Now almost 9 hours later, my arm hurts like hell and I have a bump the size of palm. Is this normal? I've had a little bump before, but never this big.
It didn't get bigger, but it is still there....same size as last night. It is also warm to the touch and sore.
I will call the nurse's line later. I'm not freaked out, but with my recent medical situation (brain surgery a month ago), I just want to update them on it....just in case things get worse. :) Thanks!
That seems like an awful lot of swelling, albeit one of the possible side effects. I'd draw around the border of the swelled area and check back in an hour or two and make sure it's not continuing to get bigger (or at least not much bigger).
I've had huge lumps before. Last year in particular, it was like a softball because the nurse practitioner administered the shot in the wrong area. She did it too low on my arm rather than higher up and more towards the back in the fleshy area. Massage it and put a warm compress on it to help the medication dissipate. Take Tylenol or Advil to help reduce the pain and swelling.
That is one of the listed side effects.... soreness or swelling at the site of the injection
After my reaction...consider yourself lucky this is your only side effect
Did you massage it in after the shot? It does seem a bit big. Are you able to call a non emergency number at the hospital?
I, too, think this is within the normal range of side affects. However, if it worries you call the advice nurse and ask her about it.
LoveTeachingMath is right. You have quite a reaction. Do what she says and watch it - hope it goes down soon!
Dawn
