Comments on: Cutting – self mutilation reaches a new level

By: Glenda Joy

Glenda Joy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:48:04 +0000

oh, i ended up in ER because i severed two tendons.

I also think i understand where the lady is comming from with the spaghetti. I put salt into my 2cm deep cuts, it hurt alot(which i thought was a brilliant idea at the time) but i learnt that it formed a great scab. I used it on burns too. I know it sounds disgusting but i loved it.

By: Glenda Joy

Glenda Joy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:22:22 +0000

I also needed a stuture kit. I used to put My own stitches in with a sewing needle and cotton thread. I haven’t had to for three months, and I’m really proud of myself.

Thanks to all the doctors and psychologists who try to help us. It is appreciated, and that’s what made me stop, concern from a doctor…

By: gj

gj — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:14:33 +0000

I’m also someone who needs a stuture kit. I need serios stitches so regularly it’s pathetic.I was taken to ER for the first time at the end of last year, after a failed suicide attempt. The staff were nearly in tears at what my body looked like, and all i recieve alot of sympathy and compassion from them. I haven’t had to put my own stitches in for nearly three months (yes, i’m stupid enoughto use a sewing needle and cotton) and i’m really proud of myself.

Thanks to all the doctors, psychologists and friends who love and support us, even though we’re trying to self destruct.

By: MSI

MSI — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 05:00:14 +0000

Thank you for your compassion and understanding ER Doc!!
I went to the ER to get a cut stitched up and the doc took one look at my arm and said “I can’t sew this up,” and walked back out. It was a fairly minor lac, definitely something he could’ve stitched up in no time. I waited over an hour for someone else to come and see me. That was probably one of the most demeaning experiences of my life, and that doc likely has no idea about the (negative) impact he had on me, and the fact that I still think about him, almost 5 years later.

By: tb

tb — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:35:23 +0000

Oh, Hannah, i read you entry and i am so sorry. i have had very large cuts and needed stiches and staples, but never to the extent that you have. i wish i knew what to say. in many ways i feel i understand, but of course, no one can totally understand another’s pain. And yet, here’s the kicker…when i read about your having a stapler, i could not help thinking to myself, “Damn, i w i s h i could get one of those…or at least a suture kit”. i actually had a nurse say to me in the ED, “If you’re going to keep doing this, you’d better get a sewing kit”. i should have asked her, then and there, for a suture kit!
Blessings,
tb

By: tb

tb — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:08:49 +0000

Thank you, Dr. Evans. Your reply brought tears to my eyes. i wish all health care professionals posessed the same caring attitude that you do. i am touched by your kindness.

Sincerely,
tb

By: hannah

hannah — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:29:32 +0000

Frankly, as a long term, chronic SI’er — I’m grateful that my dad (er doc) could get me a stapler. I am perfectly capable of stapling most of my own cuts. I don’t want to be a burden. When I do end up in the ER, usually 3-4 times a year, it’s because I’ve messed Up and hit an artery. Or I’ve simply caused too much damage, often needing 500=1000 stitches at a time.

I have certainly received shock, anger, disgust, and disdain for my actions. But I don’t complain. How can I, really? It’s not like cancer, as much as we wish that we were randomly afflicted with something so dreadful.

By: Your ER Doc

Your ER Doc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:34:36 +0000

The last thing patients should feel when they present to the ER with an emergency condition, whether it is medical or psychiatric, is shame. I am well aware that many who work in emergency departments become jaded, and blame patients. I admit I have been shocked by things I have seen. But when a doctor or nurse feels anger, disgust, or disdain for a patient with psychiatric illness, they need to take a step back and think about why they are working in medicine at all.

By: tb

tb — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:10:46 +0000

PS, no, definately not a suicide attempt…just part of my all ’round craziness…yes, i am on meds and in treatment….thank you for an understanding voice, Dr. Evans.

By: tb

tb — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:05:46 +0000

i am ashamed to say i have had to go to the ED several times in the past few years for large lacerations i did to myself. i was not “gleeful” about my situation and had unfortunately become the dreaded “frequent flyer” at this particular hospital. i begged my husband to take me elsewhere, but he would not. Some of the staff were nice enough, but i could definately read the distain and disgust in the actions and voices in many of the staff, one young physician in particular, whose silence, from the time he came in the room until he finished suturing the laceration, spoke volumes. And really, who can blame him, i guess…..?