Had my finger amputated cant work

[poboys 94]

Just had my right index finger amputated due to an injury at work,and of course Im right handed,not only am I freaked out as to how this happened, now I dont know if I can still do my job, I was working for an auto repair shop, doing exhaust,brakes,suspension, and occasional tune up like plugs,sensors etc. I was wondering if anybody knows of any techs adgusting to an amputation like this? Im also getting screwed by workmans comp and had to hire a lawyer, Im really bummed out and dont know if I can do my job correctly after this, still waiting for the stiches to be removed.

 

[nmcgrawj]

I dont know but im sorry to hear about that man!

 

[Nik_95Cobra]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you heal up soon. We have an auto repair shop too, and one of our customers was working on his car which happened not to have a belt gaurd on it at the time and his wife mistakenly tried to start it, and 3 of his fingers got almost ripped from his hand and he wound up losing them completely. He did however continue to work on cars after that despite being minus 3 fingers. Look at the people with no arms or legs that still manage to roll around. There are also wheelchair-bound people out there who do absolutely amazing work on their cars despite the setback. Good luck with everything.

 

[poboys 94]

I been thinking of maybe trying to get a job in parts somewhere. I think I could still do exhaust, and some other things but screwing in spark plugs and feeling around for things, and attaching bolts and nuts in tight spots is gonna sux.

 

[poboys 94]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you heal up soon. We have an auto repair shop too, and one of our customers was working on his car which happened not to have a belt gaurd on it at the time and his wife mistakenly tried to start it, and 3 of his fingers got almost ripped from his hand and he wound up losing them completely. He did however continue to work on cars after that despite being minus 3 fingers. Look at the people with no arms or legs that still manage to roll around. There are also wheelchair-bound people out there who do absolutely amazing work on their cars despite the setback. Good luck with everything.

Yeah I been thinking alot of folks like that, and for sure this could have been worse, Im trying to stay positive and I'll try to work it out if Im given the chance but management made me pick up my tools and turn in my uniforms the day before the surgery, so..I dont know if I will be wanted back.

 

[The Green GT]

I know a painter who lost his last three fingers and he can paint fine. It took a little practice but he can do it fine. After a little practice I don't see why you couldn't use your middle finger instead of your index finger.

 

[Pops Fun]

Hope everything works out for you .. thoughts and prayers

Pops

 

[manystangs]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I have amputated two finger tips (both ring fingers) over the years and there is nothing I cannot do. You will more or less get used to it. The sensitivity will decrease with time and you'll be fine!

 

[gcomfx.com]

Argh... one of my biggest fears. Losing any part of my right arm or hand. As a designer it would suck, but I know I would try to teach my left arm or hand to take over.

Good luck!!! Hang in there. If your job is as rude as it sounds, you probably don't want to work there anyway. :wink:

 

[poboys 94]

Thanks guys for the words of encouragement, even before the amputation I was already updating my resume' and cover letter, and guess what? I just got a call from a parts store for an interview!!! Man Im excited, gotta pay the bills ya know? I gotta sign off for now and get ready, wish me luck, I"ll let you all know how it goes. And thanks again to you all.

 

[gcomfx.com]

Good luck with the job too!

 

[final5-0]

Like all the other members, I wanted to say something that might be
seen as an encouragement to you

I am always amazed to see how we can adapt and return
to a way of life that is the same or very close to the same
when something happens like you have recently experienced.

Try to keep your head straight ... You Know ..........
Don't get bitter
Don't make excuses
that kind of thing

I wish you well
and
I claim to be in good standing with the All Mighty

I bet he will know who I'm talking about
when I use your screen name and ask him to help you

I can say I know most of these members ... like me ........
Would like to know how you are doing
so
Keep us in the loop of how things progress for you

Grady

 

[Blackened302]

sorry to hear about your accident, man, but i agree--don't let it take over. look at it for what it is--a hurdle that you must get over. all the potential is in your mind--proof of that is observing how others less fortunate adapt and are able to continue and excel.

