Conflicting Opinions on the Depth of My Stomach Cuts
At 24 years old, with a height of 5'3" and weighing 180 lbs, I found myself grappling with an incident from my past when I was 21. Having struggled with self-harm, I sought emergency assistance for stitches due to cuts on my abdomen. At the time, the medical team categorized these wounds as superficial in my medical records. This designation puzzled me because I believed that any cuts that reached the fatty tissue underneath considered were deemed deep. During my visit, the nurse reassured me that the cuts did not require stitches, labeling them as superficial. However, when I communicated this to the doctor, he appeared taken aback, stating, "Is she the doctor or am I?" He asserted that all of the cuts warranted stitching and that several of them were, in fact, significantly deeper than initially assessed. This stark contrast in opinions left me bewildered about the true nature of my injuries.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 4:40:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel confused and concerned when receiving differing opinions about the severity of your past injuries. Your experience highlights the complexity of medical assessments and how differing perspectives can influence patient care. Let's clarify what "superficial" and "deep" wounds mean and how to approach your concerns.
Main Points:
- "Superficial" cuts typically only affect the outer layers of skin, while "deep" cuts reach the fatty tissue or deeper layers.
- Conflicting medical opinions can occur based on the assessment methods and individual interpretations.
- Understanding your past wounds can help inform your self-care and mental health moving forward.
Explanation:
Cuts on the abdomen categorized as "superficial" usually indicate they only penetrate the skin's outer layer. A "deep" cut reaches fat tissue or muscle, often requiring more care, such as stitches to ensure proper healing and prevent complications like infection. It's not uncommon for differing levels of expertise and perspectives among healthcare professionals to lead to varying assessments of wounds. This can create confusion for patients, especially regarding how best to care for those injuries.
Next Steps:
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Reflect on Healing: If you haven’t already, take time to assess how your past self-harm wounds have healed physically and emotionally. This can help you understand any lingering concerns you may have regarding your body and mental health.
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Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote healing—both emotionally and physically. This may involve practicing self-compassion, journaling your feelings, or engaging in activities that reinforce positive body image.
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Seek Support: Consider talking with a mental health professional who can help you process the past and develop coping strategies. They can also assist in addressing any underlying issues related to self-harm, if applicable.
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Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of different types of wounds. This knowledge can empower you in the future should you encounter similar situations.
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Stay Informed: If you have any ongoing concerns regarding the appearance of scar tissue or any related discomfort, keep monitoring those and consider tracking any changes.
Please remember that your feelings are valid, and taking steps to understand your health is essential. If you have further questions or need more support, feel free to ask.
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