Seeking Advice on Injury Care
I’m a 24-year-old female currently taking various psychiatric medications, and I’d like to share my experience related to self-harm. In the past, I have inflicted wounds on myself by cutting into the soft tissue of my skin, specifically where there's fat but no muscle or tendons involved. Every instance resulted in my visiting the emergency room, where I received a vacuum-assisted closure device (VAC) and was subsequently scheduled for split-thickness skin grafting. Recently, I self-harmed again, approximately 20 hours ago, but this time I halted the process midway through. To manage the situation, I wrapped my leg in plastic to help maintain cleanliness for both the wound and my bedding. Currently, a piece of skin approximately the size of three fingers is still attached to my leg, albeit hanging loosely. It feels cold but seems stable overall. I hesitate to share a photograph of the injury, as I want to avoid triggering anyone who may be facing similar struggles with self-harm. At the moment, I’m experiencing significant pain and trembling, likely compounded by the fact that I haven’t consumed food or drink in nearly a full day. I’m seeking guidance on what to expect when consulting a doctor about this issue. What are the chances that the skin flap can be reattached? How long can I wait before the possibility of sewing it back on diminishes? Would it be acceptable to make an appointment for a doctor’s visit on Monday, or is it critical that I go to the emergency room? Additionally, might the flap need to be removed surgically, or am I in a safe position since it remains attached? It appears slightly discolored with a hint of blue, but I wonder if that could be related to my anxiety. I appreciate any help or advice you can provide!
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 2:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you’re going through this. It's clear you're facing some serious challenges, and I want to provide you with the best advice possible to care for your injury and your well-being.
Main Points:
- Immediate care is crucial for the injury on your leg due to the compromised skin flap.
- You should seek medical attention as soon as possible rather than waiting until Monday.
- Ensure you eat and hydrate to help manage your overall health.
Explanation:
Given that you have a piece of skin still attached, it's important to handle the situation cautiously. The discoloration and coldness of the skin flap might indicate reduced blood flow, which can happen after a self-harm injury. Medical professionals can assess whether the loose skin can be reattached or if it needs to be managed differently.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Immediate Medical Care: Go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility right away, especially since it's already been 20 hours. The sooner you receive care, the greater the chance that the skin flap can be managed properly. Do not wait until Monday.
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Nourish Yourself: While you prepare to seek medical help, drink some water and try to eat something light if you can. Nutritional support is important for recovery and may help reduce feelings of tremors.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your pain levels and any signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or drainage from the wound. If any of these worsen, seek urgent care immediately.
Remember, you deserve care and support. It’s very important to talk to a healthcare professional about both the physical injury and any emotional pain you may be experiencing. You're taking a brave step by seeking guidance, and that's commendable.
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