Infection at the IV injection site, is it possible?

Recently, I was in the hospital for 7 days for kidney infection and complications with my pregnancy. I received an IV for antibiotics and fluids, but the line was started in my shin of my left leg. After a day and a half of receiving pain medication, saline flush, antibiotics, and so on the pain and burning in leg was unbearable. It throbbed when placed down to walk and no weight could be put on it without pain. They removed it and started elsewhere but the pain never completely went away nor did the swelling and redness around the site. It has now been 3 days since I have been home and now my leg is beginning to throb again when not elevated and the redness has spread over the entire front surface of my shin. It is very painful and feels feverish with what looks like blood blisters under the skin where the needle was inserted! Should I be concerened and what can I do to aleviate the pain and throbbing?

Sincerely,
dyana m

Go to the ER and get it checked right away, especially if you're pregnant as any infection you get can affect your unborn child. You could have cellulitis, dvt, or it could just be an allergic reaction. Whatever the case go get it checked ASAP, do not wait around for answers from this board.

Source:
I work for an MD

plain and simple......your doctor sucks get a new one

YES! All pain is a realistic concern. Any opening in the skin is a porthole for infection, all the nurses at that hospital knows, why do you think they clean the area b4 they insert the needle? The second you complained of pain or heat or any swelling at the sight, they should have immediately stopped the infusion and changed sights. Shyt happens though. I would take tylenol or motrin around the clock and keep the site elevated, keep a close eye on it, if you see it's getting worse, I think it'll probally keep getting worse. I hope It resolves on it's own, sounds like you really have to baby it, But better to try to heal it ASAP. Get someone to help you if you can, especially if you already had your baby...congrats! If not, call your Baby Dr. and tell her what's going on, some things can and some things can't cross the placenta. Good Luck!

DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT WAIT ANY LONGER TO HAVE THIS CHECKED OUT! It sound like you could have MRSA which is very common in hospital. It's a staph infection that should be treated immediately. Unfortunately it is becoming a growing trend in hospitals. People go in with a minor problem and end up getting a staph infection that kills them because staph is all over hospitals. Try to get into a family physician ASAP. If it's not MRSA then it's probably a bacterial infection.
Don't wait and see if it gets better or worse. It could kill you.