Wound Care Question - Graphic question

Filth · 03-01-2016, 10:05 AM

This might be too graphic for some. I apologize. I don't know where else to go and ask. I don't have anyone to talk to irl.

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I cut last night. I was drunk, and I went deeper than I meant to. I startled myself because it bled so much so suddenly, so I stopped at the one cut. Once I'd gotten the bleeding stopped, I just dressed it and went to bed. I know...that was stupid. I should have gotten it looked at. I was wasted, and I made a bad call. I didn't even put steri strips on it, because they make my skin blister. That was also a stupid decision, I know.

Today, when I went to wash the wound and change the dressing, I saw that it was even worse than I thought.

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Am I too late to go have it looked at? It's been a little over 24 hours now. I have the materials to care for it myself, and I know how. I've successfully cared for bad cuts before. But, though I've cut through the dermis before, I've never handled anything worse.

I rubbed a little antiseptic salve onto the skin around the cut, and put a big sterile dressing over it. If it is too late to have it looked at, is there anything I need to know for caring for it at home?

Thank you, and I apologize if I'm out of line or my post is too gross.

Unbreakable. · 03-01-2016, 10:16 AM

I would advise you to urgently get it looked at
only a doctor can decide if they can still do something about it

Filth · 03-01-2016, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the swift response.

I won't be able to go to the doctor until later today. I don't drive, so I'd need to ask someone for a ride. It's three in the morning right now where I am. I was just wondering if it was worth it to go. I don't have much money, and I need to shepherd my resources carefully.

Unbreakable. · 03-01-2016, 11:08 AM

I understand that having to pay makes you a little reluctant to go “just in case“
I don't have much experience with self harm wounds personally but it sounds pretty serious from your description

My suggestions are 1) read the First Aid guide on RYL, 2) PM a Wound Care First Aid member from here and/or call a helpline that you assume has a reasonable amount of experience with self harm that might be able to advice you or better yet, any sort of medical helpline if such a thing exists.

Filth · 03-01-2016, 11:11 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I might look around for a helpline. I hadn't thought of that.

Unbreakable. · 03-01-2016, 11:24 AM

I just really want to tell you to not waste time and go to the ER but like I said, I understand it's not that simple.

I hope you find someone who can give qualified advice.
I just think as you're window for getting it treated is getting smaller and smaller waiting another several hours might have a huge impact on the healing process, risk for infection etc

Filth · 03-01-2016, 11:44 AM

You're very kind. :) The concern means a lot to me. I don't mean to be difficult.

If the people I live with didn't all have to work early today, I'd definitely ask for a ride when they got up. I live in a rural area, about an hour away from the nearest 24-hour medical facility. I could probably talk one of my housemates into a ride later this afternoon, though. One of them only works until four, and I'm sure if I told him what was going on, he'd be glad to help. He's pretty cool.

I know my window of stitching is almost certainly closed, but I'm still hoping to get some care advice from a professional. I feel like I'm in over my head.

Pi.R^2 · 03-01-2016, 01:47 PM

Just to say, I agree with everything that's been said already. As you say, stitching is unlikely to be the best option at this stage, it is still important to get this seen by a professional. I hope you manage to get a lift sorted soon.

Filth · 03-01-2016, 03:22 PM

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try and get a ride this afternoon.

Cedrus · 03-01-2016, 08:34 PM

I had wounds on my leg down to the muscle that i didnt get seen to. i then went to hospital for another wound on my leg and when they saw the ones to the muscle they decided to operate (basically giving it a good clean, cutting out dead tissue and suturing it up). so even though its late for stitches something still can be done.

Filth · 04-01-2016, 07:48 AM

I just wanted to say that I got into the ER today and got it looked at. I'm now worryingly broke, but it was the right decision.

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone.