Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
some white oak.
The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
figger.
Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
djb
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
Dave Balderstone <dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone.ca> wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
> some white oak.
>
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
> figger.
>
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> djb
Do this long enough and it is simply a matter of when, not if. Loving my
SawStop these days. Glad to hear that you did not loose more, which could
have easily happened especially on a jointer.
On Friday, June 21, 2013 7:42:12 PM UTC-5, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
>=20
> some white oak.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
>=20
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
>=20
> figger.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
>=20
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> djb
>=20
>=20
>=20
> --=20
>=20
> Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dar=
k to
>=20
> read. - Groucho Marx
I got a good, deep gouge out of the end of the pointer finger on my right h=
ad on the table saw about 15 years ago. The machine was off but the blade =
was spinning and I over-reached to pick up a small part. I was very lucky =
because the blade nicked the end of the bone and removed some tissue but it=
grew back.
I do feel for you because in the words of Sam Elliott "Damn, that hurts!" =
The ER doctor explained that a lot of nerves end in the fingers and that is=
why a finger injury can hurt all the way to the elbow. I'm guessing you h=
ave a metal splint and it does help.
RonB
In article <[email protected]>,
<[email protected]> wrote:
> On Fri, 21 Jun 2013 18:42:12 -0600, Dave Balderstone
> >Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> >I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
> >
> >Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> Pictures. Pictures. If we don't see any pictures, it didn't happen.
>
> ~ Condolences.
There's an "after" pic on my facebook page.
<http://www.facebook.com/balderstone>
djb
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
In article <[email protected]>,
SonomaProducts.com <[email protected]> wrote:
> Can you explain what mistake you made or how it happened so we can all learn
> another thing to watch for?
Wish I could... I was on board 5 of 5, preparing to resaw some oak, and
as far as I know wasn't doing anything different. The board was a
little longer than the others, so maybe my stance shifted without me
noticing? In any event, I got about 2'down a 6' board, and then I
remember realizing I'd just touched the blade and that I needed to get
to the emergency room ASAP. Didn't really look at the wound until
treatment started.
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
On Wednesday, June 26, 2013 9:36:34 AM UTC-5, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> > I've removed the pivoting blade guard from over the blades. Why? --=20
Well, possibly for several reasons (sic). I've really had no formal traini=
ng in woodworking, other than 1 year high school shop.
When I bought my used jointer and most of my tools, I pretty much taught my=
self how to use them, though I've always visited with carpenters, woodworke=
rs, etc., when I had the chance, and learned much from them. These days, I=
read forums more often. I suppose, back then, the guard was an inconveni=
ence, to my unskilled technique I "adopted" on my own. I do pay close atte=
ntion, however, to be safe, but that's not always a sure fire thing. I've =
just been lucky, I suppose, to this point.
I do recall, long ago, the guard didn't always pivot evenly or properly, ma=
ybe the result of it being a used tool, and I never took the time to check =
out why. Jointing a board, in that condition, wasn't a smooth operation, f=
or/to me (unschooled, stupid, both?), so I removed it and have never replac=
ed it.
These days, to minimize blade exposure, I move the fence to expose only the=
amount of blade needed for whatever I'm doing.... that, also, is not neces=
sarily compensating completely for the guard removal, again, I suppose I've=
been lucky to this point.
I guess it's similar to why some of us, if I can say "us", remove blade gua=
rds from the table saw, which I've done also.
In a nutshell, I don't have a very good reason why.
Lucky?! Way off on a tangent: Reminded myself of Lucky Boudreau, a local/r=
egional Boudreau (Cajun) story/joke.
Sonny
In article <[email protected]>,
Sonny <[email protected]> wrote:
> Possibly, holding/guiding the board with his left thumb, first and middle
> fingers; his ring and little fingers hanging off the side/edge of the board,
> rather than curled up in his palm?
That's what I'm thinking. There was certainly SOMETHING wrong with my
grip.
> I've removed the pivoting blade guard from over the blades.
Why?
--
Life. Nature's way of keeping meat fresh. -- Dr. Who
In article <[email protected]>,
RonB <[email protected]> wrote:
> I got a good, deep gouge out of the end of the pointer finger on my right had
> on the table saw about 15 years ago. The machine was off but the blade was
> spinning and I over-reached to pick up a small part. I was very lucky
> because the blade nicked the end of the bone and removed some tissue but it
> grew back.
