Medical WWYD?

[preppy]

Yesterday morning I got a massive splinter under my finger nail. When removing it a piece broke off and is stuck, pretty deep down. We tried a few tricks from doctor google but it didnt work and this afternoon it was red and warm and looking like the start of an infection. I walked across the street to an urgent care by my office. They said I definately need it taken out.

The doc numbs my finger and has a scalpel about a cm away then stops and says she is NERVOUS and asks if I can come back at 5 because they have a surgeon that comes for a few hours and he would be better. Fine.

They just called and the surgeon isn't coming but the same doc as before can "give it a try" or I can go back at 8am to have a diff doc do it.

Do I even go back or should I just try an ER tonight? I have no faith in this urgent care now but already paid a $50 copay for nothing and don't feel like shelling out $200 for our ER copay. WWYD?

[vtdiamond]

Uggh Preppy, that sucks big time. Have you tried calling your PCP?

I wouldn't let the Urgent Care person "give it a try." I'd only go to the ER if it was really bothering me, otherwise would wait and call PCP in the morning.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[preppy]

I don't have a PCP here yet. Only doctor I have up here is an obgyn. Ugh.

It sounds dumb because its a splinter but it really hurts.

[preppy]

Jun 10, 2013 16:50:21 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Is the "different" doc a surgeon too? If so, and assuming you can wait until the morning, I'd do that. I wouldn't want someone who said they were nervous!

Alternatively, could you try a different urgent care facility? The ER seems excessive but there are so many great healthcare facilities around here I have to think you have some choices.

The different doc is not another surgeon but someone they claim "does procedures regularly". I feel like the ER is overboard too. I will look into other urgent cares by my house when I get home, that's a good idea.

[soxin2]

Not sure where you live or work, but I've had good luck at the urgent care at Waltham.

[preppy]

Jun 10, 2013 17:29:48 GMT -5 soxin2 said:

Not sure where you live or work, but I've had good luck at the urgent care at Waltham.

Doctors Express? I went to their other location in Watertown near my office. Maybe I will call and see of they have someone who does procedures and go to that location instead.

[5kcandlesinthewind]

I would not go to the nervous nelly, but I would get it taken care of asap. My brother had a splinter in his hand last summer - it was in deep, got infected, and he ended up needing surgery.
Not that I think that's going to happen to you, but you really don't want to wait around on something that looks infected already.

[preppy]

Jun 10, 2013 17:56:46 GMT -5 5kcandlesinthewind said:

I would not go to the nervous nelly, but I would get it taken care of asap. My brother had a splinter in his hand last summer - it was in deep, got infected, and he ended up needing surgery.
Not that I think that's going to happen to you, but you really don't want to wait around on something that looks infected already.

This is what I am afraid of. When I worked at MEEI in hyperbarics I saw a guy with necrotising fasciitis from a splinter. I am forever scarred.

[soxin2]

Jun 10, 2013 17:41:26 GMT -5 preppy said:

Jun 10, 2013 17:29:48 GMT -5 soxin2 said:

Not sure where you live or work, but I've had good luck at the urgent care at Waltham.

Doctors Express? I went to their other location in Watertown near my office. Maybe I will call and see of they have someone who does procedures and go to that location instead.

Nope, the Newton Wellesley one in Children's-Waltham.

[soxin2]

I think they close at 8 tho.

[vtdiamond]

What'd you end up doing preppy ?

Hope you were able to get it taken care of and are getting some relief.

[preppy]

Jun 11, 2013 7:39:17 GMT -5 vtdiamond said:

What'd you end up doing preppy ?

Hope you were able to get it taken care of and are getting some relief.

I went back at 8am and the new doctor that "does a lot of procedures" told me to soak it warm water 3x a day and hope the infection pushes it out. WTF. The woman yesterday is adamant about it needing to come out. Sooo I am going to the newton-Wellesley urgent care in Waltham when they open because I don't trust anyone in this place. I also am having the practice manager call me because I want my copay back.

[pinkroses]

Ugh, good luck preppy.  I got something jammed under my thumbnail this weekend too and I am just hoping it will come out.  I pulled out as much as I could but after awhile I felt like I was just pushing it in further, so I stopped.  No infection signs yet, though. 

Good call not letting the nervous doctor give it a try.  I hope they will refund your copay.

[rikki]

Ugh. I'm so sorry. Hope you have a better experience and it is out soon!

[preppy]

They are refunding my copay and I am going to newton-Wellesley. Hopefully my next update is me with no more painful splinter under my nail!

[liveintheville]

Ugh! I hope Newton-Wellesley can help.
MGH has a walk in clinic as well. 

[LoveTrains]

Jun 11, 2013 11:00:56 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

N-W has a specialized hand surgery practice so I'm sure they'll have someone on hand who can help!

LOL at your pun.

[MixedBerryJam]

Jun 11, 2013 8:00:51 GMT -5 preppy said:

Jun 11, 2013 7:39:17 GMT -5 vtdiamond said:

What'd you end up doing preppy ?

Hope you were able to get it taken care of and are getting some relief.

I went back at 8am and the new doctor that "does a lot of procedures" told me to soak it warm water 3x a day and hope the infection pushes it out. WTF. The woman yesterday is adamant about it needing to come out. Sooo I am going to the newton-Wellesley urgent care in Waltham when they open because I don't trust anyone in this place. I also am having the practice manager call me because I want my copay back.

Absolutely. They sent you away after you paid? "Gimme my money back please."

[pinkroses]

preppy how is your splinter?  I hope someone at NW was able to help you.

[preppy]

I am all fixed! NW was able to remove it WITHOUT cutting off my nail. All is well. I might get a pedi after work tomorrow since its bruised under the nail though. My refund I my copay is posted to our bank account too!