ballpoint pen jabbed into skin = vaccination?

[hpienkos]

This is totally dumb of me, but I was trying to get the cushion off the stroller to wash -had mouse poop in it from being in the garage, I couldn't get the button to unsnap so I used a pen to get it open-it worked, only I stabbed myself on my side wrist. It looks like a small cut and it bled and it felt it went down deep even though you can't tell it. So I poured hydrogen peroxide on it, then rubbed med. on it then slapped a bandage on it and didn't think anything of it. Til a couple mins later I noticed my bone seemed very sore, hurt for me to move my wrist and all. Could the ink got in there? Now the rest of the bone is starting to hurt/sore, is this something I would need to get vaccinated for? (Tetanus?) And also if I do need this, would it affect my nursing my 1 year old? Any thoughts? I am waiting til my husband gets home to talk about this, but I want to hear some answers now!

[ancoda]

No, I really do not think that tetanus shot would be needed. Since you said it bled, so I would think that no tetanus could get and multiply in the wound.

[Turquesa]

Get Care Immediately!

I would definitely get in for immediate care! They may offer you a tet shot because it can be passed through animal feces.

http://www.in.gov/isdh/22437.htm

Tetanus bacteria are usually introduced into the body through a puncture wound contaminated with soil or feces (stool) of animals or humans.

See your health care provider if you suffer a wound, especially a puncture wound, that appears dirty or contaminated or appears infected: red, swollen, hot to the touch, and painful. Depending on the date of your last vaccination, your health care provider may recommend a booster dose of tetanus vaccine.

Whatever the case, you have every sign of infection and the peroxide you put on will only get the surface. A doctor can "irrigate" (or deep clean) the wound to get the infection out before it spreads. You'll most likely go home with antibiotics and instructions to watch it carefully.

I had almost the exact experience with a dog bite, so that's how I know!

I can't make the vax decision for you, (you do have a right to refuse it), but I still encourage you to get in for immediate care. Good luck!

[Gitti]

The bone might just be sore from being jabbed. I've had a bruised bone and it can get very tender.
You can have someone take a look at it and do proper wound cleaning.
I would not get a tetanus shot however.



_______________________________________
~Indian Proverb~
Incorrect diet - medicine is of no use
Correct diet - medicine is of no need

[ammiga]

If the doctor thinks you are at real risk for tetanus, you will be offered TIG, not the tetanus shot. I would not take a tetanus shot for that.

ETA: In most countries, they say that the tetanus vax is good for up to 30 years. Only in USA do they say every 10.

[Marnica]

I agree...I wouldn't get a tetnus shot for what you describe. It sounds like a bruise to me. Signs of infection do not show up in a few minutes. You could go see a doc if you are worried, but they will push a tetnus shot on you. If you have had one in the last 15-20 years, I would refuse.

[luminesce]

Originally Posted by hpienkos

This is totally dumb of me, but I was trying to get the cushion off the stroller to wash -had mouse poop in it from being in the garage, I couldn't get the button to unsnap so I used a pen to get it open-it worked, only I stabbed myself on my side wrist. It looks like a small cut and it bled and it felt it went down deep even though you can't tell it. So I poured hydrogen peroxide on it, then rubbed med. on it then slapped a bandage on it and didn't think anything of it. Til a couple mins later I noticed my bone seemed very sore, hurt for me to move my wrist and all. Could the ink got in there? Now the rest of the bone is starting to hurt/sore, is this something I would need to get vaccinated for? (Tetanus?) And also if I do need this, would it affect my nursing my 1 year old? Any thoughts? I am waiting til my husband gets home to talk about this, but I want to hear some answers now!

Have you ever been vaccinated for tetanus? If so, how many times and when was your last shot? Evidence (as much as they can 'guess' with titers anyway) indicates that tetanus shots are often good for WAY longer than they thought - possibly as long as 30 years.