Recently I was involved in an accident in Thailand. A small piece of metal entered my forearm. The piece of metal was removed (about the size of a quarter), luckily I did not break any bones or tear any tendons.
Although the wound is small (about the size of a nickel or quarter) it is a nasty one. If I move my wrist I can see my tendon moving.
It has been 3 weeks since the accident and it still isn't completely healed.
I am getting my medical care here in thailand. For a wound this small, I have to go to the hospital daily to get it cleaned (which is getting tedious!).
It did get infected at one point but is much better now and seems to be recovering.
I feel three weeks is too long for a wound of this size. What do you think?
I been thinking if I had gotten care in the US it would have healed by now. Since I am going to a government hospital here, I believe they are a little backwards.
I would appreciate it if medical professionals only answer this question.
2006-10-06 16:18:18 · 8 answers · asked by Enlightenme! 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Also, is there some sort of drug I can take that will stimulate faster healing?
I appreciate your input. thanks
2006-10-06 16:29:29 · update #1
***IMPORTANT***
The surgeon mentioned that i do not need stitches. Could he be right?
If I do not get stitches will I have a scar for life?
2006-10-06 16:51:40 · update #2
If it was a deep cut you should have gotten stitches. If it is supperfiacial you would not see the tendons moving. You can now keep it covered with a butterfly bandaid that pulls the skin together. This shoud help promote healing. Also and antibiotic will help too. Keep it covered to prevent infection. It must stay clean. If it is in an area that you keep hitting or rubbing against then use gauze to wrap it well. You do not want anything to disturb the area not even your clothes rubbing it.
Change bandages regularly too.
If it has been 3 weeks and it looks the same as after the accident go to a clinic and get another doctor to look at it. It should be showing signs of closing up.
2006-10-06 16:28:15 · answer #1 · answered by Nevada Pokerqueen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be extremely careful not to let this get infected. If it is over a joint you run the risk of the joint becoming infected. You have to realize that all the tissue that was damaged has to heal and some of it regenerate. Have they mentioned skin grafting? Sometimes that is neccesary when a wound is to big to heal on it's own. Three weeks is not a long time for a large wound though, just make sure you keep it clean.
2006-10-06 23:29:47 · answer #2 · answered by Gatemedic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Three weeks is definitely not long enough.
If you were in the US, it probably would be further along in the healing process, but it wouldn't be healed. If you can see straight through to the tendon, that's serious my friend.
You should allow yourself all the time it takes to heal. And if it'll make you feel better go to the States and get treated. Hardly seems worth it if the Thai hospital is doing just fine...
Good Luck!
2006-10-06 23:27:10 · answer #3 · answered by Nikki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
everyone heals differently. It has to do with your health whether or not you smoke etc. However if you had an infection recently it will take longer to heal make sure you're keeping it cleaned and bandaged to prevent any more infections. I've seen some that take up to 6 weeks or more to heal hang in there.Good Luck
2006-10-06 23:24:50 · answer #4 · answered by seminoleswty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a deep wound although not large in diameter so from personal experience I would say give it a couple more weeks. As long as no infection then daily cleansing and dressing with a triple antibiotic like neosporin is all that is needed regardless of what country you in.
2006-10-06 23:22:53 · answer #5 · answered by the_news_junky 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
6 to 8 weeks
2006-10-06 23:21:35 · answer #6 · answered by Sweetpea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could take a month.
2006-10-06 23:26:45 · answer #7 · answered by nipi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give it a bit more time. take care
2006-10-06 23:26:56 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle : 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