Car accident - glass on sleeve and glove

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Sher
Sher Member Posts: 540
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I was in a pretty bad car accident and from what many have said after seeing the car, I'm luckiy (I'd use the description blessed by God instead) to be alive.  Hit a patch of ice on the road, car spun out of control, ran off the road, crashed through a fence and into a cinder block basement garage.  My Trailblazer went inside the building up to the back seat.  I was wearing just a lightweight 3/4 length sleeve blouse over my Juzo Dynamic sleeve and Helastic glove and the only injury I have is some abrasion from the side curtain air bag on my shoulder and neck.  Both driver's side windows smashed and blew out all over the inside of the car.  My sleeve and glove did a great job protecting my arm and hand - not a scratch, but now I'm wondering about whether I should just scrap them and order new ones asap or try to wash them to make sure no glass fragments remain.  I haven't had them very long and would hate to toss them, but on the other hand I don't want to risk glass in my LE arm and hand either.  What do you think.....wash or toss?  Would the tight weave have kept any glass from penetrating the fabric?  If glass did get inside the fabric, would the tight weave keep the glass from washing out?

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  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited December 2010
    maybe ck with your CAR insurance, they make cover them!  3jays
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  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited December 2010

    It is just my opinion not to wear them anymore.  It may seem practical to try to re-use them, but that arm does not need any potential accidents with cuts or abrasions.  

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2010

    Yikes! I think I'd be worried about using them too.Frown Maybe try examining it closely holding it to the light and stretching it? If you see any glass glinting in it, toss it. If not, wash it and try it out on your other arm for a while before proceeding. I'd think that would give you a good idea of how things stand with it, without damaging your LE arm.

    Keep an eye on the abrasions on neck and back, though, so they don't trigger any infections. Are they on the LE side?

    Soooo glad you're okay. Incredibly scary, just reading it -- must have inspired a few nightmares, yes? Please rest up and take gentle care of yourself.Kiss

    Hugs, prayers,
    Binney

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  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited December 2010

    sher- thank goodness you're okay. hugs

    binney- what great ideas.  you are invaluable on this board.

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited December 2010

    Wow...that is amazing that you are basically injury free = God was watching out for you, for sure.

    I would trash the sleeve and glove, too.  Like the others, I would be worried about little slivers...ugh. 

    So glad you're okay!

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited December 2010

    Sher, thank GOoDness you were being watched over.  I think it might be wise to see your massage therapist for a session or two as well and be on the lookout for any additional aches, pain or swelling which could be delayed.  3jaysmom's idea is excellent. Tell your insurance company about the compression garments and the extra MT sessions if deemed necessary.  Even on the floor glass slivers can sometimes be very difficult to see. Don't take a chance with your special arm.

    Gentle hugs.

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  • Sher
    Sher Member Posts: 540
    edited December 2010

    Thanks everyone!  I was sort of leaning towards tossing the sleeve and glove and you helped me to make up my mind to do just that.  Just wouldn't be worth it to take any unnecessary risks!   I spoke with my insurance agent and asked about the sleeve and glove being replaced under medical coverage and she said it probably could be and to alert the claims adjuster.  Since my garments are fairly new I'm hoping my therapist can just duplicate the last Juzo order and send for a new set right away.  In the meantime I have a couple KT gloves, a Caresia glove and can still do some wrapping to keep everything under control. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2010

    Sher, great! How's the bruising coming? Are you feeling better?

    Hugs!
    Binney

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  • inspiewriter
    inspiewriter Member Posts: 876
    edited December 2010

    I wonder if washing in the washer might help get rid of any particles?

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  • Sher
    Sher Member Posts: 540
    edited December 2010

    Binney, at first I thought it was a type of allergic reaction to whatever was in the airbag, so called my doctor with that information (don't think emergency room doctor even saw it).  He then advised over the counter hydrocortisone cream and benadryl.  My friend who is a nurse came over to check it out and she thought it was more a brush burn type abrasion from actual contact with the airbag and so we opted for polysporin ointment instead.  Seemed to be effective as the area was much less red and burny this morning.  Otherwise I'm feeling remarkably well.  Totally amazed and grateful to have walked away from that crash!

    Inspiewriter, I'm really afraid that because of the thickness and weave of the material, any tiny glass fragments would not come out readily even in the washer.  Just too scary to take the risk.  Hopefully my insurance will cover the cost.  

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2010

    Sher, dear, I'm so glad you're doing so well. I can just imagine you hit that air bag a pretty hefty blow, so abrasions would be likely for sure. Geesh, that was a scary story!Surprised Rest up! Hope the people whose garage you "parked" that Trailblazer in are being decent.

    Be well, y'hear?!
    Binney

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