How long to dive after cut?

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InTheDrink

InTheDrink

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-- tried posting this but nothing has shown up so re-trying --

Hi,

I fell on glass the weekend just gone and received a deep cut to my left arm requiring 5 stitches for my efforts. After 3 days it is still bleeding oozing and itching.

My question is this: when can I go back diving again? I was meant to be starting my rescue class this week but that's out the window now obviously (honestly, some deity out there is hell bent on me not doing this course - everytime I try to take it some random event conspires against it).

I've also got a trip to Cocos in exactly 50 days time. I'm guessing I'll be more than clear for that, bar some infection which I'm taking no chances with.

So, any thoughts on when it's safe to get back in the water? When the stitches come out? My primary objective is to not jeopardise my Cocos trip.

TIA,
John
 
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wow, 50 days dude, I think you'll be OK baring any infections and such. But I'm not a doctor, only one who's been round a few years.

At first read I missed the rescue class in a week. I agree, dive it dry. Wet, not so sure but I'd give that the thumb down. Call your doctor. May as well have him or her say no to you than us. :D
 
Well Walter is right,go ask the Doc.:D
But 50 day's from now..... If you haven't healt by then.:hm:
The dive gods just don't want to see you in the ocean.:rofl3:

O well just wait and heal and have the fun a little later.:D
 
See Doc on Fri. Just curious in between plus not much faith in doctors.

And yes, dive gods clearly not in to me saving anyone. PITA.

50 days seem like long time indeed, bar infection or other complication. Haven't required stitches before so no sure of process. Arms looks quite a swollen mess so just a little concerned about trip.

Thanks for all the sympathetic words tho :)

J
 
It's unusual for a well-sutured wound to continue to ooze for three days. It makes me wonder if you have a complication, such as a hematoma (blood collection under the wound), or some infection. The swelling worries me, too, as an uncomplicated cut shouldn't have much.

In general, a wound on the arm would have the sutures removed between 7 and 10 days, and should be good for water immersion after that. But it sounds as though your healing may be delayed. At the very least, the wound should be well-sealed (dry) and there should be no swelling or pain around the wound (mild incisional tenderness is to be expected).

Your doctor is the best one to assess the wound healing when you are seen in follow-up, but barring VERY unusual complications (like persistent infection) it won't take anywhere near 50 days to be good to dive.
 
Should be after stitches get pulled (depends on when the doctor pulls them and cut depth), Id probably give it a little more time depending on depth of the cut because if you put too much strain on it you can pull it open which hurts a little and makes it take more time to heal. I had a cut across the back of my calf and my buddy who is a plastic surgeon told me not even to take stairs and be careful with how i walk to cut the amount of pulling going across where the cut was to help speed healing time and reduce scarring. After 2 weeks i was pretty much clear to do what i wanted
 
TSandM:
It's unusual for a well-sutured wound to continue to ooze for three days. It makes me wonder if you have a complication, such as a hematoma (blood collection under the wound), or some infection. The swelling worries me, too, as an uncomplicated cut shouldn't have much.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, that's kind what I thought too but not having been here before wasn't sure. Have redressed wound three times and each time blood has gone through however much gauze/dressing applied. 26 layers last time and still soaked onto bandage. And all very swollen. Lots of fluid on the elbow. Cut is a couple of inches south. Cut was deep not broad but looked long as arm splayed out like a sizzling sausage when slit..

Might see if I can expedite trip to docs. Thanks for the input. No doubt just me being hypochondriac.

J
 
If its just blood and no puss probably a bad stitch job or your using your arm too much and reopening it. a little swelling and discomfort can be common, but its hard for anyone to say without seeing it. If you are worried about it, it cant hurt to see the doc
 
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