I'm not one to go to the doctor and especially for something small.

I was just out in my back field watering the fruit trees and had soft rubber flip-flops on my feet......... I didn't see a rusty roof nail and stepped on it--- I felt a stabbing in my heal and looked to see, the nail had gone all the way through my flip-flop and just barely punctured my heal-- it only bled a little. I cleaned it with soap and water.

I've not had any shots for tetanus for more than 20 years..... but..... this is such a small little wound--- seems I should be safe to just let it go and not see a doctor....... don't you think? I really don't like going to the doctor--- I mean I REALLY REALLY don't like going!

I tried to search on the internet for info-- but couldn't find anything helpful regarding such a small wound.

Would appreciate any info on this!
thanks,
mandy

Geez...I hate doctors too.

But, imho, a rusty nail is not something to overlook, no matter how small.

Gotta take care of yourself...need my book-buddy.

[lenjan]

Healthy adults need a tetanus booster every 10 years. A rusty nail puncturing the skin is most definitely cause for a tetanus shot! It takes 2 seconds and doesn't hurt very bad, and it's a small price to pay compared to the disease you'll get if you don't get a shot!

Hey Tunia--- I do understand that you hate going to doctors too.
Though I'll give going there some thought. Thanks "novel neighbor"

Hi Candybear, I do have a hard time with the idea that if I go I might not have needed to(I'm probably not going to even get tetanus)-- therefore, I will be wasting the nurses and doctor's time--- I really don't want to trouble anyone. A booster shot every ten years? huh.......... I will think on this too-- thank you.

---Was kind of hoping someone would post saying that if the nail didn't go more than 1/4 inch deep then I'm safe and don't need to go.--- maybe there is no such info??

Thanks Tunia and Candybear!

[(JD)]

Look at it this way: you won't risk lockjaw if you go get the shot... hehehe and you won't need another tetanus for the whole year Go on... you know you should!

[sniffles]

you should get the shot hun...better safe than sorry

Thank you Sky and sniffles.

I don't know, I'm just not convinced this situation warrants needing a shot......... I'll see how things go in the next few days.

I do realize it's just a shot....... it's the part about going to a doctor and also taking up people's time that I'm wrestling with in my mind.

thank you again,
mandy

I don't want you to get sick.

Can you call and ask a nurse?

Oh dear Sweet Tunia--- I didn't mean to make you upset.

I'll tell you what...... I'll keep really aware of my physical self(sometimes I'm able to block things out-- but I won't)-- and if I have any sypmtoms at all, I will immediately call the nurse--- will that be OK?

You're such a dear kind soul, don't ever want for you to be hurt.

Tunia-

if I have any sypmtoms at all, I will immediately call the nurse--- will that be OK?

Thank you.

This is what people feel when they care for each other.

[wisewoman]

always late to the party. Seems like the main issue is feeling like you have bothered the professionals for no good reason and then feeling guilty. Man can I relate. So, here is my take. It ain't worth the concern and the ifs. Call your doc and say hey, I am way overdue for tetnus shot and had a small peircing with a rusty nail, can you fit me in for a shot? Easy as pie, prob no doc, just the nurse.

[(JD)]

That's ok... in a few more days you might know if you're getting lockjaw or not... not sure there's anything they can do for that. Watch your leg, if you see a red line going up from your injured foot...then make a beeline to the doctor...that's a bad sign. Hope you are okay!

[January]

Mandy!!!!!!!! It's too late if you get symptoms of lockjaw!!!

Go to the Dr this weekend, even if it's a Doc in a Box. You won't be bothering anyone! It's their job! They are paid to wait on patients. You have every reason to be there. No waiting!

Hugs,

Jan

[LMo]

actually, it's not rust that causes tetanus. Any puncture can do it if the object puncturing your skin is contaminated with the bacteria.

Tetanus shots are a good idea. They are practically free, and you can get them in any walk-in clinic.

However, if you're afraid of needles, then that's an entirely different story...

I hope you're ok

[alisandria]

Right tetanus is caused by a spore, that usually gains entry from wounds like that made from a rusty nail. It can come through even a pin prick or a scratch in the skin. If you decide not to get the tetanus shot, I would really scrub the area well, maybe even use a little peroxide on it, and then an antibiotic. Symptoms of tetanus can start within the first week or two, or even months later. The earlier they start the more severe it is. If you start with a headache with or without muscle cramps seek attention ASAP,.

Just something to think of here: In the United States, 3 of every 10 persons who get tetanus die from it. For those who survive, recovery can be long (1-2 months) and difficult. Muscle spasms usually decrease after about 2 weeks and disappear after another week or two, but the person may be weak and stiff for a long time. Other complications include breathing problems, bone fractures, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, clotting in the blood vessels of the lung, pneumonia, and coma.

Not meant to scare you, just to inform you. Please be careful, you aren't bothering the office...it's their jobs.

hugs, tc, Lisa

Gee so many replies--- thank you all!!!!!

Wisewoman-- you're always welcome to party any time! So you can relate.... it's tough isn't it. I will keep your idea in mind about calling.

Thanks again Sky for all your support!

Jan, I didn't know it would be too late if symptoms were apparent...... couldn't find that on the internet. Thanks for your support!

LMo, it's good to know that it's not rust that causes tetanus-- just a bacteria that could be on the nail. I do not like needles, but have my blood tested yearly so I've gotten a little better about dealing with them. Thanks for your support too!!

Alisandria(that's a pretty screen name), thanks for the helpful info....... it is a little scary but I know that was not your intention. It's hard to believe that a little puncture could result in such havoc on a body!

Well, I'm feeling fine so far, just my heal feels like it has a bruise on it. I will keep all the helpful advice that everyone gave to me in mind. And thanks to those that PM'd me too!!

I really really appreciate you all taking the time to reply. You probably don't know but this was a big step for me...... as I've always felt so extremely guilty when sick or injured...... I used to keep it all a secret. (darn old "tapes" that play... saying "mandy, you are so stupid for getting hurt or sick-- now you don't deserve anything from anyone" )

Well, just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of you!

To everyone--

mandy

[LMo]

The statistics were a little scary, but the other statistic is that tetanus is extremely rare in the US, due to the vaccination. On the FDA website, it stated a statistic that in 1994, only 36 cases of tetanus were reported in the US.

[January]

((((((( Mandy ))))))))

We think you're wonderful.

Hugs,

Jan

[darkeyes]

I haven't had one for about 28yrs. and opted not to have any again,for I had a bad reaction,my arm blew up,and a fever occured.
Doc said the chances of tetanus is so slim vs this reaction I suffered with, that foregoing the booster wasn't any huge danger, as believed yrs ago but be sure to clean the wound(s) and use antibacterial ointment/cremes, when treating wounds.
I leave it up to an aindividual to decide and would not want to influence them in anyway.
Just wanted to share my experience.
Lots of luck with this.