Vein reddened

[Dolomiti]

I IVed at the most common arm vein location.... I don't really feel any pain, and at the IV site it looks okay, but right away, and still (10 minutes later) the vein from that point of the inside elbow going to the shoulder, is all reddened swollen looking. Like a 7 inch light red streak to my shoulder. Does anyone know what this is? I'm kinda scared, would appreciate any help.

I guess its phlebitis?

It seems like it is okay. Like no emergency.
Has anyone gotten this before? ANy comments , or what to do about it? I guess I'll just watch and hope it clears out. The swelling has gone down a little.
I guess I should let that vein heal... maybe even the whole arm... for at least a couple weeks!! I feel lame... my IV technique is terrible yet. I'm occasionally clenching my fist and whatnot for lbood flow, thinking it will reduce the chance of a clot.

[nick]

It would help if we knew just what you're shooting.

[Dolomiti]

It would help if we knew just what you're shooting.

Morphine, solution extracted from mscontin.
I pricked the same vein too many times in the same area, and it seems like that is what caused this issue.

[nick]

I'd use another vein(if you can) and if you have a similar problem you know it's a reaction to the M or bad technique,which isn't likely.

Good luck man and report back.

[Dolomiti]

I'd use another vein(if you can) and if you have a similar problem you know it's a reaction to the M or bad technique,which isn't likely.

Good luck man and report back.

Well I do get an allergic welt at each injection site (I dont know if its from the M or the lactose or what). It doesnt really itch and doesn't hurt and goes away within an hour. I've done it a few times lately with no real problem like this though... could it have been an infection? Anyway the vein looks normal now, and I feel okay. Weird thing though... never heard of that happen to a vein when IV before. Thanks nick for replying

[Woowoo]

I've had stuff like that happen, also a big red circle around the injection site. It freaks me out for 15 minutes then it starts to fade away. I'm assuming yours faded away? If so then I think you're safe. Stuff like that which doesn't go away is what you have to worry about.

Yeah, and of course, give that vein a break for a while...

[candy]

Well I do get an allergic welt at each injection site (I dont know if its from the M or the lactose or what). It doesnt really itch and doesn't hurt and goes away within an hour. I've done it a few times lately with no real problem like this though... could it have been an infection? Anyway the vein looks normal now, and I feel okay. Weird thing though... never heard of that happen to a vein when IV before. Thanks nick for replying


If it was phlebitis, it would continue to bother you , look reddened along the vein, be warm to touch, and you may even run a slight fever.

If it goes away after an hour it is just a reaction to the solution or the drug itself. You could try to mix the solution with something like sterile water to help dilute the solution and make it less likely to cause this reaction.

And if your continuously poking at one spot your going to develop inflammation and redness at the site and surrounding tissues. Not a good idea.
Rotate sites and let sites that seem irritated to heal before using them again.

Seek medical attention if the red line along the vein continues to grow, you develop an abscess, and your general health changes and you feel flu-like symptoms.

Always maintain clean techniques, do not use rigs over, and always clean the site with alcohol or soap and water before injection. And keep all other equipment you use for injection clean as well; use fresh clean water, new filter each time, and do not allow others to use your equipment.

I know sometimes this can be an awkward situation when using with others regarding the sharing of equipment. What I tell my clients is to say" I trust that you may be clear of viruses such as HIV/Hep C, but I may not be and I would not want to give anyone anything I might have. This is a good time to encourage them to use only their own equipment and talk about clean injecting techniques.

I hope this helps.

[Dolomiti]

Thanks for the replies. Three days later now it looks fine, although the vein along the entire arm is oddly noticable. No redness or anything, and no pain when I press on any part of it, but if I move my arm particular ways there is that little bruise-like sore feeling still. I guess that should go away, maybe just healing. I stabbed mahself inside elbow and it feels sore when I have my elbow indented particular ways.

[candy]

Thanks for the replies. Three days later now it looks fine, although the vein along the entire arm is oddly noticable. No redness or anything, and no pain when I press on any part of it, but if I move my arm particular ways there is that little bruise-like sore feeling still. I guess that should go away, maybe just healing. I stabbed mahself inside elbow and it feels sore when I have my elbow indented particular ways.


If your injecting in the same spot, you may get some soreness. Is this after only one injection or several in the same spot.
Try to move around and not inject in the same place each time. I know for men this can be easier as they tend to have more muscle mass which causes the vein to be closer to the surface. Women have a harder time. But the better care you take of your veins, the longer they will last!


One thing I really think any injector should have, especially those who have hard to find veins is a heating pad. They do work and can bring veins to the surface fast.

[ProdigalSon]

When I read this i thought of "Requim For A Dream". When there in the car goin to Florida and are shootin up, goddamn his arm. It fuckin made me cringe

[madnesscult]

When I read this i thought of "Requim For A Dream". When there in the car goin to Florida and are shootin up, goddamn his arm. It fuckin made me cringe

Oh god, as soon as I read that I cringed just from the memory of it!

That movie kind of reminded me of my boyfriend, since he's missing half of his left arm (though not from drug use -- he was just born that way).