ChiTownMigrant Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 So i was taking off some door trim, needed to slice the caulk open, so I was using a razor. I am usually good about cutting away from myself, but apparently not today. Cutter went into my thenar eminence (the big meaty part of your thumb next to your palm but below the actual digit). Cut down and partially into the muscle belly (abductor pollicis brevis), and was bleeding like crazy, but surprisingly didn't hurt that much. Luckily I still had my old issued IFAK (individual first aid kit) (I'm now in the reserves with this Recon unit down in Joilet--was with 2nd LAR in Lejuene on active if we have any Marine dudes in here, and 4th AT (STA Plt), and 4th Force Recon). Used the Quick Clot bandage and pressure to stop the bleeding, used a steri-strip to pull the cut together (weird being able to look at your own muscles). Once I was sure the shit wasn't bleeding too much I pulled off the quick-clot bandage and looked at it. (I also consumed several adult beverages while waiting for it to stop bleeding, which may be it doesnt hurt). My first thought is fuck, I can see the muscle and this needs stitches. This is going to cost me a fuckload of money if I go to urgent care or the ER. So since I am in Medical School at NW, I decide I am fully qualified to put in my own stitches (I also put in my own when I got shot in the ass in AFG and I was trained during one of our live animal courses). Take a swig of whiskey, started putting in stitches using my kit and here is the result (I also disinfected using surgical soap I stole from work and used Iodine from my kit to create a decent field). See the attached pictures for result and blood spatter. I am able to fully use the cut thumb (hurts a little), so I am not worried able long term damage (else would go to ER). Well fuck me, I am so glad my wife is out of town. Only thing I had to deal with is my dog trying to lick up all the blood and off me--Oh god, he has tasted human flesh, run!!! Haha, I am drunk right now, but feeling all right. I guess I will call it quits on construction for now. What do you guys think about my stitch job??? If you don't have a QuickClot trauma pack, I would highly recommend buying one (the 2nd gen civilian ones are fucking awesome, same shit we use in country). So I have been rambling, probably from the cytokines and alcohol. I am going to try and go to sleep. I'll post follow-up pictures tomorrow. If I don't, it's because I bled out and should have gone to the ERl. Hahaha. :Love you guys, even though I just met you. I am such a fucking idiot. Hope this doesn't leave too big a scar. (Never even been to ER before this for myself). Not even sure if my writing has been comprehensible, hard as fuck to type with one hand. Kill kill kill. Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comp56 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 ouch ouch ouch, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMack37 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Man, I wish I could put in my own stitches, that's pretty damn convenient. I hate going to the ER, went one time for stitches, probably should have gone several times. Two times after being hit by a deflected puck in the face a few years apart, a few cuts to my fingers(one to the bone). Went for one because it happened around my Mom and she basically nagged me into going. Normally I put a butterfly(ies) over the gash and tape the crap out of it. Hockey tape works well, it absorbs blood You did a damn nice job doing that yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownMigrant Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 So, Bmack, get this quickclot trauma kit from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-2064-0292-QuikClot/dp/B003BS2PW4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398164&sr=8-2&keywords=quikclot) and some steri-strips (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Steri-Strip-reinforced-Skin-Closures/dp/B004WFXCSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398211&sr=8-1&keywords=steri-strips) Once the bleeding stops using the quick-clot, use the steri-strips to pull the wound together. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5m0CYCt59E_) Make sure you sterilize, irrigate, and debride the wound with some sort of surgical soap (http://www.amazon.com/Hibiclens-Antimicrobial-Liquid-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00EV1D79A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398298&sr=8-1&keywords=surgical+soap) and then apply Iodine or something around the wound. No sutures required. Especially awesome for face wounds where stitches can't be applied. As long as you keep replacing the steri-strips and keep the wound together as it heals, no stitches required. That being said, if in doubt go to ER. Also, you can learn to do your own stitches on multiple youtube videos. Just buy the kit and sterile sutures. really just sewing flesh instead of cloth.... Being on alcohol always helps. The quickclot (bandages, don't get the first gen powder stuff) shit is the best to have regardless of whether you are going to fix yourself or go to the ER. Watched these things stop bleeding from trauma due to a 7.62x39mm round many times... I also apply some sort of bacitracin agent several times a day to keep the wound sterile. If it starts to pus, you are on anticoagulants, doesn't stop bleeding, or get really inflamed, go to ER. Sutures are generally always going to hold the wound together the best. Knowing how to do them yourself is awesome because it avoids waiting hours in the ER and paying $2000 for a 10 minute procedure. However, some areas are not ideal for sutures (think cut above your eyebrow), and steri-strips are better. Dissolving sutures are also ideal, but you might not always get them--in the ER or if you do them yourself. You can easily remove them yourself after a couple weeks using the same suture kit you used to put them in--I have this one (http://www.amazon.com/COMPREHEMSIVE-LACERATION-CASTROVIEJO-INSTRUMENTS-GSI/dp/B00R2IZTFO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454399448&sr=8-2&keywords=suture+kit). Learn how to put in sutures using this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P0rYS6LeZw). I would also recommend getting some practice sutures and a practice pad (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Suture-Your-Design-Medical/dp/B00STNQ9UU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454399798&sr=8-1&keywords=practice+suture+kit). Or use some raw steak or chicken with a laceration in it, So that the first time you are doing it isn't on yourself. Trust me, I'm on the internet on a tool forum... