Ok so I am 32 weeks pregnant, I had a stomach virus so I had to go to the hospital for dehydration and my fever. Well, they obviously gave my an IV and they also gave me phenergan through the iv. The next day we noticed my arm was very swollen and shiny; was also sensitive to the touch. Once my ob saw that he said to take that out of my arm. So once my fever was gone and I was able to eat and drink on my own I went home. The next day I noticed that my arm still hurt and that one of the veins was verrrry hard (the injection sight was on the side of my wrist and the hard vein was on the back of my hand). I call my dr and explained he ordered me into radiology for a venous doppler. Turns out there are 5 blood clots in my arm spread out, none were deep vein but the one that I can feel has moved up.. I am keeping my arm on the moist heating pad and elevated above my heart but is there anything else I should know about to ask my dr tomorrow? He wants to see my again for obvious reasons, but what should I ask him when I get there. Is it even normal for an I've to leak?

There is no serious danger with these blood clots, like there would be if it were a deep vein clot in your leg, for instance. No, it is not normal for IVs to leak into your arm, but it does happen often enough that the nurses are suppose to check the IV site often. When you get blood clots in your arm from IVs, it usually takes several weeks or even months for the clots to dissolve and for the pain to go away. Using the heating pad and keeping it elevated is about all I can think. Keep the areas where the clots are protected, because it will hurt if you bump them.

Some people are more prone to clotting problems with IVs than others. Next time you have an IV be sure to keep a close eye on it and tell your nurse at the first sign of trouble. Tell the nurse when the IV is inserted to note on your chart that you have had infiltration and clotting problems in the past with IVs.

Thanks my dr said hopefully they will be gone by the time I deliver

Hopefully, I know how sore and painful those can be. Good luck, and I hope for an uncomplicated delivery and a healthy baby for you!

OK so went to the Dr. and he did a bunch of blood tests and they haven't all come back yet however I received a call today and he told me to come because they found something in one of my tests. I was sent to a hematologist and she is putting me on two daily injections of lovenox and they also did a cta scan of my chest because I have difficulty breathing (I can walk about 50 yards and be out of breath and not able to speak). That came back clear, however the blood clots in my arm that I was told were superficial are now DVT. The hematologist said it is very possible that it could travel to my lungs and I quote "Lauren, you could drop dead." My mother was with me and you can imagine her reaction. I was hoping it was something that would be able to get better on its own and now it just seems to be getting worse. I am only 20 years old, these complications shouldn't be happening to someone my age but then again anything is possible right? Well, I just wanted to update this and I have another Ob appt. on Monday and then I go to see the hematologist on Friday. My mother is telling me to quit my low paying job since I technically don't need it and we will see what my Dr. says. If you have any comments please let met know if this has happened to you or anything similar and if you or someone you know quit their job.

Thanks

Wow, sorry to hear that. The injections are to reduce the risk of developing DVT. Better do as the doctor says, DVT is nothing to mess around with. If you smoke, stopping smoking is something you can do to help your chances of having a good outcome. Pregnancy increases the risk, though you will have to wait that one out and possibly deliver early, if the doctor determines the need.

You should consider quiting your job. Talk to your doctor about it. If you stand or sit for long periods, you doctor will probably want you to quit.

Good luck!

Lovenox is a low molecular weight version of Heparin. It is given to dissolve these blood clots.

DVTs can happen to any one of any age.

Make sure you take the lovenox exactly as directed and do not, by any means, miss a dose.