The Injury
Last winter, I experienced a serious injury when I accidentally severed a tendon in my thumb. The incident required intricate surgery, with the possibility of needing to harvest a tendon from my wrist. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. However, I ended up in a cumbersome cast that left my four remaining fingers on my dominant hand free for typing—essential for my job—and writing—which was a bit more challenging since I couldn’t grip a pen. I even had to move to a new apartment while wearing the cast, but that’s just a side note; I’m not fishing for sympathy.
How It Happened
What I really want to highlight is how easily we can injure ourselves while engaging in seemingly safe, everyday activities at home. My thumb was injured in a split second when a ceramic salad plate I was washing shattered in my hands. I was stunned by how much blood such a small piece of broken dishware could produce; it’s worth noting that scalpels are often made from ceramic materials.
I didn’t go to the emergency room right away. While the cut was deeper than a typical kitchen mishap, I erroneously believed the dishwashing incident couldn’t lead to serious harm. Had I gone to the ER, they would have stitched up my tendon immediately, potentially sparing me from surgery, a cast, and weeks of rehabilitation, not to mention the awkwardly functioning thumb I now have.
What Parents Understand
If you’re a parent, you know that when a lot of blood is involved, it’s time to rush to the hospital. I think part of my delay—putting novelty band-aids on my gaping wound and waiting three weeks to seek help—was due to my lack of parenting experience. Without kids, there’s no built-in alarm system to alert you when you’re hurt.
Surgery is a hassle, and the only silver lining is the painkillers—if you know to rate your pain as an “8” when asked, or else you might just get a couple of Tylenol. I often wonder why anyone opts for elective surgery since recovery is such an ordeal. After tendon repair, you’re left with a thumb that’s merely a shadow of its former self.
Are Home Accidents the Worst?
When people noticed my cast and asked for the story, I often fabricated more exciting tales: a bar brawl, or a daring cat rescue. It feels almost embarrassing to admit that my injury was a freak accident from washing dishes. Others might feign interest, but you can tell they just pity you, viewing you as an accident-prone individual and quickly shifting the conversation.
In the same way that a speeding ticket makes you drive more cautiously, I’m working on being more careful at home. It’s going well enough—last Saturday, I attempted some DIY surgery on a callus with a blade, and now I completely understand why those aren’t allowed in nail salons. Fortunately, I came away without any serious injury this time.
Photo: ettlz/flickr
This article was originally published on Oct. 7, 2005.
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Summary
Washing dishes may appear to be a mundane task, but it can lead to unexpected injuries, as illustrated by my experience of severing a thumb tendon while handling a broken plate. The incident underscores how we often underestimate the risks of everyday activities at home. While surgeries and recovery can be challenging, they also serve as reminders to be mindful of our surroundings.