Ouch! Mangled my finger with hedge clippers

[chadface]

I was trimming some hedges in my back yard and ended up cutting my middle finger on my left hand (I'm right handed). 4 hours in the ER and 8 stitches later, I'm wondering what to do instead of play. I could post pics but I don't think that's what the saying "pics or it didn't happen" means. However, I can post a picture of the culprit:

I think that's a newer model but you get the idea.

Fortunately playing is just a hobby, unfortunately my job requires a lot of typing.

What would you do if you couldn't play for a few months? I'm thinking to get a music theory book and better myself on that end...

 

[Gorn]

Learn the trumpet.

 

[CallMeAl]

First of all, so sorry. That sucks.

Second, thanks for not posting "that" pic. I was a little nervous for the few seconds it took to load.

Third, theory is a great idea! Do you have a keyboard? You can get a cheap midi keyboard for under 50 bucks. (Not like you need the bass side! Sorry.... too soon?) You can work on chord voicings, ear training, and vocalizing.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

A lesson for all of us.
Something happens in a split second and the consequences could be lifelong for you, a loved one... or a complete stranger. Power equipment, cars, electricity, slick floor... you name it.
Please be careful.
In your downtime, I'd recommend reading some music biographies... Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, John Fogerty all have some good ones.

 

[Stumbo]

Interval ear and voice training on a piano along with learning song melodies/lyrics.

As much as you can stand.

 

[Ostie]

Sounds like it could have been a lot worse. Speedy recovery to you.

 

[gln1955]

I assume you didn't cut your finger off, so what did you do that'll take months to heal? I had a run in with pruning shears that cut my finger four stitches worth and I was back to playing in two weeks.

 

[flojob]

 

[Basshappi]

I did the exact same thing when I was a young bass player, sorry to hear it.
I ended up with several stitches in my left index finger and very glad I didn't cut it off completely, already missing fingers on that hand so I don't have any to spare!
I hope you have a full and speedy recovery.

 

[chadface]

I assume you didn't cut your finger off, so what did you do that'll take months to heal? I had a run in with pruning shears that cut my finger four stitches worth and I was back to playing in two weeks.

Last time it happened (I know, I know) it took a few months. It was worse last time but it isn't a clean cut, so the scar tissue kind of becomes a mound that is very soft for a while. I did try playing with just the other 3 fingers and it wasn't horrible

 

[chadface]

View attachment 3478247

Good thing that red arrow is there...

 

[Stumbo]

Last time it happened (I know, I know) it took a few months. It was worse last time but it isn't a clean cut, so the scar tissue kind of becomes a mound that is very soft for a while. I did try playing with just the other 3 fingers and it wasn't horrible

Hey, brother
You gotts stay away from sharp objects!

Better off paying someone to do that work.

 

[gln1955]

Last time it happened (I know, I know) it took a few months. It was worse last time but it isn't a clean cut, so the scar tissue kind of becomes a mound that is very soft for a while. I did try playing with just the other 3 fingers and it wasn't horrible

Hopefully no nerve damage. I still have a little numb spot on my finger and I did that five years ago.

Speedy recovery, man.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I use hedge trimmers like that pretty regularly, only with heavy gloves that might help to some extent if needed. But chain saws? Nope, not happening.

Good luck with your recovery!

 

[TolerancEJ]

@chadface That is awful and I hope you feel better soon.

A few years ago, I had just placed a deposit on an FBass BN6 and that weekend I used my ladder to do some work outside my house. After finishing the work, I had the opened ladder laying on the ground with one side sticking up at a 45 degree angle. The ladder was new, so I was figuring out how to close it for the first time. Then I noticed the safety latches that were keeping it open, so I flipped them. I was not quick enough; the ladder slammed shut on my right thumb!

Over the next few months, it was extremely tender. The nail eventually turned black and fell off, almost 2 months with a paper thin thumbnail. It healed just days before the arrival of my BN6, so I could actually enjoy it.