Phlebitis

Question: How long does phlebitis last? I had a leaking iv in my hand following a surgery I had 2 weeks ago and now I have phlebitis of the vein and it is very uncomfortable. How long does it last? What makes it more comfortable?

Answer: http://symptoms.webmd.com/default.htm http://Medical.justanswer.com http://Revolutionhealth.com

Question: what are the odds or how often do people get phlebitis from iv in the hand? wondering how common it is for a person to get Phlebitis, cellulitis, and traumatic thrombosed vein from the way a nurse did an iv ?

Answer: In my experience, it happens occasionally, but not often. Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein (red, swelling, pain, cordlike vein) but this often resolves on it's own with removal of the IV catheter. Cellulitis is an inflammation of the tissues, the vast majority of cases are caused by streptococcus pyogenes or staphylococcus aureus. This infection causes pain, swelling, warmth, fever, malaise and generally does require antibiotics. A thrombosed vein happens generally when the nurse cannot get a good vein, the vein is punctured but the catheter doesn't advance or the vein rolls, or we hit a valve and are unable to advance the catheter. Or the IV is in and the vein "blows" causing it to infiltrate (IV solution to be infused into the tissues instead of into the vein). This happens on those with fragile veins, the elderly, or just randomly for no apparent reason. All we do is apply pressure, the vein stops bleeding into the tissues and clots off. There is generally a purple-red bruise or knot that heals fairly rapidly. All unfortunate side effects of IV therapy, but generally when someone needs an IV, the benefits of receiving said therapy are greater than the slim chances of transient damage to the vein or surrounding tissues. A good RN assesses all IV sites and makes sure they are flushing properly at least once per shift, replacing them when necessary or according to hospital protocol (usually every 72 hrs). And re: other comments, generally nurses place their own IVs, if we have a particularly hard stick the anesthesiologist does it. To my knowledge phlebotomists and CNAs do not have the training to place IVs.

Question: Recently diagnosed with phlebitis should the swelling be progressing upward? It was in my calf/side of lower leg and have noticed that the hardness is moving upward on my leg - is that normal?

Answer: No, not really - does it happen, yes. I think this would be a good time to contact your doctor to determine whether you have deep or superficial phlebitis and to discuss this new development. I assume that your doctor advised you to exercise your leg(s) every hour if you have a more sedentary job. It is important to flex your legs and rotate your ankles every hour if you can't get up to walk around for a minute. Keep you legs elevated on a couple of phone books if you work at a desk and can do that. Certainly do that if you are watching TV or on the computer at home. But there should not be that upward hardness or swelling. Please read the links below about a warning sign for more serious risk factors such as stroke of pulmonary embolism. http://www.mothernature.com/library/bookshelf/books/48/156.cfm http://www.freemd.com/thrombophlebitis/home-care-warning-signs.htm Are you taking your vitamins and minerals? Calcium and magnesium? Vitamin E complex (with the % of each tocopherol listed on the label) Vitamin C with bioflavonoids are the most important but there are more. I'm sure your doctor gave you the dietary advice. Don't be afraid to call the doctor with questions like this. The doctor may have many patients but you have only one of you. Please take care of you.

Question: Irrationally worried about superficial phlebitis? I have been repeatedly told that there is no danger of the clots that have formed in my vericose veins travelling to my heart or lungs. I've had an ultrasound done on my leg to rule out deep vein thrombosis but I can't stop worrying. Has anyone had anything horrible happen as a result of superficial phlebitis?

Answer: Phlebitis, or inflammation of a vein, is generally fairly obvious as its usually swollen and painful. Superficial differs from deep vein. The onset of one does not mean that you have the other. Whether or not its indicative of, or accompanied by a deep vein thrombus (blood clot, as in thrombophlebitis) can only be borne out by ultrasound (which you've already had). If the pain doesn't stop and or it gets worse, then seek a second opinion. Otherwise, continue to do what your doctor instructed (probably elevation, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and warm compresses). Good luck. Ralph

Question: I have phlebitis from my buttocks to my thigh it hurst a lot. I take ibuprofen 600mg twice a day .? is there any other homemade remedy to help my discomfort.

Answer: Ibuprofen usually works well. You need to see a vein specialist to get the cause treated.

Question: Black tar in the 1970's for the treatment of phlebitis? It is for my mother who is suffering chronically from phlebitis and she had this black tar that when applied then dressed gave her great relief. Does anyone know either the name or and where to but it from in the UK. Thankyou in advance. oop sorry made a mistake .......should read buy not but.

Answer: It was Ichthamol and Glycerine Ointment, which was applied to wrap around bandages. I can remember in the early 1980s my older partners were using it. It is still available for prescription, but I don't believe it is in use any longer.

