Numbness, swelling, mild pain at injection site on bicep...dont know what to do...worried

[Rabbit2284]

I actually have a similiar problem.  I have been using on and off for a few years, i have been to rehab 3 times, and now i have been clean for about 8 months, well until last night i am ashamed to say i relapsed.  I know this was obviously a horribly stupid choice on my part.  And the guilt i feel is terrible. However i am worried because just above my inner elbow on a vein in my bicep where i shot up, there is some pain and numbness as well as some mild swelling.  I am kind of scared.  Just don't know what to do. I know i wont do dope again but how should i handle this malady?  should i be worried ?

[wannabefree330]

Also apply a warm moist pack.  Like a wet wash cloth (as hot as you can tolerate without burning yourself).  That will increase blood flow to the area as well as deliver cells that fight infection, therefore clearing it up faster.  It will also help draw out any infection that may already be present.  The ointment won't help any infection deeper than the skin, so watch for swelling above or below the site, fever, and also any reddish line that travels up the arm from the site.  If you see that get to the doctor.  You'll need antibiotics, or could have a blood clot.

One other thing,  instead of telling yourself you'll never use again (which we addicts know if our guard is down and given the opportunity we will ALWAYS use) think in terms of recovery....I'll do whatever it takes to never use again.  Sorry about your relapse but hopefully you learn a bigger lesson than the physical damage you've done to yourself.

[Rabbit2284]

Thank you, i just applied some. i hope it helps but even if it does i still feel like such an idiot for ******* up and relapsing.

[wildwoodone]

Yes, neosporin or any over the counter antibiotic cream or ointment

[Rabbit2284]

yea i agree about the latter...but what kind of antibiotic ointment? like neosporin?

[wildwoodone]

Probabily just a mild infection.  I would put some antibiotic ointment on it and if it gets worse instead of better, you run a fever, etc. then I would man up and see a doctor about it.  Being embarassed about how you got it doesn't trump dying by an infection.

[Rabbit2284]

i hope my post doesn't affend anyone here, i undersatand everyone is trying to stay clean, and so am i, i made a terrible decision last night and i havent slept yet...so any advice someone could lend me would be greatly appreciated.