Car accident- skin lacerations, body aches and tetanus shot soreness

[Gina Grothoff]

I was  in a car accident 2 days ago (May 26) and suffered multiple lacerations to my left arm (little chunks of skin missing in my arm and multiple scattered cuts, likely from my driver's side window.  I was hit in the front left (driver's side) corner and pushed, smashing in the door side of the car.  Initially all I felt was arm pain and some minor soreness elsewhere.  It did feel like there was glass in my arm and I later discovered that I sand size glass granules all over me.  

I did start taking arnica montana 200 c at the hospital.  And continued taking it about every hour.

I was taken to the hospital and my arm cleaned and antiobiotic ointment applied and dressed.

After the initial 24 hours, I began taking the gauze off, washing my arm with Castille liquied soap, allowing it to air dry and keeping it open for several hours and wrapping again in the evening to protect it - both for the open areas and because it is extremely sensitive to any touch.  

My three year old also sleeps next to me and so I need it covered in layers of gauze to protect it.

I have applied antiobiotic ointment but am wondering about other options.

It seams to be healing and once it is fully scabbed over, I am wondering about topical applications to help the skin.  It doesn't bother me that I will have scars but would like to help the skin heal, minimize scars and prevent adhesions.  I also have small cuts on my face that aren't open and wondering what I can put on them to promote healing and minimize scarring?

Tetanus Shot

I haven't had one in years and agreed to it knowing it probably wasn't necessary- 

My arm is hard and- knot like at the site and mildly swollen.   I applied arnica gel

and also  ice.  I know this is a typical reaction and sort of regret getting the shot- but it was just easier too and well, I was strapped to a back board with a neck brace on (precautionary- my spine was later cleared by the doctor and all that removed).

Third issue- muscle aches and pains.

Took arnica 200c  about every hour from in the hospital- thanks to my husband and the fact that I carry it with me.

But that night decided to take some ibuprofen as well- as increased soreness was coming on.

I was in a lot of pain the next day and took both arnica and ibuprofen.   I am still nursing my 3 year old- If I wasn't I would have been more tempted to take the Valium the doctor prescribed.  

Having alot of- what I think is surface nerve pain- especially my left arm but also my left leg which is sore and fells bruised but no external bruising or noticeable swelling.   But any pressure on many areas is painful- kind of like flu aches

?wondering if that could be reaction to tetanus shot more than the accident?

I have used ice and arnica gel and elevate my legs.

I am resting and got some extra sleep today which really seamed to help.   My neck felt great until I talked on phone today.  But is alot better than yesterday.

Am drinking my nettles and keifer and take magnesium at night as I have discovered  that helps me sleep better.

I want to take an epsom salt bath but am nervous too with my arm- will need to keep it dry.  The cuts are mostly at my elbow area and just below.

Just looking for other ways to help  me heal.

Thanks

[Anna]

Hypericum is the "arinica" for nerve pain.  You might want to alternate the two.  That's what we did for my sister's HUGE abdominal surgery and she didn't need to take any additional pain meds.  She was not without pain but didn't need any of the toxic stuff. 

Some of the issues could be from the vaccine.  It can cause muscle soreness and fatigue.  I know too late but you DEFINITELY didn't need it.  

I'd use calendula oil, lavender and or manuka honey on the wounds.  All will help minimize scar and help avoid infections.  Antibacterial ointments are just going to cause more harm than good and definitely more scarring.  

Epsom salt shouldn't hurt the wounds.  Salt water in the ocean is an amazing healer.  So not sure it would need to stay dry but I haven't seen it if that feels more comfortable go with it.  You could wrap it up with plastic and/or just hold it out.  A splash will definitely not hurt it.  And the Epsom Salt will really help with the sore muscles.

I don't think you eat bone broth, but if you do, it would help speed along healing too. 

Sorry you are having such a tough time!  Hope you feel better soon. 

~Anna

[Jennifer Steinbachs]

so sorry....

glass to me suggests (homeopathic) silica.  i'd go with the cell salts (tissue salts) as they will help rebuild tissues as well as help t expel glass bits.

plantain, chickweed, calendula, comfrey salve might be very helpful as well.  Red Moon Herbs has a nice one, as does Wise Women Traditions.  but there are several others out there.

i'd add in homeopathic hypericum.... probably one dose of 200C internally.  

arnica OIL is more effective than arnica gel but only once the tissue is no longer broken.  perhaps try one dose of arnica 200C internally.

be cautious with arnica - if you start to develop red bumps or a red rash, that is a sign that you are proving the remedy/herb, so you should stop.

also increase your vitamin C, in whatever form you usually take (whole foods, ascorbate supplement, etc.) - it will really help rebuild tissues as well.

[Gina Grothoff]

Thanks Anna

I realize know about the Tetanus shot and wish I hadn't gotten it.  

I have calendula gel or ointment.  I will look up the other items.  And get some hypericum.

I did soak tonight and left my arm out.  I am not supposed to soak it in water until it scabs over.  I have some steri strips on.  And been just afraid for anything to touch it- as even the slightest touch caused pain. 

I do have some bone broth.  I will do that.  

Thank you so much for all the ideas!  So appreciate it.

I think its the combination of all of it that is trying- and on top of it- my cough has gotten worse.

They did xray my lungs at the hospital because I was wheezing- but he said they looked fine- relief...

Taking the Mullein lung complex again.  What other things open air ways?

Thank you thank you

[Gina Grothoff]

Thank you Jennifer

Just seeing you post now.  I did not use arnica gel on open wounds but for sore muscles.

but good to know the oil is better

I do need to figure out what to have on hand to replace our use of neosporin (antibacterial ointment)

I don't use any other antibacterial products anymore.  ( it's a journey over time- making these changes)

Also wondering if the red bumps or rash are more likely to occur from the gel/ oil or the oral form?

haven't heard about that before  "proving the remedy" but will look it up.  

Thanks

Its June 2 and I feel much better and my arm is nearly all scabbed and have been rubbing calendula on it and it seams to help the itchy feeling and the pain in my arm from glass cuts has diminished greatly.