my finger's problem - Skin Problems Message Board

efeng · 09-24-2003, 09:44 AM

A glass bulb cut my finger about 2 months ago. the bulb was broken, and the wound on my finger has already recovered , but my finger is still swollen and painful after 4 weeks after the cut. I saw a hand surgery Doctor, he did a surgery on me, but he didn¡¯t find any glass inside my finger.
Right now, 4 weeks have already passed after surgery, and although the wound is recovered, my finger is still sensitive, numb, sweaty, and painful if provoked by hard material. my doctor asked me to see him 3 month s from the surgery date, but I feel that my finger¡¯s situation will not change in 3 months. it looks as if something¡¯s wrong in my finger, or is it still on normal?
Does any one has any advise about that ? should I see another hand surgery doctor or a Microsurgery doctor?

Marti · 09-24-2003, 11:27 AM

There is no other way to 'see' glass except to cut into the skin and search for it visually - an X-Ray won't show it. Chances are, he may have missed a small sliver, which is probably why he wants you to come back in 3 months. Generally, any glass trapped under the skin will work its way toward the surface, at which time, the doctor may be able to locate it easier and then remove it.

You might want to wear one of those little plastic splints you can find at the Drug Stores on the finger to keep from bumping it or otherwise hurting it further until it either heals, or the Doctor finds something under the skin at your next visit.