Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

General Topics, Questions & Support => Free-for-all => Topic started by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 01:56:38 AM

Title: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 01:56:38 AM
Well, what can I say.  Don't play with really sharp things, and especially don't cram them into your thumb :o

I was painting up a few baits this evening, and checked on a new homemade balsa bait I'm making.  I had dipped it in poly to help seal it prior to base coating and painting and found that one of the hook hangers was gooped up with the stuff.  I grabbed the closest thing I had at the time (a leatherman that belonged to my dad) and proceeded to try and cut the stuff out of the hole.  Well, that particular leatherman doesn't have a locking blade, and it collapsed while I was putting pressure on it.  The whole thing closed up on my thumb.  Oh, did I mention that my dad had an obsession with keeping his blades razor sharp?  By the time I knew what had happened, I had the blade half way through my thumb, slicing from the side of my thumb down past my thumbnail and clear through the fleshy fingerprint side to almost the bone (they took x-rays to make sure it didn't get there).  The surprising thing is it only took 5 stitches to close it, although it could have used an extra one, but they would have had to go through my thumbnail to do it.  I'd post pics of the wound, but it's kind of nasty looking and wouldn't want anyone to have nightmares.  So, I will leave you with an "after" pic...Oh, and the moral of the story?  Use dull knives....
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: dartag on January 27, 2009, 06:17:07 AM
" OUCH "    they did a good job of wrapping it up.   at least it is not your casting thumb.   did you get some good pain pills. 

ss
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 08:57:35 AM
Actually, it is my casting thumb (I took the photo in my hallway mirror).  I have to go on some antibiotics for a couple of weeks, and I got some Motrins for the pain, which right now isn't too bad.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cy on January 27, 2009, 09:54:00 AM
Jeff,

I'm sorry to hear that you hurt yourself!  All I can say is...next time don't be so darn dumb!  ;)  I hope you don't own a table saw!

Get better soon!

Cy
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Skip Johnson on January 27, 2009, 10:30:59 AM
Dang Jeff sorry to hear about your mis fortune, they sure did wrap that thumb big enough.
I think your the only guy I know that probobly wants spring to be a couple more months out.
So may I ask why you look so happy in the pic? did you get out of some honey doo's  ;D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: McCarter on January 27, 2009, 10:41:20 AM
I swiped the picture and made it my backround on my work computer.  Eventually i will have it put on a t shirt and will wear it to all the tournaments i fish in 09.

McCarter himself :-\'
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: dartag on January 27, 2009, 11:08:17 AM
now i get it.   too bad looks like Spinning Rods for you.  good thing you are a drop shotter now.  could have been career ending.  i will get some Round End sissors and put them in the boat.   maybe you could get a set from the girls for around home.   remember no running with them.

Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: cr on January 27, 2009, 11:10:49 AM
Major Bummer, but did you get the stuff out of the hole? I hate it when that stuff happens.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 12:38:46 PM
You guys are funny :D.  I was dumb, I tried rushing something I shouldn't have and now I have a gaping wound to show for it.  I've actually been laughing at myself the whole time, and that bandage is one of the funniest things I've ever seen (which is why I was smiling Skip).  Plus, I look like I am trying to hitch a ride, and/or saying "AYYYYYYYY" (do your best Fonzi impersonation there).  I am going to be on the bench for at least a few weeks with painting baits and stuff so that's a bummer.  But, hey, that's what stupidity buys you...And, no, I didn't get the stuff out of the hole Charles  :D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Durand Dan on January 27, 2009, 12:48:07 PM
Thanks for posting that Jeff. I was working with a very sharp knife this morning and was extremly careful because of your incident! ;)
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: t-bone on January 27, 2009, 12:48:54 PM
That is a bummer - I saw your baits at the show - you do a great job. So, are you going to charge extra for the bleeding bait version?

Last year I was cleaning a bunch of brim and one of the fish slipped out of my hand while I was in a sawing motion and I put a fillet knife in the meaty part of my index finger and the point came out the other side. I have know idea how I missed the critical stuff, but some antibiotics and gauge from the firstaid kit and I was back on Dale Hollow fishing the next day. What you did sounds much worse! Its fillet gloves for me from now on!
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: thedude on January 27, 2009, 03:20:58 PM
I call BS!

you faked the whole thing so you could go to work and hide a can of beer in your "wound dressings".


I see right through you cheetam... like an open window.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: McCarter on January 27, 2009, 03:27:07 PM
Your giving him way too much credit.  He isnt that intelligent. 

JK Jeff.................or am i?????????

McCarter himself :-\'

P.S.  Dude, you may be a genius with that idea. 
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 04:00:34 PM
Looking at the size of the dressing, I could have hidden a 1/4 barrel in there...lol.

t- bone, thanks for the compliment.  There will be only one bleeding bait, and that's the one I was working on last night  :D.  I think this might be a sign that I should just stick to painting them, and not making them. :D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Eric on January 27, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
So.................if you are too injured to paint baits, I got this vector format project............... :D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 04:59:43 PM
Quote from: Eric on January 27, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
So.................if you are too injured to paint baits, I got this vector format project............... :D
:D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: MadWags on January 27, 2009, 05:11:24 PM
I almost cut my right pinkie finger off while carving a spinner for a model airplane with an Exacto Knife. Unfortunately I cut right through the tendens which required 2 surgeries since the first one failed. Count you blessings Cheetum, it could of been much worse. But i know the feeling of analness when you think back on it. ;D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: thedude on January 27, 2009, 06:35:12 PM
i took up carving duck decoys years ago... look into a Fordom machine. Won't cut your fingers off and when your shirt or hood strings get caught in the shaft it doesn't have enough power to rip your face (or thumb) off. :D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: dartag on January 27, 2009, 07:32:05 PM
Hey Eric i checked out your website.  maybe Jeff should have called you in for.

