Always good advice to follow, but especially when wielding a powerful source of adrenaline.
My day started out like any other Saturday. I was still nursing the headcold of the century and feeling rather sorry for myself. Hubs was in Philly at the Home Show promoting his new podcast, and my kids were still milling around in their pajamas at 11AM.
Figuring that I’d feel better if I eliminated some of the clutter that seems to engulf me, I began shuffling papers and opening bags of prescription medication I had picked up the night before. I opened a box of EpiPens that we keep on hand for my son’s nut allergies and placed them in a drawer. I removed the old, outdated one and took it over to the sink.
Whenever I replace the old EpiPens, I always practice with them on a piece of fruit. This is how they train medical professionals to use the instrument, and I figure it’s a good way to keep up on my skilz should I ever need to use one in a crisis situation.
Usually I read the directions carefully so as not to misfire, but I thought I remembered the drill. I casually placed the EpiPen against the orange, and POP!
Into my thumb it went.
Yes, you read that right. INTO MY THUMB. I had the friggin’ thing upside down.
Now, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I am worthless in a crisis situation. Utterly worthless. I lose my mind. I can’t think straight. I FUH-REAK OUT. This time was no different. I started hollering, and my 8-year-old son came running. I immediately grabbed the phone and dialed 911 while calling myself all sorts of derogatory names such as idiot and dumbass until the dispatcher answered the phone.
I explained the situation as I ran my thumb under cool water and absentmindedly tried to squeeze the epinephrine back out, an exercise in futility for sure. They told me to make myself comfortable and they were on their way.
When the ambulance arrived, I was shaky but still coherent. Mortified, I explained the situation, much to their amusement. They assured me of what I already assumed, that there was really nothing they could do for me. Then they explained that the worst case scenario was that my thumb would turn gray and cold and I would lose the tip of the digit.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH?
Resume FUH-REAK OUT.
So I guess I ought to go to the ER, so if it starts to get gray, they can do something about that, right?
Um, well. They always recommend that you be seen, but there’s really nothing they can do.
Say, WHAAAAAAH?
Eventually I decided not to go anywhere. The ER is the last place I care to spend a Saturday, and besides, I was alone with my three kids. Sure, I could ditch them at a neighbor’s, but for what? So I could watch my thumb turn gray and fall off in the nasty ER? No thank you. I’ll just stay here and suffer the consequences of my supreme stupidity in the comfort of my own home.
I signed some papers that basically said I understood the risks of going untreated, the range of possibilities being "none to death". I kid you not. Then I said good-bye to the friendly EMTs and wished them a good day.
Naturally an ambulance in front of one’s house on a sunny Saturday morning attracts some attention from the neighbors, so that afternoon I got to answer a series of phone calls inquiring about my health and well-being, to which I explained a jillion times that no, I’m not sick or dying. Just an idiot of monumental proportions.
As the day wore on and the thumb continued to feel prickly and swollen and became a disconcerting shade of gray, I began rethinking my decision not to be seen in the ER. At the advice of a neighbor, I called poison control, who informed me that I should have soaked my thumb in warm water and massaged it vigorously for 30 minutes after the incident, and that there is a cream that could possibly help reverse the effects of the epinephrine should I decide to go to the ER.
Good to know. Wish I had known FIVE HOURS AGO!
Long story longer, after my husband got home, we farmed out the kids and had ourselves a romantic little date in the ER.
Fortunately it was not overly busy, and we were seen quickly. Two doctors looked at my thumb and determined that there should be no lasting damage. They applied a thin layer of nitroglycerin paste and sent us on our merry way, and I spent the remainder of my Saturday night watching TV with a chocolate martini in my good hand and my bad hand soaking in a tub of warm water. Shaddup, I deserved it!
Eventually I dozed off on the couch and woke a few hours later with the most excruciating pain I’ve ever experienced outside of childbirth throbbing in my thumb. I can only liken it to the pain of a bad burn.
In my sleepy state, I tried to figure out how I was going to survive the night in such intense pain. Then I remembered the script for Vicodin I had filled the day before. (It is intended for use after I have my wisdom teeth extracted in two weeks. Oh yes, the fun, it never ends around here. Don’t you wish you were me?) I gratefully located the bottle of pills and took one. Within 10 minutes, the pain was gone, and I went to bed.
When I woke up Sunday morning, my thumb seemed to be intact. The swelling was gone, the prickly feelings were gone, and the color was returning to normal. It was still sore and bruised, but otherwise appeared to be in good health. Unfortunately I couldn’t say the same for my head, but two cups of coffee and three Advils later and I was feeling well enough to go to church.