>
> I do feel for you because in the words of Sam Elliott "Damn, that hurts!"
> The ER doctor explained that a lot of nerves end in the fingers and that is
> why a finger injury can hurt all the way to the elbow. I'm guessing you have a metal splint and it does help.
>
> RonB
No split, but I'm considering a sled style one once the stitches are
out next week.
The surgeon took great care to move a nerve bundle to reduce the risk
of serious pain. So far, so good.
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
In article <[email protected]>, Mike Marlow
<[email protected]> wrote:
> knuttle wrote:
>
> > I can attest to the fact that you bump your fingers many more times
> > than you are aware. Simple things like coming down stair. You will
> > be surprised at the number of support for the rail.
> >
> > This is one case there are many more.
>
> Not to mention that you become keenly aware how many times in a day you
> stick your hands into your pockets for something...
+1!
My left pocket is staying empty, but sometimes I forget...
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
In article <[email protected]>, Greg Guarino
<[email protected]> wrote:
> As I mentioned here a couple of months ago, the drummer in our band
> suffered a very similar injury, losing most of the first joint from the
> ring finger of his off hand (in his case, the right). His injury vector
> was a table saw instead.
>
> I'm happy to say that he is back playing again with what seems like
> similar results as before the injury. He is still hampered a bit by the
> splint they put on one of his other fingers (two other fingers are
> complete, but were cut up pretty good), but otherwise seems OK.
>
> Speaking of the splint, he went to a hand specialist about two weeks
> ago, who looked at the original metal splint with great disdain. She
> immediately replaced it with something that looks (to my untutored eye)
> more obviously designed for the purpose. The first one looked like Home
> Depot mending plate bent with a hammer and a bench vise.
I picked up a foam lined metal fingertip guard that velcros in place. I
only wear it in situations I know I'll be bumping my finger a lot.
> Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Stitches out Wednesday, course of antibiotics is done. I'm advised it
will be a month for full function, and 8 months for the finger to reach
final shape.
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
On Sunday, June 23, 2013 9:26:10 AM UTC-5, Sonny wrote:
> On Saturday, June 22, 2013 8:24:08 AM UTC-5, [email protected] wrot=
e: > For those who will say I should ask a doctor, Several factors going on=
. If the nerve is growing, it is growing slowly and doesn't extend into the=
adjacent tissues, as a plant's roots extend into neighboring soil. On the =
other hand, the neighboring tissues do, somewhat, grow into adjacent tissue=
s, more readily than nerve tissue grows into adjacent tissues. In conjuncti=
on with neighboring tissues growing "into" the nerve or growing into other =
adjacent tissues, most of that growth will be in the form of scar tissue. S=
car tissue is not linear, as normal tissue is. Scar tissues are knotty or a=
re knarled growth, i.e., equate it to figured wood growth where the knarly =
wood grain goes in all directions. Examples of scar tissue: A cut lip will =
end up with a bump on the lip. In knee surgery, the knee will bind up, if m=
ovement is kept at a minimum, after surgery, giving time for the scar tissu=
e to bind itself down, preventing ease of movement. That's why a patient wi=
ll immediately start range of motion therapy, to prevent the scar tissue fr=
om being knotted, and be more linear, to the future motion. Scar tissue is =
building up or has built up at or near the ends of your nerves and each tim=
e you move or flex, the scar tissue tugs on the nerve or on the nerve endin=
gs. Scar tissue is not flexible or not as flexible as other tissues. You mi=
ght even be able to feel the knot of scar tissue in your finger, compared t=
o the non-knotty other tissues adjacent to the cut site. If you or anyone e=
ver has a cut in an otherwise sensitive area (lips or on one's face are goo=
d examples), during the healing process immediately after the injury, have =
them flex the cut site in all directions to prevent the scar tissue from fo=
rming a knot. Stretching out that growing/healing tissue will make the grow=
th pattern more linear or in the direction of normal range of motion usage,=
and there will be less knotting, less of a bump to form, and less sensitiv=
ity, in the future. Flex the cut site- meaning gently massage the wound, as=
the patient can tolerate the massaging/pain. Many women do this to their a=
bdomen, after pregnancy, to help remove stretch marks..... somewhat the sam=
e thing, to prevent knarled tissue appearance. *A cut lip or other facial i=
nury on a young girl, if it forms a bump, can be a ulgy blemish for them in=
the future, as girls, in particular, are sensitive to any unsightly scar o=
n their appearance. When applicable, some girls don't even like stitch mark=
s showing... there are subcutaneous stitching to help hide those kinds of u=
nsightly marks, respective of/for girls' future appearances. Sonny
Addendum: A cut site is not a clean cut, as you may think you see it. On =
the cellular level, each side of a cut looks like strands of a wet mop, i.e=
., the tissues are torn and ratty looking, not nice clean straight cut edge=
s. =20
When you put the sides of a cut back together, to bandage it, the 2 cut edg=
es meet one another as 2 wet mops would be pushed together.... all the mop =
strands (tissue strands) are in a jumble and their subsequent growth repair=
is not back to their original normal linear formation. Each strand will t=
ry to grow its own crooked (wet mop) way, resulting in what is scar tissue.
