I too developed a clot from an IV. I went to the E.R. for a bad Gastroenteritis/Flu. They administered Fluids for nausea and Antibiotic medication through IV, i then was released a few hours later and went home. Two days later, my arm was red and swollen. I went to my doctor who prescribed me an Antibiotic and told me it was Cellulitis. A week later i noticed a hard painful bump which was then told it may be a clot. I had a Venous Doppler Ultrasound done and they found I now have developed, SVT or Superficial Vein Thrombosis and the pain was Phlebitis. I was told it is not in my Deep Vein and is not serious, not to worry. Just to apply warm compresses and take an Anti Inflamatory (Naproxen) to take away the inflamation and pain and it will desolve in a week or two. The Vascular surgeon also told me that if was in the leg and if its in a Deep Vein then there is cause for concern.
After 3 weeks my arm pain and swelling subsided a little. I then noticed another bump that hurt even more, not just at the IV site, but to the middle of the forearm as well. I then had a second Venous Doppler Ultrasound done and it showed i had more clots,but was told still they were only in the Superficial veins and only required the warm compresses and should go away, or i could have my vein removed! I was like, WHAT?!! No way! I will keep trying the warm compresses! I'm not getting my veins removed! This happened December 16th 2006 (last month) and til today January 26th 07, it still hasn't disolved. I also have Anemia which prevents me from taking a blood thinner like Heprin or Coumadin, if i ever had to. It's been a month and a half and I don't know what's gonna happen next. I get scared. I just hope the compresses will disolve them in time. I wish your son well too.