A question about an IV drug use miss

[KeithRichardsWanna]

So what does an abscess feel like, I mean to touch it? Is it hard or soft? Is it painful? I just noticed this Monday, and then it was just some minor discomfort. Yesterday the pain was more pronounced and I then noticed swelling. Today the pain seems worse and the swelling seems to have increased since yesterday. The swollen area really resembles a bee/wasp/hornet sting and it is fairly hard to the touch. I don't think the swollen area is really radiating heat, but if it were would it be obviously noticeable or somewhat harder to distinguish? I did apply ice to it last night and a couple of times today. I just now took some ibuprofen for the pain, but I do understand that the ibuprofen could reduce any fever I might get (but thus far I have not had a fever). The swollen area isn't any different color than the rest of my skin, but the ice packs did temporarily turn the swollen area pink (which subsided with time). Would elevating my arm be a good idea? I'm not familiar with the shorthand (i.e. SC), but I'm thinking the IM represents "intra-muscular". For what it's worth I did use a short-tipped needle not a long-tipped one. Assuming that I do not have to go to the doctor or ER how long could the healing time potentially take, as I'll take the pain for as long as I have to instead of going to see a doctor. Thanks for your help.

 

[Psychedelic Jay]

Heat is the best option. Those saying cold; acute means within a few hours. This is obviously not from today. Heat will increase circulation and healing. Cold will just grind healing to a halt, but will calm inflammation a bit.

Thank you for noticing what I did.......

Heat young one... Heat...

Do everything else in post #17 and #19 except ice packs...

You are past the timeframe for ice packs.

 

[laCster]

use heat instead of usingg an ice pack. get some hydrogen peroxide and neosporin. do heat compress 4-5 times a day 10-15mins a piece, then wash with hydrogen peroxide, dry and add neosporin