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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Hot Painful Sensation After Injecting Heroin?

I injected heroin into a vein on my hand; I know that I was in the vein because when I pulled the plunger back blood registered. Immediately after finishing the shot and pulling the needle out of my skin, my arm (from the elbow down) and my entire hand had an incredibly intense sensation of fire, almost like pins and needles feeling, but very hot and painful. My hand swelled up to at least twice normal size, and it is so uncomfortable I can barely move it. I can't make a fist and my skin feels too tight because of the swelling. What happened to cause this and what should I do to make the swelling go away fast? Thanks for help
Fri, 30 Oct 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking your query at HCM.
By the description of your symptoms it appears that accidentally you have entered into an artery (brachial artery). Blood will show up in syringe in both cases whether you enter in a vein or an artery.

Accidental injection of drug in an artery is a dangerous situation as it causes sudden constriction of the artery, thus hampering the blood supply seriously to the limb. The pain, burning sensation, and swelling you felt below the site of injection is because of this only.

I suggest you to consult a nearby doctor immediately as this condition may cause gangrene of the limb also. Hope you understand.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
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What Causes A Hot Painful Sensation After Injecting Heroin?

Hi, Thanks for asking your query at HCM. By the description of your symptoms it appears that accidentally you have entered into an artery (brachial artery). Blood will show up in syringe in both cases whether you enter in a vein or an artery. Accidental injection of drug in an artery is a dangerous situation as it causes sudden constriction of the artery, thus hampering the blood supply seriously to the limb. The pain, burning sensation, and swelling you felt below the site of injection is because of this only. I suggest you to consult a nearby doctor immediately as this condition may cause gangrene of the limb also. Hope you understand. I wish you a speedy recovery.