Question: i am suffering from phlebitis. How 2avoid discoloration of the leg veins+ can it lead to varicose veins? Started suffering 3 months ago after nursing my mother who was paralysed. Last year Ihad a lot of injections in both legs to remove insightly tread veins from both legs from a clinic. Is the inflammation of the veins due to infection should I have antibios I do a lot of gardening. I have began gogging in short outburst.100 short stride at a time with rest in between and seem to find less pain during the day as a result. is running better than walking or should I be resting my legs instead?

Answer: how would we know this, you were at the doctor for this procedure, why didnt you ask them?

Question: can i sue the hospital for causing phlebitis? i was in the hospital on the way out when the nurse told me to rip out my I.V she then proceded with an attitude to rip or roughly take out my I.V now i have a blood clot in my arm and now i have to take medicine that they perscribed when im on other medicine that i have to take on a daily bases what do i do?

Answer: Take the meds and report the Nurse to the hospital.

Question: how long does phlebitis last? i have phlebitis in my leg which is sorest at nught when lying down. Why>?

Answer: This might help - Phlebitis means inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is the term used when a blood clot in the vein causes the inflammation. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may occur in an arm. The thrombus (clot) in the vein causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins. Phlebitis can occur in both the surface (superficial) or deep veins. * Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary. * Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger blood vessels deep in the legs. Blood clots (thrombi) can form, which may break off and travel to the lungs. This is a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.

Question: I have been diagnosed with Phlebitis and am flying to Prague in two weeks? I am supposed to be flying to Prague in two weeks and am a little worried about developing DVT. Do I run a higher risk due to my problem. I am taking anti-inflamatories and antibiotics but still in pain and worrying. I noticed someone had mentioned thrombophlebitis. That is what I was diagnosed with....sorry

Answer: You're ok...phlebitis is just inflammation of a vein. You are not at risk for a blood clot at all unless you were diagnosed with thrombophlebitis. (thrombo = blood clot, it's the T in DVT). If you feel you are at higher risk anyhow (and hey, better safe than sorry), then get some good support hose, AND get up and walk every opportunity you have. EDIT- Ok given your further information that you have thrombophlebitis I recommend that you speak with your GP about it. He will probably give you the same advice as I did, except provide you with some hospital grade support hose and he may want to prescribe you with something. Most important here is that you are not sitting there for long periods unable to walk around. But yeah, please check with your doctor before this trip...the anti-inflamatories and antibiotics will do nothing for DVT. You really don't want to mess around with this as it can cause a pulmonary embolism. Take care, enjoy your trip to prague (how exciting!), and stay safe.

Question: Can anyone tell me anything about the leg condition phlebitis?

Answer: If it is not that - muscles can cause as much pain Muscles like ropes are made of many fibers or strands. If some of the individual fibers that work in combination to make the muscle strong are not relaxing they bulk up in the middle and are stretched thin on the ends which results in the appearance of "knots" they are the tender spots. The muscles that effect headaches can come from as far away as the lower back and include shoulders, arms, neck and head causing a cascade effect. So a massage (professional if possible) will help. Arms frequently have knots not just in the arm (especially upper) but shoulders, back, and neck. Until you can reach around behind you one arm up and the other down and at least come close to touching your fingers there are probably more knots. To help get the ones under your shoulder blade - keep you elbow down and put your hand on the opposite shoulder while (if you dont have anyone helping) lean into the corner of a building to apply pressure to the knot. Specific to the leg - run your hand lengthwise down the section of leg that hurts. You will find tender spots these are the knots described above. Apply pressure to this area in a similar motion just over the length of the knot - it will take many sessions of doing this once or twice per session to get the muscle to relax. Specific to the head - at the base of the skull where it connects to the spine there is a ridge in an upsidedown V like shape - press in and up to the count of three, three times to help relax the muscles there. All through the hair scratch lightly the head you will find tender spots those are knots (rub the rest of the head) the idea is to go over them semi frequently until they are gone. General - Muscles need magnisium (regulates many things) and potassium - both can be found in bananas or molasses (a swig or two) Hydrate with any nonsugar (even the substitutes) liquids - quantity = your body weight divided by 2 times ounces daily. The head of neurology (10 years ago) at UCDavis told my husband that running a body low on water is like running a car low on oil - there will be problems. Reference - The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies teaches about muscles and how to help them yourself.

