Posted on 12/22/2009 6:32:39 AM PST by big truck
Update from the hand doc: He removed some stitches to allow it wounds to drain. He also told me I not only broke the tops of my fingers, but also the base of my middle finger. (I am nothing if not thorough.) My middle and ring finger are splinted and wrapped, the index finger is footloose and fancy free. Healing the breaks should take about six weeks.
The damaged skin is his main concern. As long as blood flows to the skin it should heal and just leave nasty scars. If the damaged skin dies, hand surgery will be need to take skin graphs from my hand and put them on my finger. Watching for and praying against infection.
I asked the doc for something stronger than percocet. He said he couldn't give me anything but asked how much I was taking. The script said one every four to six hours as need for pain. Doc said a guy my size could take two, so I am! Good stuff that percocet when taken in the right amounts!
I can go back to work next Tuesday and go back to the gym the day after Christmas. Have to keep well hydrated, keep the hand elevated above the heart, and keep it warm to promote circulation. Thanks for your prayers. The Hughes family appreciates them.
(For the back story, follow this link: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2411817/posts)
Big Truck
Nasty stuff! Worst I ever did was a “Bobby Ojeda moment” with the electic hedge trimmer.......a bit of fingertip.
I don’t know if this came up in the last thread, but DON’T put your hand in to clear the jam even if you KNOW the auger has stopped spinning, even if it’s been sitting off and cold for an hour. The auger may be under tension and the sudden release can mangle you.
Don’t use your hand. At all.
‘zackly. I sold our 8 horse snow blower when we left Minnesota and don’t miss the damned thing at all.
I’m still cringing.
Praying you’re better soon!
Hey, I wish you luck.
IBMG, in Houston.
I just got my first snow blower this year. Your accident will make me even more paranoid about the thing than I already was!
YEEEEOOOOWWWWW!
The Lithuanians make a liquor called Žalgiris. I believe it clocks-in at 150-160 proof. Serve straight up.
Funny, that’s probably the most oft repeated advice on the original thread. Believe me I got the message!
Ouch. At least you did that without the stupidity factor. Mine was just plain dumb.
Thanks for the prayers. They are definately welcomed and needed! Pray for my wife and daughters too. They have to put up with me while I’m down. I don’t do so well cooped up at home. (I’m a trucker.) Like I said, one day at a time....
Snowblowers are big machines that do the backbreaking work of shoveling. Wonderful inventions, but nasty buggers when they get a hold of a hand!
I remember a few years ago reading about a hospital in Utah that had a guy come in. He has severed a finger cleaning out his blower. They remembered him because just a month before he had come in after having a different finger removed by his blower.
Like I tell my daughters, if you stop for 30 seconds and consider what you are about to do, you probably won’t do it. I thought I was saving 30 seconds - wound up costing me 8 days of work and many days of therapy and rehab. Be smart - use your head.
That is exactly what my hand looked like. Thanks for the visual reminder!
I don't think my head would fit into the chute...
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