The ratty cut (wet mop) edges of a wound will include the ratty cut edges o=
f any nerves, also.
Sonny
In article <[email protected]>, m II <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Try some acupuncture to restimulate nerve growth.
Seems unnecessary. I have full feeling, and very little pain.
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
In article <[email protected]>,
<[email protected]> wrote:
> Despite all the pain and discomfort you're going (and will be going)
> through, you got off easier than might have been ~ all good though.
Oh, don't I know it!
> I might have missed it, but what precautions will you take so the
> thing doesn't happen again?
I'm already using the suggestion to move the fence to the
thickness/width of the work piece. Most excellent.
But considering that I ran dangerous equipment while impaired for
decades without an incident, I've decided I should start drinking
again.
;-D
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to
read. - Groucho Marx
On Saturday, June 22, 2013 8:24:08 AM UTC-5, [email protected] wrote:
> For those who will say I should ask a doctor,=20
Several factors going on. If the nerve is growing, it is growing slowly an=
d doesn't extend into the adjacent tissues, as a plant's roots extend into =
neighboring soil. On the other hand, the neighboring tissues do, somewhat,=
grow into adjacent tissues, more readily than nerve tissue grows into adja=
cent tissues. =20
In conjunction with neighboring tissues growing "into" the nerve or growing=
into other adjacent tissues, most of that growth will be in the form of sc=
ar tissue. Scar tissue is not linear, as normal tissue is. Scar tissues a=
re knotty or are knarled growth, i.e., equate it to figured wood growth whe=
re the knarly wood grain goes in all directions. Examples of scar tissue: =
A cut lip will end up with a bump on the lip. In knee surgery, the knee w=
ill bind up, if movement is kept at a minimum, after surgery, giving time f=
or the scar tissue to bind itself down, preventing ease of movement. That'=
s why a patient will immediately start range of motion therapy, to prevent =
the scar tissue from being knotted, and be more linear, to the future motio=
n.
Scar tissue is building up or has built up at or near the ends of your nerv=
es and each time you move or flex, the scar tissue tugs on the nerve or on =
the nerve endings. Scar tissue is not flexible or not as flexible as other=
tissues. You might even be able to feel the knot of scar tissue in your f=
inger, compared to the non-knotty other tissues adjacent to the cut site.
If you or anyone ever has a cut in an otherwise sensitive area (lips or on =
one's face are good examples), during the healing process immediately after=
the injury, have them flex the cut site in all directions to prevent the s=
car tissue from forming a knot. Stretching out that growing/healing tissue=
will make the growth pattern more linear or in the direction of normal ran=
ge of motion usage, and there will be less knotting, less of a bump to form=
, and less sensitivity, in the future. Flex the cut site- meaning gently m=
assage the wound, as the patient can tolerate the massaging/pain. Many wom=
en do this to their abdomen, after pregnancy, to help remove stretch marks.=
.... somewhat the same thing, to prevent knarled tissue appearance.
*A cut lip or other facial inury on a young girl, if it forms a bump, can b=
e a ulgy blemish for them in the future, as girls, in particular, are sensi=
tive to any unsightly scar on their appearance. When applicable, some girl=
s don't even like stitch marks showing... there are subcutaneous stitching =
to help hide those kinds of unsightly marks, respective of/for girls' futur=
e appearances.
