Stitches out - What's my timeline?

[BeckyLil]

OK, I have rehashed my little accident and I think I have have a number of ideas of how to carve more safely in the future. That's all good because I am not going to let this accident deter me. Learn and go, ya know?

So, last night I got my stitches out. My finger (index) is about 1.5 times the size of the one on the other hand. I have a small infection too. Who knew using neosporin would be a bad thing? It seemed like a good idea at the time. But the doc said it made the wound "macerate" when it needed to dry. It would have been more helpful if they had mentioned that when I got the stitches. Still, the first sign that it was getting weird was late Sunday and I got the stitches out on Monday. I have a new batch of antibiotics and hopefully, the infection didn't get much of a foothold between Sunday and Monday.

So, my question is this: What kind of timeframe am I looking at before I can get to carving again? Obviously the swelling needs to go down and the infection heal. I know I'm not the first person to go through this. I am really chomping at the bit to get going again. What can I expect in terms of timing?

Thanks.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I personaly end up ripping a cut back open like the day after, attempting to carve, that or I just keep carving, tape it shut so I don't get blood on everything. But that only works if ya have a high pain tollerance or heal fast like me .

Good to hear stiches are out bad to hear an infection, I use neosporin all the time never had that happen. I just use an alcohol swab/patch thing first to clean it up, man does that sting sometimes.
Carl

[Grimnir]

A little patience now will save a lot of pain later Wait until you can use the hand normally and make sure you have a good pair of carving gloves!

[Marci MN]

Hi Becky, this is the first I've read of your accident. I'm sorry to hear this. And since there is infection present.. dont do any carving at LEAST until all your antibiotics are gone. What you can do tho is like I did when I got a horrible infection two months ago from an IV.... squease a tennis ball. Just sit and squease it gently at first. Get your finger stronger with out breaking open that wound. When you feel more comforatable and you know your infection is gone.. squease something softer like foam.. just to get your finger moving again. ...slowly.

Meanwhile.. browse the internet and feast your eyes on zillions of carvings. And of course come visit with us.

Marcia.

[Joy]

Becky, I'm sorry about your boo-boo getting worse. Maybe you could get some modeling clay and work on your next project.....it really helps me see what I should do on the carving. BUT don't get it on your cut...you would probably need to cover the finger while you work.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Becky, ask your Doctor. Describe the movements you have to make with knife and gouge. You will be told, usually with too much buffer, when you can get back to carving. Better to be safe and put up with the delay, than to go back on your own, make things worse and end up with a much longer wait.

[markken5889]

Hi Becky,

I have to agree with Paul. I'm not a doctor, but I do work in a hospital. Hey, you wouldn't ask your doctor carving advice, right?

Good luck, and speedy recovery!

Mark

[cannuckcarver]

Hi Becky, I know about accidents I tore ligaments in my left hand between index and middle finger and I know it is not an external cut it is a mess and I have a cast. All this to say that it is hard to keep away from carving I should rest it up for a couple of weeks doc. order but I am back at it. Your case is diff. I would not force it and cause of the infection I would wait till the antibiotic are finished.
well good luck.
Keep us informed....you can't carve, it is a good time to browse the board and had some of your own material.

[Sam]

Hi Becky,

Same thing happened to me. I sliced the top of my ring finger off - the meaty part with some of the nail, then buried the knife in my palm. Lot's of stitches. I used Neosporin too and even with the stitches out the wound would not heal - the hospital gave me the Neosporin! One day my brother, he is a surgeon, stopped and said - you need to let that dry out. I started to cover it with New Skin - burned like crazy for a few minutes but healed quickly. I use New Skin often to seal a cut and stop bleeding works good but doesn't smell good. Of course, lots of people would say use super glue to seal your cuts - I have seen it work, but haven't tried it. Good luck.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I think Grimnir said it all !! Be safe or be sorry. All the best.

Dave