Help!!!! Cut my hand with glass!!

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Vivian68
Vivian68 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi all - I just cut my thumb - inch long gash, not horribly deep, when a glass i was washing shattered!! I do not have lymphedema but had 24 nodes out on that side!

The bleeding is calming down (was about to go to ER). It's clotting and stopping, but I'm not sure what I should really do. If I go to the ER, and there's no more bleeding, I mean -- do I need to go there at all?  Do I need preventive antibiotics? Or simply to do my stretching exercises to keep everything moving?

I will of course put Neosporin on it and a bandage once bleeding stops. 

No swelling is happening but it has only been 1/2 hour since the cut happened.

I also do not have any arm or hand pain.

?!! I've never had an injury this significant on this arm in the 14 yrs since the surgery!  And my arm is generally very good and resilient w/any signs of LE.

Thank you for any insight!!!!!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Vivian, hello,

    Yikes! That's quite an introduction!Surprised I'm sorry your question has been waiting so long, and I hope everything in under control now. Everything you're suggesting sounds just right. You can certainly expect some swelling, just because of the damage. That wouldn't necessarily have anything to do with lymphedema.

    You probably don't need to worry about going to the ER (unless you can't get the bleeding to stop), but you do want to keep an eye on it for any sign of infection. With an at-risk arm the possibility of cellulitis (infection) is high, and since it spreads quickly you want to get help right away if you suspect that. Here's information about infection:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

    There are several things you can do to help keep the lymph flowing out of the area. Most important now would be to keep it elevated (use pillows in bed tonight). Stay really well hydrated (it helps dilute the lymph fluid and makes it flow better) and every once in a while take a few deep abdominal breaths (it stimulates the largest lymph vessel in our bodies). Use over-the-counter pain meds to control pain, because your body's reaction to pain is to send more lymph fluid to the site. If you use ice, place a cloth between the ice-pack and your skin and limit it to 15 minutes at a time (extreme temperatures also draw lymph fluid). 

    Please do keep us posted, and let us know how we can help. Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Vivian68
    Vivian68 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2012

    Thanks so much Binney. It has been 2 hours and I feel no pain. No swelling has occurred. I am planning to elevate overnight.  

    Thanks for the hydrating info. I'm drinking goldenseal tea also (natural antibiotic).  

    Thank you so much. You are up late! Very helpful!

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited August 2012

    Vivian, I hope you're healing.  I just want to say how impressive it is that you're so tuned into your LE risk.  I've met more than a few women who are some years out of their surgeries, and they have no clue they are at risk of LE.  Bully for you, for knowing to ask such a good question!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012
    Vivian, how are you doing?Smile Thinking of you!
    Binney
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