Sonny
"Dave Balderstone" wrote in message
news:210620131842120362%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone.ca...
Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
some white oak.
The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
figger.
Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
djb
--
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark
to
read. - Groucho Marx
Dave. My right fore finger is 1/8 inch shorter after it was sucked into a
bench disc sander in wood shop at high school in 1943. Still has not grown
back. WW
On Sat, 29 Jung 2013 12:41:25 -0600, Dave Balder stone
>Stitches out Wednesday, course of antibiotics is done. I'm advised it
>will be a month for full function, and 8 months for the finger to reach
>final shape.
Despite all the pain and discomfort you're going (and will be going)
through, you got off easier than might have been ~ all good though.
I might have missed it, but what precautions will you take so the
thing doesn't happen again?
On 6/22/2013 8:24 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
>
> QUESTION:
>
[snip]
> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
> sensitivity.
I am not a doctor but a "veteran" of several major surgeries. The
answer is "Yes, No, or Maybe"
> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
> experience.
You are dealing with nerve damage and nerve damage, whether
traumatically or surgically induced, heals very slowly or in many cases
not at all. Every "insult" to the nerves is different and every person
heals differently as a result.
I have an area on my chest that was, apparently, normal prior to cardiac
surgery. Now, 16 years later, a small area is insensitive to most
stimuli and an adjacent area is hyper-sensitive. Bottom line: It is
what it is or whatever it eventually will be.
Time will tell.
On Monday, June 24, 2013 6:37:51 PM UTC-5, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> > Can you explain what mistake you made or how it happened
> The board was a little longer than the others, so maybe my stance shifted without me noticing? In any event, I got about 2'down a 6' board, and then
> "Lost the tip of my left ring finger.... "
Possibly, holding/guiding the board with his left thumb, first and middle fingers; his ring and little fingers hanging off the side/edge of the board, rather than curled up in his palm?
I use the above technique, somewhat, sometimes, not just to guide the board, but to place pressure on the outfeed side. Most often, I use push pads, fore and aft, when facing a board. I've removed the pivoting blade guard from over the blades.
Sonny
On Friday, June 21, 2013 5:42:12 PM UTC-7, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
>
>
Sorry to hear about that. Never a good thing to hear about but at least less severe than it could have been.
Can you explain what mistake you made or how it happened so we can all learn another thing to watch for?
On 6/24/2013 6:37 PM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> SonomaProducts.com <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Can you explain what mistake you made or how it happened so we can all learn
>> another thing to watch for?
>
> Wish I could... I was on board 5 of 5, preparing to resaw some oak, and
> as far as I know wasn't doing anything different. The board was a
> little longer than the others, so maybe my stance shifted without me
> noticing? In any event, I got about 2'down a 6' board, and then I
> remember realizing I'd just touched the blade and that I needed to get
> to the emergency room ASAP. Didn't really look at the wound until
> treatment started.
>
I know you are going to be extra careful but the fact that you don't
recall how it happened is an indicator that it is likely to happen again.
When I cut half my thumb off 23 years ago I thought it was a kick back.
Coming back from the hospital reveled no damaged wood and the last
board that I had cut was stacked nicely with the others. So I was
clueless for the next year.
About a year later I made the same mistake but fortunately I had already
cut half of my thumb off and I only felt the breeze of the blade as it
was coasting down to stop when I reached over to remove the rip fence.
Ahhhhh that is what happened.
On 6/22/2013 8:24 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
> On 6/22/2013 7:36 AM, G. Ross wrote:
>> Dave Balderstone wrote:
>>> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
>>> some white oak.
>>>
>>> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
>>> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
>>> figger.
>>>
>>> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
>>> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>>>
>>> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>>>
>>> djb
>>>
>> I know that is sensitive. Hope it heals fast. I think you should sue
>> SawStop because
>> they didn't invent a JointStop.
>>
>
> QUESTION:
>
> While I did not loose any finger, in November I pealed the end of my
> finger on my table saw, because I DID SOMETHING STUPID. The equipment
> had nothing to do with it. This was just a skin event no bone involved.
