Franken Finger

The injured finger has been given an identity, known as Franken Finger. I guess I can see the similarity:) The story of Franken Fingerm  in case you missed it,  is here.  It's healing, albeit slowly. It's a fine balance of  keeping it covered and splinted and the stitches moist,  versus letting it have access to air to promote healing without letting the stitches dry out to much. I prefer to keep it bandaged and splinted. Otherwise I find myself wanting to try to use it and bend it, which could rip the stitches since the cut goes over the knuckle.  It was recommended by the doctor to leave it open at night while I sleep but he didn't know I  flip flop too much and would be a hazard to myself, likely waking to find I had ripped out the stitches. I have become pretty efficient at cutting gauze , tape and rebandaging all one handed.

These photos were taken two days ago so it looks slightly better than these..it's a little lessy uh, mushy(?) looking...

 

I  did manage to ride last night but it was awkward holding onto the reins. I can only manage to fit this hand into a mitten with the bandage in place and I can't ride in mittens so this hand goes gloveless alot.  With all the swelling, the circulation is not that great so it gets cold pretty quickly.

So far no signs of infection but I am on a pretty heavy duty antibiotic which is also doing a number on my stomach. I have another 5 days of antibiotics to endure and anither week and a half of stitches. I have not needed any ibuprofen or tylenol for 2 days now as the pain has reduced to a manageable level to not need it. The less I can take of that, the happier my intestinal lining will be. 

 

In general , this whole thing is such an inconvenience.