 

[gcomfx.com]

Oink has one of the badest rides on here... he built it from his wheelchair.

 

[Modular2v]

believe it or not....it will be a blessing in the end. All part of a devine plan that is beyond our comprehension

 

[MAC'n89Blckstng]

A kid I go to school for Auto Body has no right index finger and he can do everything that I can do. Do you mind if I ask how it happened?

 

[reddy351]

Ok. I have worked on cars on numerous occasions with a "damaged" finger or two. Although, it doesn't compare to it being gone, I still found a way for my middle and even ring/pinky fingers to finite stuff like spark plugs and things of that nature. You'll figure it out.

For instance, perhaps you've heard of this little band from England. They are called "Black Sabbath". (That Ozzy guy on tv used to sing (?) for them. ) Well, the lead guitar players name is Tony Iommi. If you've ever listened to a single note of ANY Black Sabbath song, you've heard a guitar player that had three finger tips cut off in an "industrial accident". Just before they were to leave on their very first tour back in 1968. (I think) His father made these little finger tip prosthetics that enabled him to play. If he can play like he does with "stubs", I'm VERY certain that you can find a way to get done what you need to get done. Good luck, as you can see, we are all here for you.

 

[rudeone707]

Hey bro the only practical advice i can give you is that when people say it cant be done, do it to prove them wrong. Look at lance armstrong in the 90s, he had cancer and was expected to die (i think) and they told him he would never be able to ride competitively. Well needless to say look where he ended up.

Sorry to hear about your accident man. I dont mean to preach at ya.

 

[HISSIN50]

I wish you the absolute best of luck. I know a really cool guy on another board whom lost a finger, and his resilience and positive outlook were quite insprirational to me.

I think you will adapt and be able to do everything you could before and more!

Best of luck with everything!

 

[mustang414]

poboys94,

My name is Jeff and I just lost most of my thumb on my left hand on april 7th of last year (and of course I am left handed )in a table saw accidnet, it was reattached but did not take and as of october 4th it had to be removed from the joint...

I know that it feels like your life is over bud, when it happened to me I was all but ready to put a bullet in my head thinking I was gonna be a cripple, but do not worry, You just have to realize that you have your life and the rest of your fingers and toes and your menis still works right, well then life is golden!!!! LOL...

I am able to do everything I could do before, in fact I was working on my stang a couple weeks after it happened as well as removing my mini bike motor etc... At first it is pretty tough, but within a short amount of time you naturally become ambidextrious!!! before this happened my right hand was useless, but now I can use my right like I was right handed... I used my right hand for alot of things while my thumb was on the mend, and now that my thumb (or whats left of it) has healed, I can open ziplock bags, grab small objects do whatever I need to except pick my nose, but I just use my right thumb for that now...LOL... Believe me you will learn to adapt... your middle finger will become your index and you won't miss a beat...trust me...


I am sorry that you had to experiance something as tramatic as losing part of your hand, it is a huge blow, but its just a finger, look at all the guys that have lost arms and legs in battle or in horrific car crashes, if you are strong in mind and strong in heart you will end up with a sence of respect for the things you do have and you won't take things for granted anymore and it seemed for me at least that it gave me a stronger resolve to overcome it... Which I have, and you my friend will to!!!

Do not take this wrong as I am not a churchy type of guy and have never been to church, but I believe god tested me for whatever his reason was, and there hasn't been a day that has gone by since, that i haven't thanked him for leaving me my stub and the rest of my hand!!!! you are lucky that you still have the rest of your hand and your still alive...Look at the bright side, it helps even thpough it doesn't seem like there is one right now...

I hope your recovery comes quickly and hope that as depressed as I know it makes you feel, that you know your life isn't over and everything you did before you will be able to continue to do...

Take it easy buddy, and let us know how your doing...


Jeff

P.S. you need to talk to anyone, here is my email address [email protected]