Well its over, the rest of my right index finger was amputated on the 31st. The procedure is callad a Rays amputation and it truly left me with 4 fingers on my dominate hand, and Im glad too. Me and my stump finger just couldn't co exist anymore though we tried to work it out it just kept getting in the way 
. It all started back in January when I noticed my right hand and in particular, my index finger was turning blue and white, especially when it got cold. I was working at an exhaust and brake shop, something Ive done since 1979 and I had hopes of managing the store in a few months, but then the problems started when I was putting a serp belt on a Durango that seemed to not quite fit so I forced it over the last pulley with my fingers of course, and this left a crease on my finger that proved to be the fatal blow to a hand that was subsequently diagnosed as having " Hyperthenor hammer syndrome" What the hell is that you ask? Me too. It was explained to me by my doc that its an occupational disease that effects the blood vessels in the palm of the hands leading to the fingers, and prevelant in workers in auto/vehicle repair, iron/ steel, and jobs that require using impact tools, jack hammers etc. It also occurs when you use your hand as a hammer such as pounding on hub caps etc. I figured Id used and abused my hand in this manner for a long time so it made sense. I thought back at all the shops I worked at and all the cars and trucks I worked on, I guessed/calculated how often I used my Ingersol Rand impact and it was about 80 to 100 vehicles a month! 
So for all you techs out there use a padded mechanix style glove and take care of your hands, I wish I had known about this sooner as I surely would have taken precautions
Anyways, I went back to the docs after only 2 days after the surgery so he can inspect and change the dressing, and when I looked at it I was shocked at first at all the stiches, he also did a procedure callad a "sympathectomy" that removes the nerves surrounding the veins or arteries in certain spots in my hand and wrist. This was done because when it gets cold these nerves over react and cause the vessels to constrict more then normal, and prior to this procedure, my hand and fingers looked like it belonged on a cadaver Dead mans hand. Ive got 3 cuts on the palm 6 stiches each, and 2 cuts 6/7 stiches each on my wrist and about 25/ 30 stiches between my thumb and middle finger where my departed index finger used to be. Driving has been fun as my car is a 5 speed, I taught my wife and daughter how to shift for me from the passenger side ( they dont drive) so I have 2 automatic transmissions 
Well remember, take care of your hands fellas!
. It all started back in January when I noticed my right hand and in particular, my index finger was turning blue and white, especially when it got cold. I was working at an exhaust and brake shop, something Ive done since 1979 and I had hopes of managing the store in a few months, but then the problems started when I was putting a serp belt on a Durango that seemed to not quite fit so I forced it over the last pulley with my fingers of course, and this left a crease on my finger that proved to be the fatal blow to a hand that was subsequently diagnosed as having " Hyperthenor hammer syndrome" What the hell is that you ask? Me too. It was explained to me by my doc that its an occupational disease that effects the blood vessels in the palm of the hands leading to the fingers, and prevelant in workers in auto/vehicle repair, iron/ steel, and jobs that require using impact tools, jack hammers etc. It also occurs when you use your hand as a hammer such as pounding on hub caps etc. I figured Id used and abused my hand in this manner for a long time so it made sense. I thought back at all the shops I worked at and all the cars and trucks I worked on, I guessed/calculated how often I used my Ingersol Rand impact and it was about 80 to 100 vehicles a month! So for all you techs out there use a padded mechanix style glove and take care of your hands, I wish I had known about this sooner as I surely would have taken precautions Dead mans hand. Ive got 3 cuts on the palm 6 stiches each, and 2 cuts 6/7 stiches each on my wrist and about 25/ 30 stiches between my thumb and middle finger where my departed index finger used to be. Driving has been fun as my car is a 5 speed, I taught my wife and daughter how to shift for me from the passenger side ( they dont drive) so I have 2 automatic transmissions Well remember, take care of your hands fellas!
When I had the stump I would try to give the peace sign and it would look like I was giving you the finger plus a half 
I just try to make the best of it and try to find the bright side, the grand kids freak out on it and I chase them around the house its a riot.
so now they owe me 66% of my pay all the way back from January plus the medical expenses. I can hear the sound of my new motor already
