About a month ago I began a project to build a mantel for our booth's Christmas set. I got it done, but at a terrible cost. I stuck my thumb into the still spinning blade as I reached for the piece I had just cut. I used push stick and push shoe to do the work, but got careless as I was in too much haste to get the project done. The thumb went directly into the blade and that force pulled my index finger into the blade, too.
I'm right handed so this injury has been handicapping me. It was a trip to the ER. Now, 3-1/2 weeks later I go into surgery to repair the damage done, and to remove the dead skin and flesh on the thumb that has not healed properly.
Because I delayed seeing a hand specialist due to the fear of any more pain this has caused me. The flexor tendon could not be repaired because of my delay. Debridement and a skin graft from my upper inner right arm was accomplished. Later I may have the thumb permanently set at a bent position so as to improve my grip. Presently, it is a new round of terrible pain management as I try to heal up.
Advice: wait for the blade to stop turning before you reach for the cut lumber. Oh yes, the blade guard I never used with this saw for the past 13 years is on the saw. The Boss (wife) has put her foot down.
Initial Injury
3 Weeks Later
I'm right handed so this injury has been handicapping me. It was a trip to the ER. Now, 3-1/2 weeks later I go into surgery to repair the damage done, and to remove the dead skin and flesh on the thumb that has not healed properly.
Because I delayed seeing a hand specialist due to the fear of any more pain this has caused me. The flexor tendon could not be repaired because of my delay. Debridement and a skin graft from my upper inner right arm was accomplished. Later I may have the thumb permanently set at a bent position so as to improve my grip. Presently, it is a new round of terrible pain management as I try to heal up.
Advice: wait for the blade to stop turning before you reach for the cut lumber. Oh yes, the blade guard I never used with this saw for the past 13 years is on the saw. The Boss (wife) has put her foot down.
Initial Injury
3 Weeks Later