This shouldn’t be TMI material, and I know none of you aren’t doctors (AFAIK), but I’m somewhat concerned because I’ve never been in this situation before.
So a few weeks ago, a (I think this is the material…) ceramic handle broke in half on my bathroom sink. Since the other half was still on, it could be used to turn it on and off, so no rush in fixing it then.
Now about two nights ago, when reaching to turn the water off, the edge caught my thumb and sliced it good. Immediately after the cut, I ‘milked’ it and ran it under cold running water for a while, then applied some pressure with toilet paper. It took a while for the bleeding to stop, but I did end up putting on antibacterial ointment that turned out to be a few…years…past the expiration date ( :smack: ) but otherwise it was okay.
I changed the bandages the next morning, and the new bandages ended up with light blood spotting, but otherwise fine.
Since then I’m now on the fourth bandage change. No blood since that light spotting-ness earlier mentioned. I’ve been taking off the bandaids before showering in thinking some fresh running water would help it while I showered, then applying new ones. There’s no bleeding and it’s not painful. It’s tender if I run the uncovered cut over a surface, or touch it directly, but otherwise, no stinging or anything.
I didn’t think I’d need stitches as I’ve never needed stitches before, and I figured I wasn’t bleeding like crazy, so I’d probably be fine, but the fact I can sort of slightly open the slice when it’s uncovered proved that maybe I could have used a stitch or two. It’s not big, just deep enough for that effect.
No need to worry, right? No signs of infections, and it looks clean since I’ve kept it covered and all.
Yes, I know, worrying over nothing possibly, but this is a first for me.
I accidentally stabbed myself in the hand with a steak knife once (because I am a retard) and should have probably had stitches but didn’t and it turned out fine.
If you’re really concerned, you should see a doctor.
First of all, we actually do have some doctors here (hint, NOT ME).
Secondly, since we’re in MPSIMS, I will hold you to the same obligation that we hold cat threads to. Pics? (I’m rather morbid, aren’t I?)
Thirdly, outside of really seeing what we’re looking at I don’t think anyone here can actually help you out. My advice to you whether you were 12, 20, or 30: Ask your Mom.
I don’t have any pictures of it, and I could take a pic with my celphone, but since I have no bandaids to put on it right now here at work that I would want to use, I’d rather not take the bandages off.
Trust me, it’s not big, and you’d have to gently open it yourself to really see it, so it’s not too bad.
I did ask my auntie about it, she’s like a second (or third) mom to me, and she said it’d be fine, just tender for a while.
I do plan on getting new antibacterial ointment though. Ours was so old because injuries rarely happen.
A few months ago I partly severed my thumbtip (not for the squeamish!) with a brand-new Japanese kitchen knife. I didn’t go to the ER a first, but when it didn’t stop bleeding in work the next day, my coworkers made me go to hospital. The doctor there told me that because I’d left it so long, they couldn’t stitch it. I suggest that’s where you are at the moment.
What they did find was that I’d stuck the flap down over the end of my thumbnail, so they gave me 9 injections of novocaine or something into my thumb, ripped the flap back up again and repositioned it. Man that hurt. But though the wound looked kind of open even after they’d finished, the clotting on the exposed flesh had already created something of an impervious barrier. I used lots of antiseptic cream, and it’s healed up pretty well.
The above is purely anecdotal, and doesn’t constitute advice - if in doubt, see a doctor.
IANAD, but I agree with jjimm, it’s probably been too long to be sutured now. If it is really deep then sutures may have been a good idea at the time it happened though. If you don’t go to see a doctor now, look for the butterfly bandages to help hold the wound closed and stop opening it to look at it!
I almost cut my finger off with a meat cleaver once (don’t ask), and didn’t get stitches. It was cut to the bone, but it was a weekend and that meant a $300 co-pay for emergency. I went to the doc the next morning, and while it could have used a stitch or two, she said it had been too long, put some strips on it to hold it closed, and sent me home. I have a neato scar though.
But…my natural curiosity compels me! I have to look. Well, okay, not so much anymore, but I couldn’t help but peek juuuust a little after this morning’s shower.
Thanks for all the replies everyone. Since it seems okay for now, I won’t worry over it, just keep it bandaged closed the best I can. I’m at ease for the time being.
Look into the butterfly bandages. My dad once cut his hand open with a power tool and my mom (an RN) sealed the cut with butterfly bandages. If you’re really worried about the cut, you might want to pay your doctor a visit.
Standard disclaimer: I am not a doctor, the preceding should not be considered medical advice, consult your own physician, etc.
Super glue was invented for just such wounds. Just sayin’. When I bashed my head open at a concert (don’t ask – there’s a thread about it somewhere) I didn’t think I needed stitches, but my darling husband insisted on us going to the ER. They cleaned me up, looked at it and basically said “meh, we’ll glue it shut, it’ll be just fine. You could have gone without stitches of any kidn, though, it’s not as bad as it looks.” Keep an eye out for signs of infection, but otherwise, if it’s not totally broke – use some super glue. Or duct tape. Or a hot glue gun.
Well, okay, not so much anymore, but I couldn’t help but peek juuuust a little after this morning’s shower.