Question: is it necessary to be off work for 2 weeks due to phlebitis? i have just been dagnosed by my GP with superficial phlebitis, he gave me antibiotics and clopidrogel and put me off work for two weeks, is this necessary as the pain is not that bad at times

Answer: Clopidogrel is indicated in adults for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients suffering from myocardial infarction (from a few days until less than 35 days), ischaemic stroke (from 7 days until less than 6 months) or established peripheral arterial disease. It has no indication in simple phlebitis. Most bouts of superficial thrombophlebitis settle within 2-6 weeks. No treatment may be needed if the symptoms are mild. Treatment aims to ease symptoms. The condition is not an infective one, so of course antibiotics are not indicated either. You should keep as active as possible, use simple painkillers if needed, alternatively anti-inflammatory creams or gels may be used. My biggest concern is the advice and prescriptions given by your GP.

Question: Phlebitis What happens when legs swell ans become hot? My mum has Phlebitis her leg is painful and very hot. Why??

Answer: Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs. The inflammatory process may produce redness, warmth, pain and swelling along the vein. If it is accompanied by fever, there may be an infection. Has she had a dr check it? If it is a large area of redness an swelling, it may be cellulitis. She would need to see a dr.

Question: How to avoid phlebitis on the legs??? Its a problem for the women....... I'm only 21 and I have phlebitis on my legs but when i'm doing exercises, activities, bycicling and playing volleyball after a while are gone away..... But I cant do everyday gumnastic..... somebody please tell me what to do for the phlebitis????? are not so bad but I dont feel very comfortable at the beach.......

Answer: Prevention of Phlebitis Thrombophlebitis is often a complication of treatments and conditions in the hospitalized patient. Much routine nursing care is directed towards avoiding thrombophlebitis. Early postoperative and postpartum ambulation, range of motion exercises for the immobilized patient, good technique in intravenous catheterization, attention to fluid balance, and proper positioning of the patient are common nursing measures to promote good circulation and reduce venous stasis (stoppage or diminution of flow), and the development of thrombophlebitis. People susceptible to phlebitis (or any other circulatory or cardiovascular problem) should not smoke since this promotes clot formation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to maintain muscle tone and promote circulation. click the link below for further details

Question: My Grandma is 75 and lives in scotland and might b flying to Australia, she has Phlebitis, is it safe for her?

Answer: I would think no. It's best to talk to her doctor about it.

Question: How to heal phlebitis??? please answer phlebitis on the legs.... please tell me..... but not to go to the doctor other way???? running ...helps or not? I'm thin 47kg and I'm an athlete I dont take pills nothing I'm thin 47kg and I'm an athlete I dont take pills nothing

Answer: You really need to be careful to in taking care of your feet. Always wear shoes or slippers. Anything that enters your feet through a cracks or cuts will cause you to get phlebitis. If you already are suffering from an episode elevate your legs and take some antibiotics or antiinflammatory drugs. You can also buy those elastic stockings. It's not a bad idea to drink grape juice and take an baby aspirin daily.

Question: I had an IV in my left hand and now there is a lump on my arm that the doc said was phlebitis, has anyone ever had this? if so, how long does it stay?

Answer: take anti inflammatory tablets as often as the packet recommends,keep the arm elevated on pillows whenever possible to reduce the swelling and to prevent tracking up the arm( tracking= redness and inflammation spreading up the infected limb),and if you have access to it from the hospital, ask for glycerin and icthammol ointment to be applied directly to the iv site. u can also try an iodine paste or iodine patch failing this. both will draw out the redness and add anti bacterial properties to the wound.if it persists or worsens in any way, seek immediate advice from either casualty or your GP.

Question: How is Phlebitis caused?

Answer: Thought it was caused by spider bites. Could be wrong tho, just ringing a bell for some reason

Question: Is there to heal phlebitis? such as cream or botanical? please I want to know phlebitis on the legs feel free to answer botanical...I mean like a tea

Answer: infection of blood vessels(veins)usually after an injury varicoses, obesity, birth con troll pills leading clogging of blood vessels. usually with antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs help in relieving the blood vessels,some times anticoagulants also used to reverse the condition----.please read---www.emedicinehealth.com/phlebities/article

Question: if there is someone who has phlebitis on the legs and play volleyball....is it OK????? is it bad????? I mean someone might not feel so comfortable with that and play volleyball...... what to do??? but I cant sit all day without doing anything neither I cant without sports like volleyball

Answer: This is a question for your doctor. There are multiple reasons that a person might have phlebitis. One of the issues with phlebitis is the possibility for forming blood clots in the veins that are narrowed due to the inflammation. Only your doctor can tell you whether you should remain active to help prevent clots, or whether you should be on bedrest while waiting for already-existing clots to resolve. Like I said, there are lots of reasons people develop phlebitis. There are different treatment options available once the doctor knows why your case developed. Call him and ask if your activity needs to be restricted. He's the expert.