Medical advice please-think I did nerve damage

[Boxerfan]

Ok this is not as abnormal as it may sound-I tinker a lot & stabbed myself in t6hez palm with a screwdriver. Dumb but I've stopped the bleading. But my middle finger of that hand is very numb.

Would it help to go to the ER?. I'm not in pain & I doubt that this is a time of essence thing.

But I'm no Dr-just don't want to freak out over a boo-boo.

[Kali]

1. probably ok to wait and call reg doc tomorrow.

[SimpleC]

2. Give it a day or two

Unless it starts turning purple or some ungodly color...

[flyingfysh]

3. Don't ask us, ask a doctor

If a finger is numb, that needs to be looked after right away. Maybe they would tell you to go to a day clinic? I don't know. But don't put it off.

[WhiteTara]

4. when was your last tetnus shot?

If more than 5 years ago. Go, I'm sure that screwdriver has all kinds of bacteria on it.

[TexasBushwhacker]

8. That's good advice n/t

[orleans]

5. i don't think we're supposed to give out "medical advice"

so i won't.

but as a mom, and as someone who had an incident that made my arm and hand go numb, i would say go get it checked out. tonight. better safe than sorry i think.

[rwheeler31]

6. I am no Doctor but I would go and get it cleaned and xray just to be sure.

[2naSalit]

7. If you have to ask...

you should be on your way to seek professional medical attention.

[at140]

9. Must see Doc tomorrow, anti-biotic tonight!

I don't like the sound of middle finger is numb. Could be just bruised tendon or nerve. But infection concern should be top priority. Many times I will not use up all my anti-biotic Rx pills/capsules and save a few just for an emergency like yours. If no such capsules are available to you, get hold of anti-bacterial ointment. If not at house, any 24 hour drug store will have it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. Actually, saving up a few antibiotics after you think you're well....

This is not a good idea, and does contribute to super-bugs. You need to take the full course of medicines for an infection, or otherwise the germ may mutate and become stronger.

Just FYI. BTW, I am a retired RN.

[at140]

17. Been doing that for many decades, without a problem

Now I am 78 candles and healthy as a horse. Mainly my anti-biotic Rx were from the dentist after doing some cutting and bleeding in mouth, and I am very sensitive about my body. I can tell if there is a infection brewing under any tooth before even the pain shows up. And the dental X-ray always confirms what I thought.

Those left over anti-biotic capsules came in very handy 3 months ago when my 15 year old dog caught an infection in her eye from scratching it. I gave her a small amount with her food for 4-5 days, and her eye infection cleared up saving me money for a trip to the vet.

In general, I listen to my body before I listen to the doc. Who says diabetes is a silent disease? I noticed it right away when my feet began to tingle at night. Went to my HMO doc, and they did fasting blood work and confirmed I was border line diabetic! My A1C was 7, not good. So I discovered the 16 hour fast method, and it has worked great. I eat everything, including my favorite deserts, but compress all my eating between 10 am and 6 pm. That is a wonderful method, even helped me lose some of my love handles, which I could not lose even with exercise.

[Kajun Gal]

10. It's kinda late tonite but if numb tomo dr is a must! If it gets weird in mid of nite ER!

[Flaleftist]

11. The most important thing to look out for is an infection.

I am also no doctor, but I can confidently tell you that an untreated infection can lead to sepsis and kill you. If there is discoloration and soreness, get it looked at by a professional.

People have died from ignoring such things.

[Boxerfan]

12. I'm Ok till morning...

I've stabbed myself many times-and this was just a stupid move. But the finger being numb is a new one. And its only 1/2 down the length. So yeah tomorrow but definitely not ER fodder.

PS-Hydrogen Peroxide has been my go to for infections for years & it works-and its cheap.

[pennylane100]

14. Most plans include an advice number to call.

You should call an advice nurse (they are usually available 24/7) and get an opinion. I think it will be to tell you to get it checked out tonight but I am no a medical expert.

[Liberty Belle]

15. You should also get a referral to a neurologist, after seeing an ER or urgent care doc.

Don't wait. I had nerve damage that took too long to diagnose (months) and by the time it was confirmed it was too late for surgery to fix it. That was in my shoulder.

[onethatcares]

16. phillips or slotted?

doesn't really matter, I'm just curious.

I watched a guy run a drill bit thru his hand one fine day. I think he was already numb.

Good luck.

[Boxerfan]

18. Flat blade-freshly sharpened.

I have a appt later today.

I tinker with old pocket watches. I had bought a very grungy 8 day Waltham. I was trying my best to remove the screwed on bezel.I had heat,penetrating oil & even chucked it in a 3 jaw vice. Nope. So I cut a small slot in the rim, insterted screwdriver edge and went to lever it open. Slipped & of course stabbed me.

Finger is still numb but I doubt they'll do anything other than clean & close.
Had a numb cheek area after a surgery-that took 3-4 years to regain sensation. So I'd wager thats what I'm looking at.

[Boxerfan]

19. Ok-I was wrong-should have done the ER

The guy who helped me was a ER tech & said on hand wounds infection is a major concern. And that the numbness was nerve damage.

There is a 10 day window to repair these injuries and cleaning the deep ragged wound at the ER would have been preferable.

Have a apt with a hand dr & they will call tomorrow after the review of today & x-rays.

Because I have partial feeling in the finger I may not have to go under the knife but thats up to the physician of course. I have carpal tunnel in the same hand maybe I can get a 2-fer.

Dumb da dumb dumb-DUMB!