And there ends the saga of the EpiPen.
This is just the sort of calamity that always seems to befall me. I don’t have ordinary accidents, have you noticed? My friend S reminded me of the time in high school that I came to school by way of the ER because my hairdryer shorted out in my hand, burning my thumb (the same one, probably). I had to go to school with this enormous gauze bandage wrapped around my hand, which naturally drew quite a bit of attention.
So then I got the pleasure of explaining how I managed to obtain such an unusual injury, much to the amusement of my teachers and classmates. The looks on their faces were much like the looks I received from the EMTs and the ER staff when I told them I injected myself with an EpiPen while practicing on an orange. Yep, just doing my part to keep the world around me entertained.
I know this much. I’m pretty sure I’ll never operate an EpiPen again without first reading the directions in full. And at least I have something besides the weather to blog about today. Cup’s always half-full around here!
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{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m wondering if an epipen in the mouth would make pulling your wisdom teeth any easier? Or maybe it would have been better to have your wisdom teeth pulled Saturday while you were distracted by the thumb pain. (and already on vicodin and alcohol.) I’m also wondering if you decided you were going to be a “Calm, serene” woman on Saturday. Maybe that would explain it. Glad your thumb is doing some better!
I live in fear of injecting myself with the Epipen by mistake. Now I will be doubly fearful. Glad your thumb survived intact…
oh my goodness what a crazy day!!! glad you seem to be doing a bit better now!
Ouch! That must have hurt! I’m glad you’re feeling better. You know, my husband and daughter have diabetes. We have something called Glucagon that I can inject them with if their blood sugar ever gets so low that they pass out. I have read the directions on how to use it, but I’ve never thought to practice with them when they expire. I’ll have to do that the next time I replace them.
Good GRIEF!! Next time you’d better CALL ME and get yourself to the ER!
Oh my word….
So sorry to hear about your Saturday but glad you are better. You really do handle it well and with a good sense of humor not that its any consolation. Hope its an uneventful week.
Oh my goodness! I understand not wanting to go to the ER. Sometimes it’s hard to justify all the time spent waiting around…
Apparently you are not the first to have made the same mistake, not that it is any consolation.
You are too much! Have a wonderful day! Kids are off. I am sure plenty of blog material is just waiting to happen!! Can’t wait to see what every says tomorrow!
What a day! Glad to hear everything is allright!!
Oh my goodness! I am so glad you are ok!
Steph
Oh my. That is quite the eventful Saturday. I must say I felt guilty about chuckling a few times, but you wrote this with such humor I couldn’t help it. Though, I do believe I was clutching my thumb as I read.
oh. my.
Glad your thumb is not permanently damaged!!
I love that you convalesced in a chocolate martini in your good hand. You do things right, sister. Well, most things, anyway. Hee hee.
Glad you’re doing better and that your thumb didn’t fall off! I used to have to inject myself with Im*etrix in my thigh, sure glad I didn’t hit my thumb! Of course I had a pretty big target! SIGH……
What a saga! Glad you are ok!
Please forgive me for laughing at your misfortune. This post had me in stitches!
Don’t know if this program is available in your area, but my daughter has epipens for a nut allergy too, and every year if we’ve not used our pens, we can trade them in for new ones without charge. I’m thankful since they’re about $150 for a 2pk.
And now I’m off to find/watch the instructional dvd that came with her epipens as it occurred to me I need to make doubly sure I know how to use one!
I like reading these stories…it makes me feel not as dumb… just human…
It so sounds like something I could’ve done!
Glad that there’s no permanent damage!
In all my time as an RN (CCU, ICU, ER) I’ve yet to take care of someone who accidently engaged an epi pen into their thumb ! I’ve always *heard* about what would happen….the massive vasoconstriction of all those little vessels that supply the thumb, bone and skin with blood. But to actually read about what happened and then the aftermath of the blood rushing back to the area (i.e. the pain as you were sleeping on the couch) is like being privy to inside information !
Seriously though, I’m glad you are ok. Methinks the testing of the epi pens should be a Dh job, eh?
You can’t deny the value of good blog fodder, but stabbing yourself is a little extreme. I promise to comment more often if you promise to keep the medical drama to a minimum.
I’ll have a post with pictures of the new furniture today!
Thanks for all the well wishes, yall. What a weekend, I tell you what.
