Seems like the cannula stained my arm...

[ThursdayLast]

I have quite a large brown stain on the top of my forearm where I had the cannula during labour. That was about 3.5mo ago now.

I don't know if it's relevant, but I was induced, had my hormones through that cannula, and also an iron infusion and blood post natally.

Can anyone sympathise/empathise/or even explain?!

Could it be a bruise? Every time I have a cannula put in, have blood taken or have injections I get bruises that stay around for ages.
Any itchy or out of the ordinary sensations around it? Perhaps worth asking to speak to a nurse/doctor at your surgery over the phone if it worrying you.

I too was going to suggest a bruise, but my bruising is blackish/dark grey.

Thanks for the replies

At first I did think it was a bruise, but it's been nearly four months now with no change-also, it hasn't ever changed colour like a bruise. V strange.

It doesn't itch or hurt, hence why I'm asking for info here rather than hot footing it to the doctors! It's much bigger than just the site of the cannula, and all the other bits of me that were punctured are fine.

Maybe it's just one o those things I'll never understand....

Iron injections stain the skin, so I'd guess it's the iron infusion that is to blame. They warn you about the risk of staining when they give you the iron injection (well, not me personally, but a friend of the family!) Apparently it's like a large ink blot tattoo! If the stains are 'down vein' of the IV site (rather than the IV site itself) I'd say this is a fairly safe bet.

You could google or ask doc to confirm, but I think you might be stuck with it. Sorry!

Thank you neverquitesure!

That makes total sense to me, the infusion was a rusty colour. Although I was nearly out of my mind on painkillers and brand new baby, I seem to remember that it took a LONG time to go through, and leaked a little.

I don't mind being stuck with it really, another battle scar to go with my stretchmarks and c section.