Almost cut my thumb off

[donna1990]

I am so tired of only have one hand to use, first it was the surgery on my left arm that I couldn't use for a month, just got it back to normal, last night was opening a can and the lid didn't get cut all the way, "I am right handed", but used my left hand with a knife to get the lid out and it slipped slicing my hand between the thumb and first finger .. I am sure that if I went to the hospital they would have stitched it, have no ins. and probably would have cost $2,000.
Have a battery operated opener but quit using in because it takes forever for that thing to open a can, guess I will just be more patient.

[Lindsey]

Oh no! Take care of yourself! I hope it heals well

[gja1000]

Donna, that's a bad location to have a deep cut. You need to get some sort of butterfly bandage to keep the edges of the cut together. Then I would keep the thumb immobile for a couple of days to keep the cut edges together so they can adhere. Be careful with it, a cut like that can get nasty! and hurt A LOT!

[donna1990]

Originally Posted by gja1000

Donna, that's a bad location to have a deep cut. You need to get some sort of butterfly bandage to keep the edges of the cut together. Then I would keep the thumb immobile for a couple of days to keep the cut edges together so they can adhere. Be careful with it, a cut like that can get nasty! and hurt A LOT!

It is closer to the palm of my hand, tried a butterfly but it will not stay because my hand is so moist.
I am not using it, because I can't, it does hurt. Put antibiotic oinment on it this morning.
Tell me how it can get nasty?????

[judy]

OOOHHH! That sounds painful! I'm so sorry you got hurt Donna.

If you can't butterfly it, at least cover it, and wrap your whole hand so that the thumb and pointer fingers are immobilized for a while. The ointment is a good idea. I would keep it dry also.

The most important thing is that it doesn't become infected. Also, if you keep moving your hand, the cut won't heal well.

[donna1990]

Originally Posted by judy

OOOHHH! That sounds painful! I'm so sorry you got hurt Donna.

If you can't butterfly it, at least cover it, and wrap your whole hand so that the thumb and pointer fingers are immobilized for a while. The ointment is a good idea. I would keep it dry also.

The most important thing is that it doesn't become infected. Also, if you keep moving your hand, the cut won't heal well.

I have got it so wrapped and taped, it is immobile,
Thanks for your concern, I will be fine.

[gja1000]

You might try putting on some skin prep and then putting on the butterfly. It may not work, but is worth a try. It is called Skin-Prep by Smith & Nephew. You can get it at a pharmacy. It is like a little 2 X 2 alcohol wipe (but they are in a bigger box at the pharmacy). You wipe it on just like alcohol, let it dry for about 20 seconds and then put your band aid on over it. It makes the skin very tacky/sticky and helps band aids to stick. My hubby uses it for his insulin pump tubing to keep it in place.

What I meant by "nasty" is that it is likely to keep breaking open and bleeding, and be painful. It could also get infected if you don't keep it covered well, since you can't keep it closed.

But if you keep a wrap over it, that will help a lot.

[Janet]

Donna....you're gonna have to be more careful girl!!! You poor thing. I hope it heals quickly for you.

[donna1990]

I am on the way to the pharmacy to get Skin Prep, never heard of it but thanks so much.
It is not painful today, but still not closing up.

[DianaB]

Looks like everything's been covered. Just take care that you don't get an infection in it.

[Janet]

You need to make sure is closes and doesn't get an infection. Glad it's not hurting as bad.

[donna1990]

Thank GOD, it has closed up, amazing, prayers work.

[judy]

Great Donna! I hope it doesn't hurt.

[Janet]

Just be very careful Donna until it heals completely. Ya don't want that cut to open back up.

[donna1990]

Oh yes I am being careful. The cut was about 2 inches but 1in. was really deep.