Susan – Yeah, DH will likely be the one to utilize the device if we ever find ourselves in need and he’s around. But what if I’m alone? I am terrified of having to use it on my son one day. Apparently I could use some more practice.
Okay, I feel really bad for you. But, it is just the tinest bit funny. Not something you can laugh at today, but maybe in a few years you’ll get a good chuckle out of it. I guess that was a lesson learned the hard way. I am glad you’re not seriously hurt and I’m glad you had some good pain medication on hand (no pun intended). I hope today goes better and you stay out of trouble.
Georgia Mom – Actually, I’ve been getting some chuckles out of it already, but I guess it’s easier to laugh now that I know my thumb is intact.
Oh my goodness DCR Mom!!! I’m so sorry that happened–I would’ve been freaking out too because my brain always goes to the extreme. I wish the medics had told you about the warm water, etc. but I’m sooooo glad (as are YOU!) that your thumb is intact. Scary, scary!
OH MY GOODNESS! I’m so sorry for this ordeal!!!!
I’m glad to hear your thumb didn’t fall off.
Oh dcrmom! I am so sorry!
We also keep epiPens on hand for my sons peanut and bee sting allergies. Each time th e pharmacist hands over the pens he says “Grab the pen with your whole hand. Do not put your thumb over one end. You don’t know how may people shoot themselves with the pen by putting their thumb over the end.”
He said that to us every time we picked a new one up.
You are the first person I have known to do this, but obviously it isn’t a rare thing….I hope that makes you feel better!
I am glad that you are OK.
A chocolate martini fixes anything doesn’t it?
Oh. My. Gosh. I’ve NEVER heard of this. EVER. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry! I had no idea an EPI pen could cause this much suffering. Wow!
I’m so glad you are ok, seriously.
Glad your thumb is going to make it. My question is, were any of the EMTs cute? That would make the personal stupidity horrible in the moment, but given you some nice daydreams while hyped up on Vicadin!
Oh my goodness! I am so glad you are okay! I honestly had no idea that epipens when you didn’t need them were that dangerous! Good to know!
Wow, that’s kind of scary that a finger could actually fall off from that! I also have an epipen and do the orange thing with the expired ones. I will definitely think of you next time and be very careful!
Even though it was a very unpleasant event for you, you turned it in to a great story, humorous and everything.
For heavens sake. I’ve never heard of such a thing. Yeah, that pen is scary and I can totally understand why you hope you never have to use it in a real emergency. Your poor thumb. Actually, you’re probably safe – I know for sure you’ll never ever do that again.
By the way, I see your comments are back. Told you! LOL
I am very glad your thumb is okay. I just have to say that I LOVE having you for a friend! There is no one quite like you, that is for sure. Kind of like a grown-up Ramona. And I will remember this story every time I take my epi-pens on field trips.
I hope you have a safe day today.
Oh My! I would be so freaked out! I like your manner of self-medicating via the chocolate martini. Glad to hear that you still have all ten digits. Be careful today, ok?
oh glory. lol.
i think this is one for the sidebar.
i’m so glad your thumb is still intact.
that’s sheer craziness.
S – Grown up Ramona! LOL. That should be my blog title. My Ramona Life. Snort.
In the interest of full disclosure, S is my best friend from high school.
And dlh is my best friend from college. This morning she reminded me of a few of my finer moments. One was when I got my hand stuck in a van door. We were on some student teaching outing, I guess, and someone closed the sliding door on my hand! And the driver STARTED DRIVING AWAY! We managed to get his attention, and they opened the door before I had any major damage.
And the other incident is escaping me, and I can’t find her email. Dang, it was a good one.
At any rate, I certainly do tend to have accidents no one else is stupid enough to have.
I apologize for all the giggling done here this morning at your expense. THAT IS CLASSIC. I assure you, I would have done the exact same thing, only probably worse. Congrats on keeping your thumb. Stay safe today!
Oh my goodness — we’ve got the Epipen script too — peanuts, eggs and milk around here. Well, atleast I know what to do if I shoot myself with it
I’m so so sorry I was at the mall cleaning up at the 70% off sale at Ann Taylor Loft when you called during the episode. Life is cruel, isn’t it?
I am really glad you’re okay. Really glad. Maybe there’s a future for you at the ivories afterall. Never say never. This is a sign…
Oh my gosh, what a funny story – not funny that you were in pain – but I had a good laugh about the EMT’s response. Glad you’re going to be okay. I’m so like you about being terrible in a crisis so I completely understand what you were talking about.
