What causes swelling,bruise and pain in the arm after donating blood?
Patient: after giving 7 vials of blood my 90 year old mothers arm from shoulder to elbow is swollen, bruised, and fluid filled (like the ankles get when she forgets her diuretic) . Could the strap they use cause such damage to her arm, she complained of pain and it being too tight the entire time it was on. There is no bruise where the needle went in, just severe swelling above the site and red blotchy bruised. Doctor: Hi,  It seems there is leakage of blood from the vein that was used for the blood transfusion. This happens quite often in very elderly age group patients. I think she should be taken to a hospital and attended by vascular surgery team.  Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Nirmal Chander Gupta, Orthopedic Surgeon