United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

When my arm hangs down, all the blood flows to my hand. It turns reddish purple. Does anyone else have this problem? If so does anyone know who or what can be done to correct this?
Thanks

Before my husband got started regaining strength in his bicep, this happened alot....I don't know if any corrections---he tended to just hold is affected hand up with his other hand from time to time and he rigged up a sort of sling thing at his desk to rest it in from time to time while he was working.


Message was edited by: bensmom

Mine pools and turn dark every time I'm up. I lift and squeeze or pump my my hand to get the color back for a while.

I have been doing this for 12 years without any additional complications.

Blood can only move back up to he heart when the muscles are being used or if you raise your arm up and don't let it hang. Arteries can pump blood, veins cannot and it's the Arteries that carry blood TO the arms/legs/body. Veins carry the blood back to the heart to be then pumped back out. It's done by the muscles movement, so if you can move your hands/fingers/arms in any way, do it. If not, lift your arm up or put it in a sling to keep it elevated a bit.

Marieke 33, RN, LOBPI

> When my arm hangs down, all the blood flows to my
> hand. It turns reddish purple. Does anyone else have
> this problem? If so does anyone know who or what can
> be done to correct this?
> Thanks

I also have circulation issues in my hand from BPN. For me it is from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This is because of my right shoulder collapse generally, and my scapula winging in particular. That caused strain on my first rib, pulling it up against the blood supply to the arm. Supposedly, there are exercises to improve it, but I have not been able to make mine better. Once I was at a museum exhibit that included a demonstration of infrared cameras. I think I scared everyone else there. They would put their arms in and it would be all one even color, usually on the warm or hot side. I put mine in, and it was a mosaic of different colors. . .

This happens to me, too. Is your hand cold from the lack of proper circulation?

Yes. its very cold all the time