The Injury
Last winter, I experienced a significant injury when I accidentally severed a tendon in my thumb. The incident required intricate surgical intervention, where there was a possibility of needing a graft from my wrist to repair the damage. Fortunately, that wasn’t necessary, but I did end up in a cast that extended to my elbow, leaving only my four remaining fingers on my dominant hand functional enough to type—my primary occupation. I even had to move apartments during my time in the cast, which added to the challenge of recovery, yet I share this not to elicit sympathy.
How It Happened
What I want to highlight is how easily one can sustain severe injuries during seemingly mundane activities at home. My tendon was sliced in a split second when a ceramic salad plate shattered in my grasp. I was astonished by the amount of blood that a fragment of broken dishware could produce; after all, ceramics can be as sharp as scalpels.
I did not seek immediate medical attention for my injury. Although the cut appeared deeper than a typical kitchen mishap, I naively thought it was impossible to inflict serious harm while washing dishes. Had I visited the emergency room, the tendon could have been repaired then and there, potentially sparing me from surgery, the cumbersome cast, and weeks of physical therapy that left me with a thumb that functions less effectively than it once did.
What Parents Understand
Parents know that a significant amount of blood usually necessitates a trip to the hospital. My ignorance—a result of not having children to alert me to the severity of the situation—led to a delay in seeking help. For three weeks, I treated my wound with novelty band-aids before realizing I couldn’t straighten my thumb.
Surgery, regardless of its nature, is a burdensome experience. The only redeeming quality might be the painkillers—if you know to mention an “8” on the pain scale, as a “10” raises suspicions and may result in receiving minimal pain relief. It’s perplexing why individuals opt for elective surgeries; recovery is often grueling, and in the case of tendon repair, the thumb remains, albeit in a less capable state.
Accidents at Home
When acquaintances noticed my cast and inquired about my injury, I often fabricated stories: I had been in a brawl or perhaps rescuing an animal. It feels absurd to admit that a freak accident occurred while doing the dishes. People express interest but ultimately pity you, categorizing you as accident-prone and swiftly shifting the conversation to more exciting topics. The idea of nearly severing a thumb while at home, engaged in such a common task, feels too mundane to convey.
Just as one drives more cautiously after a speeding ticket, I’ve made an effort to ensure my home remains incident-free. Recently, I attempted a DIY solution for a callus using a credo blade, and I now fully comprehend why such tools are prohibited in nail salons. Thankfully, there was no lasting damage—at least for now, I remain intact.
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In summary, while washing dishes may seem like a harmless chore, it can surprisingly become a source of injury. It’s essential to be cautious in our everyday activities, as accidents can occur when least expected.