Thursday, August 14, 2008

Ingrown

Welp, I've got me an infected ingrown finger nail. Yes, it is as YUCK-worthy as it sounds. Throughout this week, a trimmed-too-short nail has evolved into a miniature battleground for bacteria and my trusty white blood cells. If you've ever had one of these, you know how much it sucks. After a few days of incessant, accidental bludgeoning of the painful little thing, I took a trip over to Wheeling Hospital to inquire about antibiotics...and for reassurance that my finger wasn't going to rot off. Within seconds of my nurse practitioner introducing herself, she grabbed my finger with no warning what-so-ever and starting pulling and squeezing the wound while she said repeatedly "I know you hate me, I know you hate me but this has to be done," (...which seemed to be more of a dramatic action and statement than necessary. Then I looked around for the other cast members of General Hospital). After the sneak attack, she claimed, "I had to be quick otherwise you might not let me look at it." Since this is the type of theory that I often only apply to pets and small children, I came to two possible conclusions: 1. I inadvertently walked into a veterinary office due to my infection going to my brain, thus causing delirium- OR - 2. I looked shorter (and more childlike) than usual. I digress. So she gave me some oral and topical antibiotic prescriptions and instructed me to keep it wrapped up "real good like". I said thanks and left as she shouted after me to stop biting my nails. Luckily, no finger rot will likely ensue.

I wanted to, but forgot to take a picture to show everyone (because, you know, everyone loves infection pictures!) before I bandaged it up.
Here's a picture of someone else's problem:
Fortunately, my finger looks nothing like this toe. I don't have hairy knuckles.

The messed up nail is actually on my left hand. The picture turned mirror image-ish for reasons unknown.

If that isn't wrapped up "real good like," I don't know what is.

So yes, other than infections, things here at good ole' WJU are well! Student leaders arrived on campus yesterday and things are busy as expected. With the back-to-school chaos, I am looking forward to another year of working with students and plugging for social change!

Got to get going.
Crin