AFwife Claire Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 So my almost 16-year-old son was doing pushups on the floor. He came down hard on his knees when he was done, landed on a needle (?Not sure how it got on the floor?!), which jabbed into his thigh right above his knee and broke off. The broken off part (a few mms, we think) is in his skin, fairly deeply. Soooo . . . any ideas? We can't see it. It is somewhat painful, and he can't bend his knee fully. Going to our (military) ER is not an option right now because in rush hour traffic it would take forever, plus we are expecting a "snow squall" in the next 2 hours, with bad driving conditions. We thought about soaking it, although he'd have to be in a full bath, since it's on the front of his leg. I will take him in tomorrow for sure, if nothing happens before then, since I have to go for a well-baby appointment for the 4 month old anyway. Never a dull moment . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 I would find a way to get him to a doctor immediately. Can you at least call your doctor? I'm sure you will be advised not to wait until tomorrow Bad weather or not, I would be on the way to the ER. Call an ambulance if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Sorry to say, this sounds ER worthy and I'm not one to jump to the ER call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 No question! He needs immediate medical attention! Prepare whatever you need to have to stay in town if the weather is bad, and for safe travels in case you get stranded, but get him to the hospital even though it will take forever. It won't take sixteen or more hours, like waiting until tomorrow will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Go to the ER now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter's Moon Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 I also say ER now. And have him keep his leg as still as possible. His movements could cause it to go deeper and (God forbid) tear into muscle or vein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Take him now. If it becomes a dire situation, you will be stuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 I was practicing my shuffle step for tap as a kid and a needle went in my foot. Mom had been sewing that day. Go to the ER. They will xray and take it out :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Take him in, even if it takes forever to get there. He'll need a tetanus shot for sure. Probably preventive antibiotics too. (I've done similar while sewing. Even a small puncture wound is a big deal.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beaniemom Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 You can go to a civilian ER if it is closer. You just have to call Tricare and let them know you went. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 ER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 By the way, with puncture wounds, tomorrow it is going to be MUCH more painful and difficult to extract, with swelling and such. Additionally, the needle or the bacteria could invade his knee joint and that would be serious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted February 18, 2015 Author Share Posted February 18, 2015 Okay, we went ahead and got Tricare authorization to go to a civilian urgent care. Dh was on his way home, so as soon as he got here, he picked up ds and they are there now. Poor kid--such a totally random thing! I am praying it comes out easily! He was pretty freaked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 I'm glad he went in. Hopefully they will be able to help him easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Okay, we went ahead and got Tricare authorization to go to a civilian urgent care. Dh was on his way home, so as soon as he got here, he picked up ds and they are there now. Poor kid--such a totally random thing! I am praying it comes out easily! He was pretty freaked out. I'm so glad to hear he is getting medical attention. I feel so sorry for him, though -- I hope the piece of needle comes out easily. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Ouch...I cringed when reading that. Hope they are able to get it out easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 I'm glad they went in! Right answer, there, on Tricare's part!! And I do think Urgent Care will be able to handle it. Ow, ow, ow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 This thread makes me hurt. ETA: but not as badly as the OP's son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 OMG, something similar just happened to a friend's dd. The needle went all the way into her knee. Couldn't get it out in the ER and had to go into the OR. She's fine now, but they wouldn't let her keep the needle, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Hope he is ok. That sounds awful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Glad he's seeing the doctor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Last fall dd stepped on a toothpick stuck in the carpet. It went into the soft part of her foot and broke off. She had to have surgery to remove it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clementine Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Please update when he's home & resting. Hope all goes well! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Hoping all is well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Bumping in the hope of an update. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Well, this whole thing has definitely not been easily remedied! Urgent care couldn't deal with it, so they sent him to a local ER. That ER doc didn't feel comfortable attempting to get it out, so he consulted with an ortho surgeon. They wanted to admit him and do something tomorrow, but dh decided we would rather ds be at Bethesda, so they left, came home and picked up food and a bag for ds, and they headed off to Bethesda, since rush hour was over and the snow had passed. They are there now, and I guess we'll see what they want to do. I suppose doctors there are experienced at getting tiny pieces of metal out, since that's where wounded warriors go? Such a crazy, freak accident . . who would ever have thought doing push-ups would be so hazardous to one's health?