Healthcare Provider CPR
Heartsaver First Aid & CPR
Advanced Cardiac Life Support  ( he is getting old ) 
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
OFFT Health and Safety Officer
VFIS Bloodborne Pathogens

at least we can pick on him for a few weeks.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 08:43:55 PM
Quote from: MadWags on January 27, 2009, 05:11:24 PM
I almost cut my right pinkie finger off while carving a spinner for a model airplane with an Exacto Knife. Unfortunately I cut right through the tendens which required 2 surgeries since the first one failed. Count you blessings Cheetum, it could of been much worse. But i know the feeling of analness when you think back on it. ;D
Oh I know it could have been much worse.  If I would have had the bait on my table trying to clean it (instead of holding it in my left hand), I could very easily have taken the whole thumb off with the force of the leatherman hitting the table and all of my weight behind it.  Plus, I was really lucky it didn't cut into the joint or across any tendons.  And, the more I thought about it today, the dumber I felt  :D.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 27, 2009, 09:11:30 PM
Quote from: Eric on January 27, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
So.................if you are too injured to paint baits, I got this vector format project............... :D
I have some files for you.   I sent you an email.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: djkimmel on January 27, 2009, 10:44:38 PM
I usually catch a good fish right after I start bleeding anywhere. Maybe you should go fishing now...?
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 28, 2009, 10:19:49 AM
Quote from: djkimmel on January 27, 2009, 10:44:38 PM
I usually catch a good fish right after I start bleeding anywhere. Maybe you should go fishing now...?
Hmmmmm....is chumming legal in MI?
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Eric on January 28, 2009, 10:52:08 AM
That wrap job is awesome.  Can I use that as an example of how not to bandage for the EMT class I am teaching right now?  I hope you are not typing with that thumb.  Otherwise, it would probably look like sidgoguvo'sdh[ov'asvh aoihfv[ yg0erg ygr[r0ay.

I would have told a different story though.  I would have said it was from a fishing trip I took to LSC last spring and after 12 hours of catching 172 4.5 plus pounders, your thumb was so chewed up you had to go to the ER, and that's what they had to do to it to allow it to recover from all of those giant smallmouth you caught.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on January 28, 2009, 12:08:52 PM
Quote from: Eric on January 28, 2009, 10:52:08 AM
That wrap job is awesome.  Can I use that as an example of how not to bandage for the EMT class I am teaching right now?  I hope you are not typing with that thumb.  Otherwise, it would probably look like sidgoguvo'sdh[ov'asvh aoihfv[ yg0erg ygr[r0ay.

I would have told a different story though.  I would have said it was from a fishing trip I took to LSC last spring and after 12 hours of catching 172 4.5 plus pounders, your thumb was so chewed up you had to go to the ER, and that's what they had to do to it to allow it to recover from all of those giant smallmouth you caught.
The tech who did the wrap said the Dr. wanted it "bulky".  :D

I've just been telling people that I've been twiddling my thumbs so much lately that I got a bad sprain.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: djkimmel on January 28, 2009, 12:56:08 PM
or maybe chewed by GIANT Mexico bass last week...??
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Got Fish?? on February 05, 2009, 08:46:13 AM
  With all the ribbing your getting about your thumb, You need a break from all this. So I'll go fishing with you and reel all your fish in for ya. That's the kind of guy,I am
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on February 05, 2009, 08:57:44 AM
Quote from: Got Fish?? on February 05, 2009, 08:46:13 AM
  With all the ribbing your getting about your thumb, You need a break from all this. So I'll go fishing with you and reel all your fish in for ya. That's the kind of guy,I am
Deal!
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Eric on February 05, 2009, 09:26:27 AM
Quote from: Got Fish?? on February 05, 2009, 08:46:13 AM
  With all the ribbing your getting about your thumb, You need a break from all this. So I'll go fishing with you and reel all your fish in for ya. That's the kind of guy,I am

Hah!  Apparently he's never been in your boat before.  Won't be much to reel.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: MadWags on February 05, 2009, 02:00:29 PM
Now that hurts.
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Eric on February 05, 2009, 02:34:59 PM
So did his thumb, I bet!
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on February 05, 2009, 03:20:05 PM
I'm feelin' the love  :D

The stitches came out yesterday.  The thumbs numb, but that's no different than it was before, so I guess everything turned out ok.  :)
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Skulley on February 05, 2009, 07:06:30 PM
I hope you don't own any guns.  I don't want to read about you in the newspaper about how you were cleaning them and accidently shot yourself in the foot or something like that................Glad to hear it's healing well.    8)

Don't play with sharp objects and don't play with guns Cheetam.  That's the only advice the BigDog has for ya. ;)

BD          ;D
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: djkimmel on February 06, 2009, 12:08:25 AM
I actually had my thumb half chewed off on Lake St. Clair back in 1998 (i think that is when it happened) by a bunch of wicked smallies on one of those rare days about which you later think, 'Wow! I don't even have to exaggerate!!'
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: Cheetam on February 06, 2009, 08:31:14 AM
Quote from: UAWBigDog on February 05, 2009, 07:06:30 PM

Don't play with sharp objects and don't play with guns Cheetam.  That's the only advice the BigDog has for ya. ;)

BD          ;D
Does this mean I have to stop juggling machetes?  A guy has to have a hobby you know...
Title: Re: Just Got Back from the ER
Post by: djkimmel on February 06, 2009, 02:35:22 PM
Not necessarily... just better not make a mistake... like that guy who catches the bullets with his teeth... only allowed one mistake... Then, the career is over. Similar to Crazy Old Uncle Ernie... the number two ranked Russian Roulette player in the world!!