This is really gross...Last week after all the kids had gone to bed, and I was so tired, I went to go to bed. I ended up knocking against a pc. of furniture, and pretty much impaling my thigh-leaving a gunshot size wound w/ a big chunk of missing skin. I am such a weenie-I just took ibuprofin, put a band aid on it, and went to bed. I should have gone for stitches, I know, but I was so tired--and scared of stitches.. I figured I would just deal w/ it in the morning. I have been nursing it for the last week. I did the steristrips for several days. Those have come off. I have been changing the huge bandaids, and packing the wound w/ neosporin. So,,,,what is best? Do I take the bandaids off to shower, or leave the wound area dry? Is it better to treat the wound 3-4x per day, or just leave it alone? The last couple of days, I have removed the bandage before my shower to cleanse. After the shower, I used the blow-dryer, repacked it w/ neosporin and a clean dressing. I would prefer to keep the leg-what is the best method of treatment? TIA! Lynne

When I had my foot wound. I was told to keep the wound dry.. I wasn't allowed to bathe it at all. To clean the would I was suppose to use a saline solution. Change the dressing once a day.

I wouldn't use a blow dryer on it. Wounds need their natural moisture to heal. I would also put some neosporin on it just once a day.

Hope it heals soon!

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

'Vegetarian' is an old Native American word for bad hunter.

Good Lord, linny, what about going to the doctor? Think that would be a good idea? Take care of yourself, girl!

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Please go to the Doctor. Take care of yourself, that could get infected fast. nancy

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When you don`t know what to do-Walk fast and look worried.

Got to second this suggestion! Sometimes use/overuse of Neosporin actually causes more problems healing (especially w/ deep wounds)

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I'm going to agree with the doctor idea. Although it sounds like you are doing a good job, I had a wound (really more of a deep scratch) many years ago that ended up getting infected. I thought I was doing the right things, but finally had to go to the doctor when I couldn't put much weight on it. He said if I hadn't come in when I did (or the next few days), I probably would have lost my leg! The treatment was much worse than it would have been if I hadn't let it get that bad... Just go to the doctor... Let us know how everything goes...

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Kim

If you end up getting an infection, especially a staph infection, you could lose your leg. Deep wounds are no joke. I'd much rather have stitches than no leg. Hope you go to the doctor soon.

Lynne...How are you doing? Is it healing up better? Did you end up going to the doctor? Hope all is well. ~Lisa

Lynne dear how are ya feeling a sincere hope and prayer all is better please let us know take care.. Peace. catherine

Good grief.......please let us know how you are!! Will be praying for you till we hear!! Hope all is well.

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Melissa

Were are you? nancy

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When you don`t know what to do-Walk fast and look worried.

I hope that by now you have seen a doctor. It is too late for stitches though. I know that when patients come into our office for stitches and it is more than 6-8 hours after the accident occurred, none of the doctors will do stitches for fear of closing dirt and infection into the wound.

I hope that you are doing well and that you have sought medical care.

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She's still alive. She has posted in the Cafe.

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I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.

I am still alive-had to chuckle at that a bit. Thanks for all of your help. I have been nursing this wound like you would not believe! I knew the six hour rule for getting stitches, and I just wanted to go to bed that night-as well as avoid the $250 ER co-pay. It is healing, slowly, but surely. I have been watching closely for infection, and so far, so good. Honestly, it is probably healing a lot better than it should be. It is still one of the grossest things I have ever seen. Thank you all for your help and concerns.

Thank you for posting, I was seriously picturing you recovering from your amputation and not able to post.....I know, a vivid imagination.

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Melissa