>
> They were able to sew the flap back in place and it is has healed. It
> is still slightly sore to the touch, and and the end of the finger still
> feels like it is not part of the finger. (I am touch typing with the
> finger) It is not red or any indication of infection, or any thing like
> that.
>
> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
> sensitivity.
Absolutely normal, you probably relocated a nerve and or exposed the
nerve to areas that were not exposed before. A lot of it is getting
used to feeling things that you don't think you should be feeling.
It could take a few years. I cut half my thumb off 24 or so years ago
and still can have strange sensations now and then. I removed the bone
between my thumb print and my thumb nail... The surgeon removed the nail
and wrapped the thumb print around the knuckle. Talk about strange
feelings... I took a long time before I realized that something
touching the top end of my thumb was not actually touching the bottom of
the thumb.
>
> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
> experience.
An a less severe cut when I was about 20 I was working on a 2020 Coats
tire machine and use the pry bar to remove the valve stem. The bar
missed the stem and my pinky finger ran along the sharp edge of the rim.
Sliced the side of the finger and nail and laid them over. I pushed
every thing back in place and put a band aid on it. Should have gone
for stitches but,,,I was 20 and invincible. I lost the feeling in that
part of the finger for about 8 years, and then it came back.
On 6/27/2013 11:10 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> knuttle wrote:
>
>> I can attest to the fact that you bump your fingers many more times
>> than you are aware. Simple things like coming down stair. You will
>> be surprised at the number of support for the rail.
>>
>> This is one case there are many more.
>
> Not to mention that you become keenly aware how many times in a day you
> stick your hands into your pockets for something...
>
I recall not being able to stand the vibration that comes through the
steering wheel when driving.
Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
> some white oak.
>
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
> figger.
>
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> djb
>
I know that is sensitive. Hope it heals fast. I think you should sue
SawStop because
they didn't invent a JointStop.
--
GW Ross
On Fri, 21 Jun 2013 18:42:12 -0600, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing some
> white oak.
>
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go figger.
>
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> djb
Ouch!
Glad it wasn't worse than it is, hope you have a speedy recovery.
basilisk
"Dave Balderstone" wrote in message
news:210620131842120362%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone.ca...
Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
some white oak.
The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
figger.
Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
djb
----
Try some acupuncture to restimulate nerve growth.
--
mike
On Wednesday, June 26, 2013 8:22:32 PM UTC-5, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> >, RonB > I got a good, deep gouge out of the end of the pointer finger o=
n my right had=20
> No split, but I'm considering a sled style one once the stitches are out =
next week.=20
Just a (comparative) assumption: Ron's right (dominate?) hand was injured =
vs your left (recessive) hand is injured? =20
Further informative comparison: One function of the index finger is manipu=
lating objects and the function of the ring finger is to grasp objects.
When our fingers and toes are not injured (not in an extra sensitive condit=
ion), we don't notice how often we accidently bump them....
Not to trump your doctor's advice or treatment: Re: No splint on your fing=
er. You might ask your Dr. about this, if he/she hasn't already advised yo=
u, and unless this has already been done. If you find you are accidentally=
bumping your finger, more often than you would assume normal, you might li=
ghtly tape your ring finger to your middle finger. Your middle finger will=
act as a splint for your injured finger and help protect it from being bum=
ped as often. =20
*Always follow your Dr.'s advice & treatment, over my suggestions. He/she =
knows your specific injury, not me. Taping your fingers, that way, may not=
be advisable, if any taping would act as a tourniquet and block blood flow=
. You don't want to constrict your finger, in any way, but taping one digi=
t to another is often done, with injured fingers and toes, as a reasonable =
acceptible splinting technique, even for DIY treatment. Many patients find=
they bump their injured fingers and toes more often than they would have a=
ssumed, so this is just a suggestion for you to be aware of, if applicable.=
=20
Sonny
On Fri, 21 Jun 2013 18:42:12 -0600, Dave Balderstone
>Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
>I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
>Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
Pictures. Pictures. If we don't see any pictures, it didn't happen.
~ Condolences.
Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
> some white oak.
>
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
> figger.
>
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> djb
>
I don't turn away from any reminder to work safe.
I'm glad your accident was not worse than it was--it
sounds like a plenty bad enough experience to endure.
Take care.
Bill
On 6/22/2013 7:36 AM, G. Ross wrote:
> Dave Balderstone wrote:
>> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
>> some white oak.