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stercorarius Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 So, Bmack, get this quickclot trauma kit from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-2064-0292-QuikClot/dp/B003BS2PW4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398164&sr=8-2&keywords=quikclot) and some steri-strips (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Steri-Strip-reinforced-Skin-Closures/dp/B004WFXCSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398211&sr=8-1&keywords=steri-strips) Once the bleeding stops using the quick-clot, use the steri-strips to pull the wound together. Make sure you sterilize, irrigate, and debride the wound with some sort of surgical soap (http://www.amazon.com/Hibiclens-Antimicrobial-Liquid-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00EV1D79A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398298&sr=8-1&keywords=surgical+soap) and then apply Iodine or something around the wound. No sutures required. Especially awesome for face wounds where stitches can't be applied. As long as you keep replacing the steri-strips and keep the wound together as it heals, no stitches required. That being said, if in doubt go to ER. Also, you can learn to do your own stitches on multiple youtube videos. Just buy the kit and sterile sutures. really just sewing flesh instead of cloth....Being on alcohol always helps. The quickclot (bandages, don't get the first gen powder stuff) shit is the best to have regardless of whether you are going to fix yourself or go to the ER. Watched these things stop bleeding from trauma due to a 7.62x39mm round many times... I also apply some sort of bacitracin agent several times a day to keep the wound sterile. If it starts to pus, you are on anticoagulants, doesn't stop bleeding, or get really inflamed, go to ER.Sutures are generally always going to hold the wound together the best. Knowing how to do them yourself is awesome because it avoids waiting hours in the ER and paying $2000 for a 10 minute procedure. However, some areas are not ideal for sutures (think cut above your eyebrow), and steri-strips are better. Dissolving sutures are also ideal, but you might not always get them--in the ER or if you do them yourself. You can easily remove them yourself after a couple weeks using the same suture kit you used to put them in--I have this one (http://www.amazon.com/COMPREHEMSIVE-LACERATION-CASTROVIEJO-INSTRUMENTS-GSI/dp/B00R2IZTFO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454399448&sr=8-2&keywords=suture+kit). Learn how to put in sutures using this video: ( ). I would also recommend getting some practice sutures and a practice pad (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Suture-Your-Design-Medical/dp/B00STNQ9UU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454399798&sr=8-1&keywords=practice+suture+kit). So that the first time you are doing it isn't on yourself. Trust me, I'm on the internet on a tool forum...Is this quick clot the same shit as blood stop powder you use on cows just in a different package? Like is there any reason not to just use the cow powder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMack37 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 So, Bmack, get this quickclot trauma kit from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-2064-0292-QuikClot/dp/B003BS2PW4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398164&sr=8-2&keywords=quikclot) and some steri-strips (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Steri-Strip-reinforced-Skin-Closures/dp/B004WFXCSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398211&sr=8-1&keywords=steri-strips) Once the bleeding stops using the quick-clot, use the steri-strips to pull the wound together. (video) Make sure you sterilize, irrigate, and debride the wound with some sort of surgical soap (http://www.amazon.com/Hibiclens-Antimicrobial-Liquid-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00EV1D79A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454398298&sr=8-1&keywords=surgical+soap) and then apply Iodine or something around the wound. No sutures required. Especially awesome for face wounds where stitches can't be applied. As long as you keep replacing the steri-strips and keep the wound together as it heals, no stitches required. That being said, if in doubt go to ER. Also, you can learn to do your own stitches on multiple youtube videos. Just buy the kit and sterile sutures. really just sewing flesh instead of cloth.... Being on alcohol always helps. The quickclot (bandages, don't get the first gen powder stuff) shit is the best to have regardless of whether you are going to fix yourself or go to the ER. Watched these things stop bleeding from trauma due to a 7.62x39mm round many times... I also apply some sort of bacitracin agent several times a day to keep the wound sterile. If it starts to pus, you are on anticoagulants, doesn't stop bleeding, or get really inflamed, go to ER. Sutures are generally always going to hold the wound together the best. Knowing how to do them yourself is awesome because it avoids waiting hours in the ER and paying $2000 for a 10 minute procedure. However, some areas are not ideal for sutures (think cut above your eyebrow), and steri-strips are better. Dissolving sutures are also ideal, but you might not always get them--in the ER or if you do them yourself. You can easily remove them yourself after a couple weeks using the same suture kit you used to put them in--I have this one (http://www.amazon.com/COMPREHEMSIVE-LACERATION-CASTROVIEJO-INSTRUMENTS-GSI/dp/B00R2IZTFO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454399448&sr=8-2&keywords=suture+kit). Learn how to put in sutures using this video: (video). I would also recommend getting some practice sutures and a practice pad (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Suture-Your-Design-Medical/dp/B00STNQ9UU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454399798&sr=8-1&keywords=practice+suture+kit). Or