Tough As Nails

It's time for another post about my boy's injured finger. If you are just tuning in, feel free to go back and read about how it all began, the change of plans, new diagnosis and subsequent surgery.

If you recall, our wonderful surgeon, Dr. W., had originally told us that he would be leaving the pin in the boy's finger for six weeks. After further consideration, Dr. W. decided to remove the pin after just four weeks.

Why the change of heart? Simply, the pin was resting in the growth plate of the boys finger. While Dr. W. didn't foresee this causing any problems, he preferred not to take any chances. The pin removal was scheduled for 3:15 yesterday afternoon.

Once we were settled in an exam room, Dr. W. pulled up a stool next to my boy and explained exactly what the procedure entailed. He also gave the boy an opportunity to back out. He said he would gladly do the procedure at the hospital while the boy was fast asleep. My boy would hear none of it.

The first task was the painful part... thoroughly numbing the boy's finger. Dr. W. picked up the biggest syringe that I have ever seen. Really. It was huge. He plunged the inch long needle into the boy's hand at the base of his finger and gave it a squeeze. He repeated the process three more times.

It was at this time that I discovered my boy has inherited yet another one of my delightful traits... nervous laughter. When the pain became a little intense, the boy began to giggle. He laughed so hard that a nasty, vile toot snuck out. It was hilarious.

I have to take a minute and tell you how tough my boy is. The only noise he made was to whisper, "That hurts dang bad.," after the third jab. Over and over during the procedure, Dr. W. would shake his head and say, "Grown men cry when I do this. I can't believe how brave you are." He was still marveling about it as we were leaving.

My boy is tough as nails.

After the boy's finger was sufficiently numb, Dr. W. grabbed his pliers and wiggled the inch-long pin loose. The injured digit was then carefully placed in a new brace. Unlike his previous brace, this one needs to be worn 24/7 for the next two weeks. Dr. W. wants to give the tendon a little more time to heal. At that point, the boy will be able to remove the brace for a few hours a day and gently bend his finger.

We will have one final appointment with Dr. W. in three weeks.