>>
>> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
>> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
>> figger.
>>
>> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
>> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>>
>> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>>
>> djb
>>
> I know that is sensitive. Hope it heals fast. I think you should sue
> SawStop because
> they didn't invent a JointStop.
>
QUESTION:
While I did not loose any finger, in November I pealed the end of my
finger on my table saw, because I DID SOMETHING STUPID. The equipment
had nothing to do with it. This was just a skin event no bone involved.
They were able to sew the flap back in place and it is has healed. It
is still slightly sore to the touch, and and the end of the finger still
feels like it is not part of the finger. (I am touch typing with the
finger) It is not red or any indication of infection, or any thing like
that.
My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
sensitivity.
For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
experience.
On 6/22/13 8:24 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
> QUESTION:
>
> While I did not loose any finger, in November I pealed the end of my
> finger on my table saw, because I DID SOMETHING STUPID. The equipment
> had nothing to do with it. This was just a skin event no bone involved.
>
> They were able to sew the flap back in place and it is has healed. It
> is still slightly sore to the touch, and and the end of the finger still
> feels like it is not part of the finger. (I am touch typing with the
> finger) It is not red or any indication of infection, or any thing like
> that.
>
> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
> sensitivity.
>
> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
> experience.
I would say it is normal, especially if you are middle aged or beyond.
You may never get full, or any, feeling back in it.
In my experience with injuries I've had to bone and flesh, feeling
doesn't pass well through scar tissue or damaged nerves endings, and
those things don't heal enough to ever feel right again, once you're "old."
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
On 6/22/2013 11:56 AM, -MIKE- wrote:
> On 6/22/13 8:24 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
>> QUESTION:
>>
>> While I did not loose any finger, in November I pealed the end of my
>> finger on my table saw, because I DID SOMETHING STUPID. The equipment
>> had nothing to do with it. This was just a skin event no bone involved.
>>
>> They were able to sew the flap back in place and it is has healed. It
>> is still slightly sore to the touch, and and the end of the finger still
>> feels like it is not part of the finger. (I am touch typing with the
>> finger) It is not red or any indication of infection, or any thing like
>> that.
>>
>> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
>> sensitivity.
>>
>> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
>> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
>> experience.
>
>
> I would say it is normal, especially if you are middle aged or beyond.
> You may never get full, or any, feeling back in it.
>
> In my experience with injuries I've had to bone and flesh, feeling
> doesn't pass well through scar tissue or damaged nerves endings, and
> those things don't heal enough to ever feel right again, once you're "old."
>
>
Thanks, I am beyond middle age, so from what I am hearing I will
probably always have "something" on the end of my finger. Part of me
but always feel like it is not.
I should be grateful there is "something" there.
I have used the table saw for about 55 years, so the odds are that
something would happen.
Thanks again
> QUESTION:
>
> While I did not loose any finger, in November I pealed the end of my
> finger on my table saw, because I DID SOMETHING STUPID. The equipment had
> nothing to do with it. This was just a skin event no bone involved.
>
> They were able to sew the flap back in place and it is has healed. It is
> still slightly sore to the touch, and and the end of the finger still
> feels like it is not part of the finger. (I am touch typing with the
> finger) It is not red or any indication of infection, or any thing like
> that.
>
> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
> sensitivity.
>
> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
> experience.
Nerves grow about one millimeter per month. It takes time to reconnect your
finger. I did a similar thing 30 years ago, and there still is a little
loss of sensation, but not much. It probably took a year and a half to get
to 75%, and longer to get back to 90%, like a couple extra years.
Patience.
Jim in NC
Keith Nuttle wrote:
> On 6/22/2013 11:56 AM, -MIKE- wrote:
>> On 6/22/13 8:24 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
>>> QUESTION:
>>>
>>> While I did not loose any finger, in November I pealed the end of my
>>> finger on my table saw, because I DID SOMETHING STUPID. The equipment
>>> had nothing to do with it. This was just a skin event no bone involved.
>>>
>>> They were able to sew the flap back in place and it is has healed. It
>>> is still slightly sore to the touch, and and the end of the finger still
>>> feels like it is not part of the finger. (I am touch typing with the
>>> finger) It is not red or any indication of infection, or any thing like
>>> that.
