoloration, but slight swelling, no fever. I've never had anything like this. What could it be? Any suggestions, ideas?
Hi everyone! I have developed a grape-sized lump where blood was drawn from my AC?
Question posted by kathyhanson on 19 Sep 2013
Last updated on 19 May 2017
Added 20 Sep 2013:
***UPDATE*** Just got back from the doctor. She sent me directly over to the Diagnostics Center for an ultrasound, as she was convinced it was either a haematoma or a staph infection. She just called and there is a small haematoma, but it is not in the vein. Most of the "lump" is edema. I was running a low grade fever when I got to her office, so she wrote me a Rx for clindamycin in case it gets worse this weekend. I won't fill it unless I have clear indications of infection. I am to start taking an NSAID right away though. Of course, I need to watch for more swelling, discoloration and keep track of my temp. So, all of you lovely folks gave me good advice. Thank you all so much! I adore the DC Family!
Big hugs,
Kathy
3 Answers
Delila
20 Sep 2013
Hi, please see your doctor or nurse about this. It does sound like a haematoma, and could be harmless and rectify itself, but i would be concerned about leaving it, in case it interrupts the blood flow of the vein.
kathyhanson
20 Sep 2013
Thanks, Delila. I appreciate your response. It seems that the concensus is to see the doc, so I will. I'll let you all know what I find out.
Hugs to ya!
Kath
Dumpster Diver
20 Sep 2013
Kathy, I hope you are much better Quick... dd:)
kathyhanson
20 Sep 2013
Awww! Thanks DD! I'll never let another person dig to get a vein for a blood draw again! But in fairness to the nurse, she was trying to not have to stick me again. I can't get mad at that! I'll just kick back this weekend and hope that my fever doesn't go higher. You ladies are all sweethearts! Thanks for caring.
Hugs,
Kathy
BROWN-BRANDI
19 May 2017
AC is an abbreviation used for antecubital area, which is commonly used for blood draws, and is in the bend of the elbow at both arms.
MacIntosh12
20 Sep 2013
Geez Kath, why didn't you tell me? And what IS an AC? I don't know either.
You've got to call your doc, with all the stuff you've gone thru, sweet lady, you shouldn't have to suffer one more thing!
Call that doc, TODAY, please?
Love,
Lara
kathyhanson
20 Sep 2013
Lara, The other day I was looking through some of the answers I've given to questions and realized HOLY CRAP! I have a little of everything wrong with me, or I have had a little of everything done to me! I feel like a hypochondriac, yet I know I have these things wrong. You have alot going on right now, and I didn't want to put something else on you. I'll see the doc today. Oh yeah, all of the nurses and phlebotomists have called the vein in the crook of the elbow the AC. I don't know what that means either, but that's what they've called it. It's "the" favorite stick site for blood draws.
Loves,
Kath
kathyhanson
20 Sep 2013
I asked the doctor what the AC is. She said the AC forra/fomma? (can't remember which) is the name of the area at the inside bend of the arm. The vein I'm talking about is the brachial vein. See, I learned something too!
Loves,
Kathy
DeniceA
20 Sep 2013
I am not sure what AC means, could be a few different catheters so my response I for a needle stick.
I could be a deep hematoma, this rarely happens. Usually you will see a bruise. I would have it checked out.
Elevate and put on a cold compress.
kathyhanson
20 Sep 2013
Thank you Denice. Today it is a little bigger. Will call my doc.
Kathy
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