Why do I have sharp pain after donating blood?!

Why do I have sharp pain after donating blood?

I donated blood a week ago. The nurse couldn't find my vein and kept adjusting, pulling it out, poking it back in and adjusting some more. It hurt terribly and another nurse rushed over and stopped her. They told me it would bruise and be tender, but slowly go away.

Now it's a week later and for the last couple days I've had a sharp, shooting pain where they stuck me whenever I straighten that arm or bend it from a straightened position. It's still bruised, but the pain only started a couple days ago.

I'm not sure what could be wrong, maybe something with my nerve? Why did it only start recently? Any advice?

It sound like a possibility that the phlebotomist damaged a vein when inserting and reinserting the needle. Alternate a cold and warm compress every other 30-45 minutes. This will help the pain, and help fade the bruise if you have one. Take and NSAID, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory suchs as Tylenol (aceteminaphen), Motrin (ibprofen) or Advil (naproxen). If the pain doesn't subside in a few days contact your doctor. If you feel your blood isn't safe enough to use because of the pain, call the organization that withdrew your blood and tell them not to use it.