Posted on 12/20/2009 12:39:13 PM PST by big truck
Word to the wise: do NOT stick your hand down the shute of a snowblower to clear an ice jam if the auger is still spinning. I let go of the hand control and thought the auger has stopped. Three broken fingers and two to-the-bone lacerations on my middle finger on my right hand have taught me this lesson today. The ER nurses and docs were very impressed. No work, no driving, great pain meds, lots of antibiotics, and seeing a hand surgeon tomorrow. Dumb, dumb, dumb...
On the other hand ...
That was a really friggin' stupid thing to do.
Really.
Stupid.
I hope everybody reading this thread gets it through their thick skulls that sticking your hand into a running snowthrower is DUMB!!!!!
OBTW, when you're changing the oil filter on your Ford Ranger V-6, keep your hand away from the exhaust manifold.
“Ouch! My snowblower bit me...”
Didn’t your mother tell you it had teeth down there ?
Seriously, hope you heal quickly and glad you can still Freep.
You just wanna see Eaker’s pictures again
Just out of curosity did you turn off the electricity to the water heater first? (I only ask cause you didn’t turn off the water?)
Heal up soon man, stuff happens around moving parts.
Thw longer you live and have power tools, the smaller the odds get that something will get you. It’s a guy thing.
Regards,
AR
He said the worst part for him was that he *knew* not to stick his hand down there.
Yeah, I had a friend who was an interventional cardiologist ( they use their hands a lot ), who was passing through the ER, and we was talking about this when I mentioned the tension bar thing and he turned white as he had been sticking his “working hand” in the snow blower to try and clear it.
In the spring time it’s people who tangle with chain saws....
On the one hand, I appreciate the prayer.
On the same hand (the other hand is hurt really bad), it was an extremely friggin’ stupid thing to do.
Extremely.
Stupid.
I get the message.
It got me. Good. I guess I didn’t beat the odds. Glad it’s a guy thing - I couldn’t see my wife being this stupid.
You’re in my prayers... I got knocked down by my dog a few days ago - and can’t walk without pain and a cane. Thankfully my shopping and cards were done... but I believe ( for other reasons too ) that this is the worst Christmas I’ve ever had... I just want it over - time to get to the New Year.
Yes. I turned off the electricity first and figured I was ready to roll. Probably would not be here to tell about it if otherwise.
That’s a tough way to go. At least I can be mad at myself, or an inannimate object like a snowblower. You have to look at your dog who looks at you thinking “I did nothing wrong.” Tough to be mad at you canine companion.
Sorry you have the Christmas blues. I had them a time or two. Here’s hoping the new year brings you the clean slate you are looking for.
Living and learning. Glad it was only a wet mess and not worse.
I hate changing out those elements. If the lip on the hex was deeper it would be a lot easier. Oh and its easier if you turn off the water and drain the heater first too.
A very lucky man, he only had skin abrasions and serious cuts on his hand, had he moved further in, he would likely have lost fingers or perhaps a hand and would have bled to death.
Machines can be wonderfully scary........
Yes, wonderfully scary and they flat out just don’t care. Being told “You’re a machine!” may seem like a compliment but it just means you are devoid of feelings. Not so nice.
Next time don’t do that. :)
Thanks. Got it.
I stuck my hand down the shute of our snowblower after it has stalled a couple times. Immediately after I had my hand in there I pulled it out until I realized that it was not running and thought of the same thing. Sorry you had such horrible injuries. It must feel terrible especially when trying to type (guess you are working one handed for the time being until your hand heals). I pray for a quick heal without lasting problems.
Typing left handed only. The pain comes and goes depending on the amount of percocet I take. Thanks for the prayers. It’s the only way I will get through this.
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