Oops

[SitkaSpruce]

Sorry to hear of your injury. It's all too easy to do. I picked up my loppers in the wood- wiped off the pine needles- oops- no glove and the surprisingly sharp blade cut my thumb. needless to say- had no first aid kit and was deep in the wood dripping blood. bit tissue and tree marking tape wound round was my makeshift solution. I also learnt a useful lesson - I now put my gloves on first.
Hope you heal quickly.

[Tarrel]

I did that with a hatchet. Seems I was better at sharpening than I thought I was!

[oldclaypaws]

I'd like to do a thumbs up in recognition of the amazing Stephen Sutton, but think I'll have to leave it at a thumb half-up, and securely fixed in that position for the next few weeks. Consultant seems pleased, and I've been able to move the dangling digit a bit, so the tendons are nicely sewn together and working.

[SitkaSpruce]

How you getting on Oldclaypaws? Healing?

[oldclaypaws]

Thanks for asking Sitka.

Your comment reminds me of when I did my back in about 15 years ago, slipping two discs. A neighbour asked "av you erd of Ealing?" Yes, I replied, you mean the suburb near Acton ? I know it well having stayed in a Hotel there. "No!" he retorted, "Ealing, 'ealing with the 'ands !"

To answer the question, after 6 weeks the 'ealing is frustratingly slow. I can't recommend doing in 5 tendons. I'm allowed light use of the injured hand now, but to do so hurts and it has no strength at all. I've about 50% of the usual movement of the thumb and I can just about lift an apple. It feels very taut, I've a lot of scar tissue which is stopping the tendons sliding properly. I felt quite low being unable to do much, it doesn't suit me sitting and watching daytime TV when I'm used to making stuff and chucking logs around. The upside is a fullish recovery is on the cards if I behave, but it'll be another 6 weeks before I have any strength in the hand and a year for the tendons to fully recover. Could have been worse; if I'd gone into the joints I'd be permanently stuffed, it was a close call.

Bought a nice pair of protective Stihl Chainsaw gloves this week, once I've managed to get one on the left hand I don't think I'll ever take it off again.

[Zathras]

Good to hear you are healing.

Don't forget that chainsaw gloves are designed to stuff up a rotating chains to stop the device quickly rather than protect against impacts with sharp things.

I've been looking at chainmail gloves myself for doing billhook/machete work, but they are damned expensive!

[smojo]

I've been looking at chainmail gloves myself for doing billhook/machete work, but they are damned expensive!

Just had a look on Ebay, quite a few listed £20 odd and upward. You only get one but that's probably all you need. Dunno if the cheap ones are any good but bound to be better than flesh!

[Wendelspanswick]

I have a chain mail glove somewhere, given to me by a pal who did a stint working in an abattoir until he found it was not for him! Good protection against slicing you free hand, not sure how much protection it would give from a machete blow as the mail is quite fine for dexterity.

[Zathras]

I couldn't see any on eBay for £20, unless you're talking about mediaeval reenactment type.
Even on eBay they start at £50 for a professional butchery glove and there are various different grades and quality all the way up into the hundreds.

Given this is for machete work I think looking at the upper grades and gauntlet type is probably best. Even then you would have one hell of a bruise or broken bones, maybe could still go through but a least the damage is hugely limited.

[oldclaypaws]

A surprise phone call tonight from the Chair of the Brazilian Football Federation.

"Fancy a job as our new goalkeeper? I know you've only got one hand, but you can't be any worse than the current guy".