numb arm

[pompei]

A couple of days ago I had a blood test. The nuse took the blood from a vein in my elbow. When she put the needle in, I felt a twinge in my wrist, and now two days later my arm has gone numb, with curious stabbing pains from my wrist to my shoulder.

I guess she has caught a nerve, but is this serious?

[DotH]

just ring NHS Direct on 08454647 and ask them about it.

[Madgirl2]

You are right in that she has caught a nerve. I am a phlebotomist/ nurse and take bloods day in day out. Sometimes a needle can hit a nerve but the effects are usually relatively short lived so I wouldn't worry too much. I had nerve damage myself from a surgical procedure which took about a month to subside but if it doesn't go away I would see your GP. You must have poor veins if she opted for your elbow - it's not a usual site.