dh and I have been doing some remodeling and last night he stepped on a nail. which went in pretty deep. I keep telling him he needs a tetnius (sp?) shot but he don't. I couldn't tell you the last time he has gotten one. But he did have back surgery 3 years ago and I don't know if they gave him one then.

By Texannie on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 09:49 am:

He needs a tetnus shot. He also needs to make sure it's cleaned out very well.

By Colette on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 10:27 am:

ditto Texannie.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 11:06 am:

He absolutely needs to get a tetatnus shot. tetanus

"Tetanus bacteria usually enter the body through a dirty puncture wound, cut, scrape or some other break in the skin. Once inside the skin, they multiply and produce a toxin, or poison, that affects the body's nerves. This toxin causes severe muscle spasms, cramps and seizures. Spasms in the jaw muscles produce lockjaw. Spasms also occur in muscles of the throat, chest, abdomen and extremities. If you don't receive proper treatment, the toxin's effect on respiratory muscles can interfere with breathing. If this happens, you may die of suffocation."

"People who have tetanus must be treated in a hospital. Severe muscle spasms may last for about three to four weeks and then slowly get better. Once these spasms subside, recovery takes several months. "

And, as Texannie says, he needs to be sure the wound is cleaned out well, which means professional attention. Any puncture wound is dangerous. Tetanus bacteria are everywhere, not just in farmyards or extremely dirty places. They live in common dust, your back yard, anywhere.

Scott and I were talking about tetanus a few nights ago, and we agreed that it is a stupid way to die, and totally, totally preventable by keeping the vaccination up to date and getting medical attention for puncture wounds. I repeat - TETANUS IS A REALLY STUPID WAY TO DIE.

He - or you, if he remains stubborn - should call his doctor and find out if he got a tetanus shot with the surgery, and whether his tetanus vaccine is up to date.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 11:13 am:

Oh, and because you are also involved in the remodeling - is your tetatanus vaccine up to date?

By Karen~admin on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 11:25 am:

DEFINITELY needs a tetanus shot.

By Eve on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 02:11 pm:

Not worth the chance--get another shot!

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 05:19 pm:

Definitely needs a tetanus shot! We would give one, where I work, if he hadn't had one in the last 5 years.

My kids both had physicals, when they were 15 and got tetanus updates, then. The next time will be up to them.

By Marie on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 08:23 pm:

Took dh to the walk in and they looked at it and said since it has only been 3 years he shouldnt need another one. but he cleaned and said that it looked good. After it happened yesterday I cleaned it out and put and antibiotic cream it looks okay but I tell you man are babies. Which I know it hurts but man when you limp and groon every time you take a stip its a bit much lol. I told him at the dr office I can tell you about pain when you push an 8lb baby out of you then we can talk about pain ( to funny) But he is good. and I had my tetanus done last year when I had surgery on my foot so I know I am okay

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 09:42 pm:

That's good that you are both up-to-date on your tetanus shots!