use some raw steak or chicken with a laceration in it, So that the first time you are doing it isn't on yourself. Trust me, I'm on the internet on a tool forum... Yeah, I don't think it would have worked well for the hockey pucks, one was on the eyebrow ridge and the other was on my lip. What sucked about the one on the lip was it was in game two of a tournament, I had to play two more games after finishing the game I got cut in. Spitting blood for about 5 hours because it kept getting pulled back open. Worst part was our firefighter could only play one game so he missed the game I got cut, I would have just let him stitch me on the bench. I'll take a look at all this stuff, I think I can do it since I know how to sew from repairing my equipment and I'm not a bit bothered by stuff like this. I took out my stitches early because they were bothering me and I could see the stitches didn't save the skin. Figured it would heal better by cutting off the dead, floppy 1" of skin. Probably would have been better with a kit designed for stitches than using a seam ripper and some toe nail clippers, haha. Thanks for the links! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownMigrant Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Is this quick clot the same shit as blood stop powder you use on cows just in a different package? Like is there any reason not to just use the cow powder. So I actually have seen my uncle use the cow stuff in upstate New York on his livestock. Similar to the 1st Gen quickclot powder, just not as advanced. I would prefer the 2nd gen bandages over the powder because they work better, and they do not require a trauma surgeon/ER doc (depending on severity of wound) to scrape out the clotting powder to debride, irrigate and close. Don't get me wrong, if that's what you have it will save your life/ stop the bleeding, however once you've seen how they remove the stuff (essentially a wire brush) you will have wanted to have used just the bandage. The powders also expire a lot faster than the bandages. Wayyy better for you in terms of how the wound turns out. For deep, life threatening wounds, you can pack the wound much easier with the bandage than the powder. Watch this: ( ) There is a heat, cauterizing effect with the powder. Now watch this: Much better for you, and the gauzes can be seen on xray and removed easily by next level of care.They show the powder being washed out easily, not really true after its been in there for an hour. Also, for more minor wounds, putting a bandage on is easier than using essentially a clotting/cauterizing agent. Both agents will stop something as serious as a femoral bleed and save your life/or limb. These products are awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnarlyCarl Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Wow wild ride on this post, many of us aren't cut out for doing this on our own, but I guess I haven't drank enough to see if that would ease the queasy effect..... im sure it would. Definitely convenient to know how to do that yourself, my wife is going for her RN right now and that's the only way I knew what you were talking about ha.I'm ok with watching myself bleed when I get cut, never had that problem, it's just when I had it bad enough it had to get medical attention, and their tools come out (needles mainly, etc) I bet if I put Milwaukee logos on them I'd be ok lolSent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Damn dude I couldn't do thatJimboSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jswoger1986 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 What I'm taking out of this is you are a huge badass I couldn't have Done good job bro. Hope it heals okSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadlanthier Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Yep I couldn't do that. Nice stitch job. Once sliced the front of finger off on broken glass, went to ear had stitched back on. Went home got drunk and managed to pull it back off. So took electrical tape and taped it back on.can barely see the scar. And by the way your not a real diyer till u cut, nail or injure yourself some how. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comp56 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 used crazy glue on a gash on my hand once........didn't have nothing else....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownMigrant Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Haha, Protoolnut, I totally agree. I usually am always wearing gloves. I was wearing one on my right hand, but took the one on my left off to do something (I think to use my phone). This is exactly what I deserve for being stupid. Oh well. Just a little flesh wound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMG Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Aaaaannd when is the last time you had a tetanus shot? Funny what the first thing you think of is when you see something like this.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownMigrant Posted February 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Haha, yeah. I had one last year as I was at 10 years from my last one. I'll let you know if I start getting lockjaw and having arm spasms. Or I guess I won't because I won't be able to type. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T75R Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Damn chi town. Feel better. Nice job on the DIY surgery lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEtwidget Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Your stitching looks like a bag of assholes but if it works, good on you. I don't think I could of done any better myself... But I have to say it... This is what happens when you give Jarheads sharp objects. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordraw Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 I would go have that checked out if I were you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryNY Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Ouchie! A real mean would have just grabbed the burnzomatic and cauterized it Jk, and good work on the diy stitches but I'd still have it looked at. Your thumb is half your hand... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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