My son (he is six years old) hit his head on a tree about three days ago and it was cut pretty bad. We don't have insurance (and don't qualify for Medicad) so I didn't and cannot take him to the hospital. I put butterfly bandaids on it but it's starting to look a pretty red around the wound and white around the outside of the cut. I'm not too sure what to put on it other than hydrogyne poroxide. I"m thinking about getting my friend (she went to nursing school for about a year and a half) put some stitches in. I just don't know what to do?!? Any advice?
2006-09-05 10:43:37 · 25 answers · asked by Karma Lucille 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I don't have a car to take him to the doctor...should I call 911?
2006-09-05 10:48:35 · update #1
well i would just keep putting triple antibotic and proxide on it and just keep and eye on it. b/c the hospital would have done the same thing you and your friend did. so don't worry unless it gets worse.
Robin
2006-09-05 10:56:14 · answer #1 · answered by Robin 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Even nurses with years of experience are not qualified to put in stitches. That is something only doctors do. Some of the signs and symptoms you have listed sound like a possible infection.
Don't call 911 for that. You can take your child to the ER. It is possible that medicaid will pay for the bills if you qualify. The best thing to do is to find a local "free clinic" (there is no such thing as free health care, you, me or SOMEBODY has to pay for it). Look in the yellow pages or call your local hospital to find the location of the nearest minor emergency clinic. There you will probably get some stitches and antibiotics.
2006-09-05 17:53:54 · answer #2 · answered by Mandragon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to be seen by a Dr, it sounds like the cut could possibly be infected and thats not something you want to play around with. Since he got the cut from hitting his head on a tree he may need to have the wound cleansed to make sure there is no debris inside of it, that could be a culprit of infection.
Do not have your friend put stitches in, if there is an infection the last thing you want to do is seal up the wound and trap the infection inside of it.
I know it sukc when money is tight and it's stressful when things pop up that you don't expect but, when it comes to our kids sometimes we just have to bite the bullet.
Hope your son is feeling better soon.
2006-09-05 17:53:22 · answer #3 · answered by Christie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would NOT let the friend put stitches in!!! Sound like it could be an infection (redness) and unless your friend can provide a sterile field, it could get worse. Take a bus or walk to the health department (or call them-they may provide transportation assistance). In the mean time, put an antibiotic ointment on it (Neosporin etc.).
Your state may have an income based insurance plan your child can get on. Go to your state's official web site or ask at the health department.
2006-09-06 13:00:34 · answer #4 · answered by Laurel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when I was five I cut my fingers really bad with a knife while staying with the man who they call my dad. He just put a bandaid on it and two days later sent me home with it full of puss and infected. My step-dad said that it was too late for stitches and that they can only put them in for a certain amount of time after the accident. So he actually scrubbed away the puss with a toothbrush and used antibacterial soap and peroxide. Then put neosporin on it, and used butterfly bandaids on it. He cleaned it twice a say and reapplied neosporin until it started to look better. If your friend is a nurse get a hold of her and ask her opinion anyway.
2006-09-05 17:55:56 · answer #5 · answered by brunette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there should be some low cost or maybe even free medical help in your area I would call around and hop on a bus I know how it is I don't have a car either and I have three kids and I ride them on my bike .. but it should be free to call and get advise from a doctor . I wouldn't let your friend do it it could get infected what is more important getting a bill from the ER or your child getting an infection? you don't have to pay up front at the ER. GOOD LUCK!
2006-09-05 18:26:55 · answer #6 · answered by freckleface 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honey I am in the same situation with no insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid. Take him to the emergency room don't let your friend put stitches in him because she can't numb it and it will hurt him very badly while she is doing it. Then you can send in money slowly over time to pay the bill most hospitals will set up a payment plan with you.
2006-09-05 17:49:52 · answer #7 · answered by shorty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be foolish! Take your son to a free clinic. The boy may have a concussion! Or take him to the doctor and explain the money situation. Don't let anyone else touch him! His wound is infected! Good luck!
2006-09-05 17:50:24 · answer #8 · answered by Gerry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think this is a messed up question if this is a real question you are abusing your child its called medical neglect for 2 are u telling me u can't get a neighbor to take u to the doctor i seriously hope u are not a mom and asking this stuff and for the record the emergency room sees every one
2006-09-06 14:51:44 · answer #9 · answered by heather f 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get your "back money" out and take the kid to the ER. Don't let your bud with some nursing school mess around and get it infected.
2006-09-05 17:50:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the emergency room...immediately! Whether or not you can't pay for it, debt is way much better than losing a child.
By the way, you could lose your child due to neglegence if his injury is serious enough or if the doctor feels you were incompetent.
2006-09-05 17:58:56 · answer #11 · answered by nmk9543 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