Rubber gloves or

[Daveinthebush]

I helped skin and flesh about 5 bears this spring.  Somewhere along the line I must have nicked myself.  About day 7-10 the swelling started and I did some home treatment.  I had to attend a welding class so headed to Wasilla AK and started the class.  On Tuesday night last week the thumb swelled to 1 1/2 times, started turning blue in parts, throbbed and got a little nasty.  I opted to miss some class and see the doctor.  X-rays, 4 shots of a pain killer, lancing the thumb, a slide of the infection, medication and $540 latter I was out the door. Hot soapy soaking every few hours, medication that has to be taken after food (if not you'll vomit, been there).

It is Sunday now and the blue has at least changed to red again.  The swelling is moving down and towards the lower part of the hand now.  If in the morning there is no change for the better it will be another doctor in Valdez tomorrow.

Wear rubber gloves guys.

[Redhawk1]

Daveinthebush, some people think I am a little paranoid. I wear a pair of Latex gloves and I also put on a pair of the plastic gloves that go up to the top of my arms.
The Latex gloves to protect my hands and the plastic gloves to protect my clothing. I had the same thing happen to me, I got a small cut and it got infected. Not fun at all. I also carry anti-bacterial water-less hand cleaner to wash up after the job is done.  

[Butler]

The nitrile gloves work well also,,but not quite as nice of a feel as latex but they are tougher..

[Butler]

I can actually get a hell of a rash when skinning out deer,especially when they are in the rut...Bear doesnt seem to bother me as much but deer,wow, swell all up and bright red rash...I just thank god I am not allergic to the meat!!!!

[wijim]

i wear cattle breedin gloves.  they go right up to the shoulder if ya want em to.  im allergic as well.  not meat...just the hair n dander.

[Daveinthebush]

We went up a notch today and now have an IV and injections every 12 hours.

Cramping my style here.  No halibut fishing, no shrimping, no bear hunting.......

[Siskiyou]

Dave:  How they put a name to your infection?

I have been know to nick myself when gutting deer.  I keep a fresh pair of Latex-Neoprene gloves in my day pack. I even had my daughter wear a pair when she was helping cut-up a deer.

Over the years I have read a number of articles about rabbits carrying a deadly parasites and the recommendation that hunters wear gloves when cleaning them.  It would not be unreasonable to expect bear to carry a few parasites being they are they are one of the major waste management outfits in the woods.  They might be scooping up bacteria in rotting matter by the mouthful.

[Rwalter63]

Dave,

Keep a very close eye on that finger. The changing of color to blue is quite often a sign of blood poisioning. It could cause septicemia which can be fatal. I am sure you'll be fine but just take care and our prayers are with you.  Did they say what species of bacteria caused the infection? Certainlly they must of done a culture and antibiotic sensitivity on it. Its worth asking that way you can be sure your on the right antibiotic. Though if your on an IV antibiotic your probably getting an Vancomycin or a similar drug from the same class. They are pretty powerful and should work fairly fast. Best of Luck and keep us posted.

Robert

[Daveinthebush]

Well the IV injections are working well.  In 24 hours I have some motion back, the swelling has receeded but still there.  The redness is lightening.

We have a visiting Air Force doctor that is great.  Likes infectious diseases as a hobby. :grin:

The culture turned up nothing.  Which is probably good.  Were on our way to a fix it looks like.

[Butler]

Hope you are feeling better,doesn't sound like much fun at all..!!!!!

[Daveinthebush]

I recieved the latest medical bills from the thumb today.  So far the cost is, $2,500.