[Trigger] Will my wound heal properly?

[suewatters1]

I want to know if my wound will heal properly on it's own. I got a new cut that is gaping (the edges don't stay together). So I wonder by keeping it clean will the skin close together without risk of complications?

Sue

 

[Daniel E.]

I got a new cut that is gaping (the edges don't stay together).

You may need stitches then:

Stitches
When do you need stitches? The criteria most doctors use:

* Cuts that will not stop bleeding;
* Cuts that are more than 1/4 inch long and on the hands, face, feet, or genitals;
* Cuts in the mouth that are more than 1/2 inch long;
* Cuts elsewhere on the body that are gaping (you can see tissue/fat).

If it's been more than 8-12 hours since the wound, most doctors won't stitch it. If you absolutely refuse to go to a doctor, at least get some Steri-Strips (or similar product; you can find them in pharmacies) to close the wound yourself. Wounds are stitched mainly to stop bleeding and to reduce scarring.

If it's been more than 8-12 hours since the wound, most doctors won't stitch it. If you absolutely refuse to go to a doctor, at least get some Steri-Strips (or similar product; you can find them in pharmacies) to close the wound yourself. Wounds are stitched mainly to stop bleeding and to reduce scarring.

First-Aid After Self-Injury

I suggest going to the emergency room or an urgency care clinic since those are obviously the only places open on a Saturday.

Even if you can't see "tissue or fat," my concern would be scarring if you don't get stitches soon (if stitches would be appropriate, which is only known for sure by seeing a doctor now).

 

[suewatters1]

Thank You Daniel

Sue

 

[Daniel E.]

Are you going to the ER or what? Steri-Strips at home can't compare to having an ER physician trained in plastic surgery

 

[suewatters1]

Not sure yet I know I have decide soon but I am just not sure. I think due to the embarrassment and hoping not to see my brother who works in the hospital near the ER. Not sure if he is working today

Sue

 

[Daniel E.]

How long ago was the injury?

Anyway, I suggest you think long term. Scars are forever.

 

[suewatters1]

Almost 2 hours ago

Sue

 

[Daniel E.]

Well, you really should go then. Just bring a book to read.

 

[Retired]

Sue,

As Daniel has suggested, your top priority is to get proper and competent treatment for your injury. There is the risk of infection, possible nerve damage, and permanent scarring.

It's not the time to be concerned about who sees you or what questions they ask. If the treating doctor asks what happened, be honest with the doctor. Your answers are confidential.

If you are concerned about your brother, you could say it was a kitchen injury. However, you may reconsider, since your brother may be your best ally and be able to provide support.

Or..go to a different hospital.

You need to be seen by a doctor to have the injury evaluated and treated. This is not the time for a home remedy.

 

[Daniel E.]

I don't know what you are waiting for except to feel regret later on. Whatever humiliation you may feel -- which is not something that a doctor is likely to bring about intentionally -- will only be temporary.

And, regarding possible complications, it's better to deal with this now then wait for complications to come up when you are at work.

Certainly, there is no doubt you will have only greater chances for scarring if you don't go to the ER right now. Remember, they won't see you immediately, so you already have waited long enough. The time for thinking is over

 

[suewatters1]

I went to the hospital and I had the option of a stitch or no stitch. I took the stitch. The DR asked my a bunch of question I told him who I was seeing for counseling and he asked me if I ever had thoughts of "S" I said no which is a lie I did in the past but I didn't want the DR to keep in the ER longer then I had to be there for. I figured he would have called somebody in. In triage the nurse asked if I wanted to see the crisis team I said no they can't help me.

Thanks for all your help.

Sue

 

[ladylore]

I would rethink that help they offered you. Seeing a crisis team is probably what you need right now. Your behaviour concerns me Sue.

 

[healthbound]

Hey Sue.

Glad to read that you ended up going to the hospital, but confused about why you didn't let them know how you were really feeling? Is it possible that maybe the crisis team could have helped? I know it doesn't feel great being in the hospital, but I'm wondering if maybe they could have offered you some resources or even just an opportunity to talk? Not trying to be rude, just concerned for you :hug:

 

[suewatters1]

Healthbound and Ladylore Recently everytime I saw the crisis team they realize there is not much they can do. They know I am getting lots of counseling. Also the last team I saw made me feel like I was wasting their time. They reminded me I can call the hotline anytime I wanted. So if things gets worse I will call the hotline. The issues that make me feel this way is the same issues I had last year. I recently saw the crisis team 3 times each time it was a different team. What can they do for me that they haven't already done. Also if I would have told the DR how I felt a few weeks ago he would probably thought I was suicidal now and had a psychiatrist called in and I know 3 out of about 4 of them. There views are totally different from mines and they didn't understand me very well then when I saw them in the past.

Thanks for your concern.

Sue

 

[healthbound]

Hey sue. I feel for you and wish I could take your pain away. Are you seeing someone effective on a regular/weekly basis now? I'm sorry I can't recall. I seem to remember you saying you are waiting to see someone or have just started seeing a therapist??

Regardless, hang in there and keep posting. :hug:

 

[sister-ray]

I too am glad you went to the hospital take care:hug:

 

[suewatters1]

Thanks Sister Ray and everyone. I got one counselor I am allowed to see 8 times only and another I see every 3 weeks then I got CMHA I see every 2 weeks and I just found a motivational life coach from the Internet and we talk once a week on the phone for 55 minutes. His fees are on a sliding base scale so I thought his price was right.

I wish I could have open a WSIB case over the harassment and bullying I endured for 24 years. It's because what has happen at work during that time that made me the way I am now. They are treating me better but for how long. The WSIB Nurse I was talking to a few weeks back I only talked to her once and she was nice but then the next time I called her she was away till this Monday. If they were doing it to me who says they wont do it to somebody else.

Thanks everyone

Sue

 

[Retired]

Sue,

You are to be commended for taking charge of the situation and getting the proper care for your injury.

You made the right choice!

:2thumbs:

 

[suewatters1]

Thanks Steve

I hate the feeling I have inside of me the feeling of "I just don't care anymore". I went fishing hoping it would cheer me up and it did a bit but dreaded feeling of I just don't care just wont go away.
Time to clean my fish (perch)

Sue

 

[suewatters1]

Everyone I went to the hospital to get my stitch taken out. It took 45 minutes just to get to see the triage nurse. Before she had a chance to take my information or swipe my card I asked her if I can take the stitch out myself at home. She looked a bit surprised that I was going there just for the stitch.
I explained to her I got a stitched put in 2 weeks ago (didn't tell her what happened) and was told to come back in 2 weeks to get it out. I showed her the stitch and she asked me if I could do it. I said it's only 1 stitch and she explained to me what to watch for when I take it out and to make sure I take it all out.
Well I left the hospital and called my friend and asked if he would help me take it out sometime this weekend and he said yes.
So that is my update on this matter.

Sue