WOW! I am laughing out loud reading this. I am so sorry that you had such an adventurous and unpleasant weekend!
On a side note- I very much enjoyed having my wisdom teeth out- I stayed in bed and watched movies for days! I was taking vicoden and was fit for nothing else, which makes me sound like a drug addict but I’m not- just a major wimp! Maybe you’ll like it too?
Mrs. Branham – LMAO! Days? CLEARLY you have no children.
But that does sound sublime. If the kids were shipped off to Grammie’s, anyways.
Sorry about your thumb, but I’m glad that it turned out okay.
Oh my garsh! I carry Epipens for myself but have never had to use one. I thought you were joking about it possibly damaging the thumb. It’s actually a great idea to practice on fruit. Wow, this is a really strange, scary occurrence, and yet … quite entertaining. I know; I’m awful. I’m glad you’re OK, and I loved the part about the chocolate martini.
So glad your thumb is intact. That must have hurt SO MUCH. You poor thing!
I only snortle and laugh because that is something I would do. Thank goodness my children don’t need an epi-pen!
On the plus side, think that speeded up your metabolism for a day or two? That would be cool.
Oh no! I am so sorry! My son is allergic to nuts as well and there are always EpiPens floating around our house. I will have to be careful!
Sorry for your pain but thanks for the laugh!
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
OMG, that’s hysterically funny (sorry; if you know anything about me, you know that had I been there, I would have been LAUGHING MY *)) OFF! Thanks for the smile. I’m glad you’re okay
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Glad you are doing better!
Sorry for the loud roars of laughter that ensued while I read your post. You certainly know how to entertain, even in such circumstances!
Oh my! I’m so glad you didn’t lose your thumb! Thankfully, I’ve not had to use one on my son yet (and hopefully won’t), but I hope that if I ever do, I’ll remember to make sure my thumb isn’t in the way in case I do have it upside down! I do think that’s a great idea to practice on the fruit though – never thought of that!
I do not want to laugh at your pain and I am so glad you are feeling better. But, I laughed out loud at this post. Sounds like one heck of a Saturday night at your house! Be careful out there, girl!
saw your comment on rocksinmydryer…there are 8 episodes of LOST being aired…of course there should be 16…dang writers strike!
um, scary! This would totally happen to me. Especially the freak out part. Thank goodness you had that rx filled.
Wow! Not fun. But you know that.
I’m really glad that you’re healing in the right direction.
If an EpiPen can do that much damage to the thumb, I would never want to use one! But then, in life threatening emergencies, of course I wouldn’t care. And also, I’m sure it goes on a big muscle, not a little thumb!
How frustrating that the paramedics couldn’t really help you with that information at the time!!! And hey, check out your instincts! You immediately reacted by going to the water and massaging it.
I’m glad things are getting better with your thumb, what an ordeal! And I can relate to odd injuries, I once slammed my lip in a door.
I have no explanation.
This is a hilarious story!!!! It sounds like something I would do and excatly how I would react! I am glad that your thumb is still intact~ Whew! That was a close one, wasn’t it? LOL
Ahhhhhhhhhh… Nothing like dinner with the DH and a good chocolate martini, providing you didn’t try to soak your thumb in the cocktail!!!!
Wow, I’m glad you’re ok! That’s scary.
Oh my! I’m glad you are okay.
I told EMT-Dad he’s not allowed to practice IV’s on me, I’ll buy him all the oranges he wants!!
Man.
First off, great blog… I just stumbled across it today.
Second. I can’t imagine! A few years back I triggered my old epipen just to see how it worked. Fortunately I faced it away from me, but the distance that the epinephrine achieved from our balcony was terrifying. Straight across the driveway and to the neighbour’s property. From that point forward I’ve had my doubts whether I could bring myself to actually use it if needed.
Thanks again for the blog, it’s great!
I am so glad you Twittered about this vintage post! It was very entertaining! So glad the whole saga ended well. My hubby has EpiPens for his food allergies and I am always afraid I wouldn’t know how to use them…so I may practice on fruit someday, too, but will ALWAYS remember your calamity in the back of my mind as a warning of what COULD happen!
Merry Christmas!
WHOA! That is horrible! Glad your thumb wound up being okay enough to type up that post and tell us! Where is the epi-pen supposed to be put, you know, if it really needed to be used? Sometimes I see kids in my daughter’s school with one around their neck, but I would have no idea what to do with it if the time ever came!