>>>
>>> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
>>> sensitivity.
>>>
>>> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
>>> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
>>> experience.
>>
>>
>> I would say it is normal, especially if you are middle aged or beyond.
>> You may never get full, or any, feeling back in it.
>>
>> In my experience with injuries I've had to bone and flesh, feeling
>> doesn't pass well through scar tissue or damaged nerves endings, and
>> those things don't heal enough to ever feel right again, once you're
>> "old."
>>
>>
> Thanks, I am beyond middle age, so from what I am hearing I will
> probably always have "something" on the end of my finger. Part of me
> but always feel like it is not.
>
> I should be grateful there is "something" there.
>
> I have used the table saw for about 55 years, so the odds are that
> something would happen.
>
> Thanks again
>
>
You have to be more careful than ever from now on. Your brain thinks
that where the feeling ends, that is the end of your finger.
--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeros after @
On 6/23/2013 10:50 AM, Sonny wrote:
> On Sunday, June 23, 2013 9:26:10 AM UTC-5, Sonny wrote:
>> On Saturday, June 22, 2013 8:24:08 AM UTC-5, [email protected] wrote: > For those who will say I should ask a doctor, Several factors going on. If the nerve is growing, it is growing slowly and doesn't extend into the adjacent tissues, as a plant's roots extend into neighboring soil. On the other hand, the neighboring tissues do, somewhat, grow into adjacent tissues, more readily than nerve tissue grows into adjacent tissues. In conjunction with neighboring tissues growing "into" the nerve or growing into other adjacent tissues, most of that growth will be in the form of scar tissue. Scar tissue is not linear, as normal tissue is. Scar tissues are knotty or are knarled growth, i.e., equate it to figured wood growth where the knarly wood grain goes in all directions. Examples of scar tissue: A cut lip will end up with a bump on the lip. In knee surgery, the knee will bind up, if movement is kept at a minimum, after surgery, giving time for the scar tissue to bind itself down
, preventing ease of movement. That's why a patient will immediately start range of motion therapy, to prevent the scar tissue from being knotted, and be more linear, to the future motion. Scar tissue is building up or has built up at or near the ends of your nerves and each time you move or flex, the scar tissue tugs on the nerve or on the nerve endings. Scar tissue is not flexible or not as flexible as other tissues. You might even be able to feel the knot of scar tissue in your finger, compared to the non-knotty other tissues adjacent to the cut site. If you or anyone ever has a cut in an otherwise sensitive area (lips or on one's face are good examples), during the healing process immediately after the injury, have them flex the cut site in all directions to prevent the scar tissue from forming a knot. Stretching out that growing/healing tissue will make the growth pattern more linear or in the direction of normal range of motion usage, and there will be less knotting, less of a
bump to form, and less sensitivity, in the future. Flex the cut site- meaning gently massage the wound, as the patient can tolerate the massaging/pain. Many women do this to their abdomen, after pregnancy, to help remove stretch marks..... somewhat the same thing, to prevent knarled tissue appearance. *A cut lip or other facial inury on a young girl, if it forms a bump, can be a ulgy blemish for them in the future, as girls, in particular, are sensitive to any unsightly scar on their appearance. When applicable, some girls don't even like stitch marks showing... there are subcutaneous stitching to help hide those kinds of unsightly marks, respective of/for girls' future appearances. Sonny
>
>
> Addendum: A cut site is not a clean cut, as you may think you see it. On the cellular level, each side of a cut looks like strands of a wet mop, i.e., the tissues are torn and ratty looking, not nice clean straight cut edges.
>
> When you put the sides of a cut back together, to bandage it, the 2 cut edges meet one another as 2 wet mops would be pushed together.... all the mop strands (tissue strands) are in a jumble and their subsequent growth repair is not back to their original normal linear formation. Each strand will try to grow its own crooked (wet mop) way, resulting in what is scar tissue.
>
> The ratty cut (wet mop) edges of a wound will include the ratty cut edges of any nerves, also.
>
> Sonny
>
Thanks to all who responded. As I said I could see no reason to go back
to the doctor as the wound has healed without any complications.
To amplify how the finger was cut. if you look at the end of the finger,
the cut was about 300 degrees of the circle around the end of the finger.
