IV catheter - nerve damage

August 10, 2008

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The Saratogian reports on great news about the recipient of a donar liver and his living donar. However, the report also comments on the nerve damage that the recipient suffered which may have been caused by an intravenous catheter:

“While recovering right on schedule, Casey has been bothered by an unexpected problem. His right hand’s thumb, forefinger and middle finger are virtually numb, which might have resulted from a hematoma that occurred from an intravenous needle. Two weeks ago, doctors operated on the inside of his right elbow, trying to relieve pressure on nerves in his arm.

Now, in addition to the foot-long scar across his abdomen, he has a roughly 8-inch right-angle suture line on his arm.

“I couldn’t have done this a couple of weeks ago,” Casey said, wiggling his fingers.

But the feeling has yet to return and it might take from six to 18 months to regain full use of his hand, with regular physical therapy. That’s a major concern because he’s employed as a laborer at Target’s Northeast distribution center in Wilton. Originally, he expected to be out of work a few months. Now he’s uncertain”.

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