Post-Breast Lump Removal: IV Sedation & Elbow Pain - Seeking Advice

Question
I just recently had a lump removed from my left breast.  They used I.V. sedation for the procedure.  My question is actually regarding the prep for I.V.
The nurse tried to put the I.V. in a vein in my left elbow.  When she tried, I think she hit a nerve.  I just about shot out the chair.  I had shooting pain into my hand and my hand went numb...almost like I hit my funny bone really hard.  My elbow still hurts to touch, it hurts when i extend and lock, and also when i lift things.  How long is it going to take for this to get better?  I have a followup with my doc. today, and I guess I'll just let him know that it happened and that it is still bugging me?  Any help you could offer would be great.
Thanks,
Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,
She did hit a nerve. Nerve trauma can take weeks to resolve as nerve tissue is the slowest of all tissues to heal. Keep track of this because in some cases a neuroma (a nerve tumor cause by scar tissue) can form and result in a painful lump that might have to be removed. Over all though, this sort of thing should resolve without consequence.