They told me it would take time, but I was getting impatient.
On 6/27/2013 9:45 AM, Sonny wrote:
> On Wednesday, June 26, 2013 8:22:32 PM UTC-5, Dave Balderstone wrote:
>>> , RonB > I got a good, deep gouge out of the end of the pointer finger on my right had
>
>> No split, but I'm considering a sled style one once the stitches are out next week.
>
> Just a (comparative) assumption: Ron's right (dominate?) hand was injured vs your left (recessive) hand is injured?
>
> Further informative comparison: One function of the index finger is manipulating objects and the function of the ring finger is to grasp objects.
>
> When our fingers and toes are not injured (not in an extra sensitive condition), we don't notice how often we accidently bump them....
>
> Not to trump your doctor's advice or treatment: Re: No splint on your finger. You might ask your Dr. about this, if he/she hasn't already advised you, and unless this has already been done. If you find you are accidentally bumping your finger, more often than you would assume normal, you might lightly tape your ring finger to your middle finger. Your middle finger will act as a splint for your injured finger and help protect it from being bumped as often.
>
> *Always follow your Dr.'s advice & treatment, over my suggestions. He/she knows your specific injury, not me. Taping your fingers, that way, may not be advisable, if any taping would act as a tourniquet and block blood flow. You don't want to constrict your finger, in any way, but taping one digit to another is often done, with injured fingers and toes, as a reasonable acceptible splinting technique, even for DIY treatment. Many patients find they bump their injured fingers and toes more often than they would have assumed, so this is just a suggestion for you to be aware of, if applicable.
>
> Sonny
>
I can attest to the fact that you bump your fingers many more times than
you are aware. Simple things like coming down stair. You will be
surprised at the number of support for the rail.
This is one case there are many more.
knuttle wrote:
> I can attest to the fact that you bump your fingers many more times
> than you are aware. Simple things like coming down stair. You will
> be surprised at the number of support for the rail.
>
> This is one case there are many more.
Not to mention that you become keenly aware how many times in a day you
stick your hands into your pockets for something...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On 6/21/2013 8:42 PM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
> some white oak.
>
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
> figger.
>
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> djb
>
As I mentioned here a couple of months ago, the drummer in our band
suffered a very similar injury, losing most of the first joint from the
ring finger of his off hand (in his case, the right). His injury vector
was a table saw instead.
I'm happy to say that he is back playing again with what seems like
similar results as before the injury. He is still hampered a bit by the
splint they put on one of his other fingers (two other fingers are
complete, but were cut up pretty good), but otherwise seems OK.
Speaking of the splint, he went to a hand specialist about two weeks
ago, who looked at the original metal splint with great disdain. She
immediately replaced it with something that looks (to my untutored eye)
more obviously designed for the purpose. The first one looked like Home
Depot mending plate bent with a hammer and a bench vise.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
On Sat, 22 Jun 2013 08:37:19 -0500, Unquestionably Confused
>> My question is; is it normal that after 7 months I still have this
>> sensitivity.
>
>I am not a doctor but a "veteran" of several major surgeries. The
>answer is "Yes, No, or Maybe"
>
>
>> For those who will say I should ask a doctor, the doctor will give me a
>> medical opinion, not the opinion of someone who may have had a similar
>> experience.
>
>You are dealing with nerve damage and nerve damage, whether
>traumatically or surgically induced, heals very slowly or in many cases
>not at all. Every "insult" to the nerves is different and every person
>heals differently as a result.
>
>I have an area on my chest that was, apparently, normal prior to cardiac
>surgery. Now, 16 years later, a small area is insensitive to most
>stimuli and an adjacent area is hyper-sensitive. Bottom line: It is
>what it is or whatever it eventually will be.
>
>Time will tell.
+1
On 6/21/2013 8:42 PM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> Lost the tip of my left ring finger today. One little slip jointing
> some white oak.
>
> The irony is that I used power tools for years and years when I was
> drinking with no serious accident. 21 months sober, though... Go
> figger.
>
> Didn't lose the whole joint, though, which is good. The surgeon said if
> I had to do it, I did it very cleanly.
>
> Just call me "Stubby". And remember to keep your blades SHARP.
>
> djb
>
Damn sorry to hear that.
--
Jeff