Should I make a complaint against the doctor?

[-Shae-Lynn*]

I had to go get stitches today. I went to an urgent care clinic that I've never been to before.

The doctor was actually pretty nice, but I don't think he took the right steps before stitching. Perhaps someone with medical training can clarify for me.

I've had stitches many times before. The doctors (and nurse practitioner) have almost always done the exact same thing. The ask me to lie down, put the blue draping all around wherever is hurt and put on the non-sterile gloves. They cleaned up some of the blood and junk using saline. Not sure when exactly they switch to sterile gloves, but the do that at some point. They used iodine or betadine or some red/brown liquid stuff to disinfect everything. Usually three separate times. They freeze it all and then suture.
Maybe that isn't exactly the right order but it's something along those lines. I'm not in the best state of mind so I'm pretty surprised I got it that close.

Today, however, the doctor came in and asked some questions about my mental status and then grabbed the freezing agent. He put it in the syringe and then put on non-sterile gloves. He then started injecting. No alcohol swab, no red/brown liquid, not even saline! I didn't even realize what he was doing until it was too late. Man, even B12 shots you get cleaned with an alcohol swab! So anyways, then he opens up the suture kit and gets everything ready and just starts suturing. He didn't clean anything!

Now, I know stitching doesn't have to be a completely sterile procedure, but seriously? He has no idea what I cut with, if it was clean or dirty or how I dressed it prior to coming to the urgent care clinic. I could have been rolling in manure and he just stitched that all into my arm! My worker who was with me said "well, now it won't get infected." and the doctor looked at her deadpan and said "Yeah... It can still get infected." Well, no duh buddy! You didn't clean ANYTHING!

I'm usually pretty good at not getting infected wounds, even though I really don't take care of them as well as I should. I'm going to definitely keep an eye open for any signs of infection but seriously if this turns into an abcess or whatever I'm going to be very annoyed at both the doctor and myself for not speaking up.

I'm not sure as to what I should do now. Does this warrant a complaint or maybe a just-so-you-know note? Did he do what he was supposed to and all the other doctors were just go-getters and cleaned the wound like mad? Was it just because he had a lot of patients and was in a rush? Maybe because it was self-inflicted the wound being clean didn't matter in his eyes.

Any suggestions?

[bitomato]

Hi hun,
Well I assume that you have to have a follow up to get the stitches out?
Obviously you do not know why the doctor acted in that manner but maybe you can ask your worker what they thought- because there is always the possibility that in your distress you did not perceive everything accurately.

Hand washing is also a very important part of infection control; but I do agree that if you see something weird it is better to ask the doctor. Sometimes cleaning may do more damage if clotting has begun, or you are actually pulling dirt into the wound if not done in the right direction/ properly.

He may also have assumed it was cleaned when you were first brought in e.g. by a nurse.

From experience, get a thermometer as well, and note your temperature as some infection is not visible externally.

It is very difficult, but some doctors will be frustrated because they see the harm you are doing to yourself and they can only give you stitches. They may want to make you stop- have a discussion about that- but at the acute stage that is not appropriate.

Your body's ability to heal is compromised once you harm. Your skin is a wonderful protector- so he did have a point, that even with the most cleaning of the wound- if bacteria etc. is introduced from the initial SI- the problem is still there.

Maybe go back to a doctor and have the wound checked and redressed, rather than doing it yourself. Otherwise, really consider taking steps to stopping the SI. There are more consequences than you want to consider.

[musicmad123]

does sound a bit dodgey, you can contact PALS without having to make a proper full on complaint they'll probalby be able to help you get to the bottom of it and find out if he did wrong