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. I'm sorry that there have been so many steps in this journey but I hope that Bethesda will do a good job for you. I hope your ds hasn't been in too much pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Well, this whole thing has definitely not been easily remedied! Urgent care couldn't deal with it, so they sent him to a local ER. That ER doc didn't feel comfortable attempting to get it out, so he consulted with an ortho surgeon. They wanted to admit him and do something tomorrow, but dh decided we would rather ds be at Bethesda, so they left, came home and picked up food and a bag for ds, and they headed off to Bethesda, since rush hour was over and the snow had passed. They are there now, and I guess we'll see what they want to do. I suppose doctors there are experienced at getting tiny pieces of metal out, since that's where wounded warriors go? Such a crazy, freak accident . . who would ever have thought doing push-ups would be so hazardous to one's health?! (((Hugs))) What an ordeal? Poor kid! Did they do any imaging? Is it in a tricky spot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Gosh, it hurts just to read about it! Hope Bethesda gets it out easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Oh my goodness! I had no idea it would be so complicated to get a little piece of metal removed! I hope your ds isn't too nervous. I know I would be a wreck! :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Oh my goodness! I had no idea it would be so complicated to get a little piece of metal removed! I hope your ds isn't too nervous. I know I would be a wreck! :( Plug your ears if you're squeamish... That is why I am wondering if the needle entered at an angle and maybe is stuck under the patella. OK, you can look now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 What an ordeal! I hope they are successful at getting it out. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 An orthopedic surgeon was in the ER, so he is going to take a "stab" (haha, I crack myself up) at getting the needle fragment. If he can't get it out right away, then it looks like they will schedule ds for surgery tomorrow in the actual operating room. All for a piece of needle. I don't think it's under the patella though--I'm pretty sure it is just down in the thigh muscle above the patella. Lots of blood vessels and nerves there though . . . gah . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Oh, Claire, I hope he can remove it easily tonight! Sending good thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Poor kid! What a night! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I hope he can get it out tonight! Who would have imagined that actual surgery might be required??? :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Oh, the poor kid! Any updates? Hope everything is OK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Yikes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Praying here, Claire, and hoping you will find out soon that the needle is out and that Luke is just fine. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Ortho doc couldn't get it out. And there are no OR slots for a non-emergency surgery tomorrow, so the surgery isn't going to be until next week. He's coming home with his leg in a big immobilizing brace so he can't move it, so that should be fun. He's bummed about missing basketball practice/game, as well as rugby practice, and the next CAP meeting, since it's a PT night, and he's the cadet in charge of PT. I still can't believe this has turned into such an ordeal, and now it's lingering on into next week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Oh no, boo hiss. I'm sorry they couldn't get it sorted out today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 It is absolutely ridiculous that they can't find a way to schedule him in sooner than that! :angry: Is there another surgeon/hospital you could use instead? It would be worth a bit of traveling to get it done sooner. I am so sorry this has turned into such a nightmare! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 It is absolutely ridiculous that they can't find a way to schedule him in sooner than that! :angry: Is there another surgeon/hospital you could use instead? It would be worth a bit of traveling to get it done sooner. I am so sorry this has turned into such a nightmare! :grouphug: No, we are Tricare Prime, so we have to use the military treatment facility, unless Tricare authorizes something (like an ER visit, which they did previously). But they wouldn't authorize a non-emergency surgery somewhere else. What can I say--it's the government. It is a nightmare though, for sure. I am highly irritated!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Do they have him on antibiotics or something to protect him from infection until they get it out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joules Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Something similar happened to my mom when she was crawling around on the floor with ds17 when he was a babe. She put her hand down and thought she was stabbed by a needle, but when I found it in the carpet, less than half was there. It hurt like crazy, but she didn't believe anything was in there until she saw the Xray. Hand surgery is delicate, so they did have to work into a surgeon's schedule. They just don't want to hack in and damage anything else. I think it was about a week. Despite the surgeon's reassurance, I was completely freaked out by the wait. It all turned out completely fine. They assured me that they can tell by the Xrays if it's more important to do it immediately or wait and do it right (so it's good you took him right away!) So sorry that he has to be immobilized, that is so miserable for active teens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Do they have him on antibiotics or something to protect him from infection until they get it out? Yes, they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Just checked in. I'm so sorry, Claire. Will keep you all in our thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Ugh, poor kid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Ugh. I hope it's not postponed past that. Good luck with this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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