The Incident
Last winter, I suffered a serious thumb injury when I accidentally severed a tendon. It was a significant setback that required intricate surgery, during which there was a possibility that a tendon from my wrist would need to be harvested to repair the damage. Thankfully, that didn’t occur, but I ended up in a cast that extended to my elbow, leaving only my four uninjured fingers free to function. As a writer, I rely heavily on my dominant hand to type, and I was suddenly faced with the challenge of moving apartments while constrained by the cast. But what I want is for you to recognize how easily we can injure ourselves during seemingly mundane activities at home.
How It Happened
My injury occurred in an instant, caused by a ceramic salad plate that shattered in my hands while washing dishes. I was astonished by how a fragment of pottery could result in such a profuse amount of blood; after all, ceramic is what scalpels are made from.
I didn’t seek immediate medical attention despite the severity of the cut. Although it was deeper than a typical kitchen mishap, I underestimated the risks involved in dishwashing. Had I gone to the ER, they could have stitched my tendon right away, sparing me from surgery, the cast, and weeks of physical therapy. Now, I live with a less functional thumb on my dominant hand.
What Parents Understand
Parents are all too familiar with the urgency that comes with a bleeding child; they know that blood means a trip to the hospital. I attribute my lack of urgency—like treating my serious wound with novelty band-aids and waiting three weeks to see a doctor—to not having children. There’s a certain alarm that just doesn’t trigger.
Surgery of any kind is a hassle. The only redeeming aspect is the painkillers, but you must know to rate your pain as “8” when asked—saying “10” raises suspicions, and being honest might earn you a prescription for two Tylenol as needed. The mystery of why anyone opts for elective surgery remains, especially since recovery is such a tedious process. After tendon repair, you’re left with a thumb that’s functional but far less dexterous than before.
Are Home Accidents the Worst?
When people noticed my cast and inquired about my injury, I often embellished the story. I’d say I got into a fight or was rescuing a cat. Admitting it was a freak dishwashing accident felt absurd.
While people feign interest, they often just pity you, perceiving you as one of those accident-prone individuals and quickly moving on to more exciting topics. The idea of nearly severing your thumb in the kitchen, without even using a weapon, is mundane, unthrilling, and entirely domestic.
Now, I find myself trying to be more cautious at home. Last Saturday, I attempted a bit of DIY surgery on a callus with a credo blade and learned exactly why those are illegal in nail salons. Fortunately, no lasting damage was done, and for now, I remain intact.
For more insights on parenting and life’s challenges, check out this post on Modern Family Blog. If you’re considering at-home insemination options, CryoBaby offers reliable kits that can help. Additionally, for valuable information on fertility treatments, visit March of Dimes.
In summary, even the simplest tasks at home, like washing dishes, can lead to unforeseen accidents. It’s a reminder to stay alert and cautious, no matter how routine the activity may seem.
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