Ernie S. And The Hand Job [Archive] - Harleydavidsonbikers Forums

Dinero No Mas

04-23-2008, 09:48 PM

I just got off of the phone after talking with Ernie for about a half an hour.

He cut his hand at work and went to a clinic to get it checked out. He got some meds and bandaged. The next day he went back to the clinic because it was significantly worse. They gave him a shot and he had a reaction which caused the need for hospitalization. Since he has been in the hospital, the infection has worsened and the swelling has gone from his fingers partway up his arm.

They are doing the usual--cultures and blood tests, etc. By tomorrow afternoon they should have the actual bug identified and can zero in on the right antibiotic. Currently he is receiving (what we call shotgun antibiotic) treatment and pain medication and is doing okay.

Those of you who know Ernie can well imagine his frustration at being forced to lay there and not be able to do what he wants at his schedule.

Suffice it to say that the infection is being treated and the initial blood pressure and pulse reaction from the medication have been resolved.

I wish I were a little closer. Entertainment would be high on his list because he doesn't set around too well. Add to that the frustration of being at somebody else's mercy and you can well imagine what he is going through.

I'll talk to him in the next day or so and let y'all know what I know.

As usual, a little extra word to the Big Guy couldn't hurt.

ms_tapestry

04-23-2008, 09:56 PM

Thanks for the update Mr. DNM. . .I wouldn't want to be a nurse anywhere near him right now. . .:) Thoughts and prayers continue for a speedy recovery. . . :Angel_anim:

Hodawwg

04-23-2008, 10:04 PM

Get well soom Ernie.

2yld

04-23-2008, 10:54 PM

I knew something must be wrong. Yep, that will drive Ernie crazy. I'm sure glad you let us know what was up. Please keep us updated. Maybe I'll give him a quick call tomorrow.

Rewind

04-23-2008, 11:11 PM

Thanks for letting us know, Dinero.........I'll be praying for him. Tell him we miss him and to get back here ASAP!!!!!

aintgotnun

04-24-2008, 08:20 AM

I wouldn't want to be a nurse anywhere near him right now. . .:)
:HaHaHa:

Get better Ernie!! We're prayin for ya.

Screamin' Eagle

04-24-2008, 11:01 AM

Positive thoughts and prayers are headed that way from Middle Tennessee...... :pray:

Dinero No Mas

04-24-2008, 12:00 PM

I just got off the phone again with Ernie.

He thanks everyone for the good thoughts.

He is doing surprisingly well considering that this is just not "his thing".

At the moment they are wheeling him up to surgery. They are going to open his hand and clean it out and remove a little dead tissue resulting from the infection.

Depending on his recovery from the anesthesia, either he or Sam will call me later to let me know about the surgery and what the doc says.

ms_tapestry

04-24-2008, 12:04 PM

Prayers that God will guide the surgeons hand. . .

Rewind

04-24-2008, 12:24 PM

Prayers that God will guide the surgeons hand. . .

:+1:

Thanks Dinero.........eagerly awaiting the next report.

polarbear

04-24-2008, 12:54 PM

We're thinkin about you my friend. Prayers and good thoughts for your surgical procedure today. Try not to be too hard on the nurses later, okay. :Waving:

:polar:

2yld

04-24-2008, 03:34 PM

:+1:

Thanks Dinero.........eagerly awaiting the next report.

Ditto. I called him and left a message.

Dinero No Mas

04-24-2008, 09:42 PM

Ditto. I called him and left a message.

He mentioned that.

Sorry it took me so long. I talked to Ernie about an hour and a half ago but I wasn't at home near the computer.

The surgery seems to have gone real well. The doctor had to "chase" the infection in "four different directions" but was pleased with the outcome. Ernie's pain medication was changed and he was on a morphine pump after surgery.

He told me he was a lot more comfortable and felt better. Apparently there was another doctor who finally came in and explained what all was going on and what to expect which relieved Ernie's mind a lot. It all sounds a lot better to me from the things he was saying.

If all goes well, he will be going home on Saturday where Sam can take real good care of him. She won't be distracted by all the other patients like the nurses are and he will get more personalized treatment.:)

He also wanted me to pass on his thanks again for all the concern and the good thoughts.

His surgery will have to be repacked and rebandaged daily for about the next two to three weeks and must be done by a "professional". He is trying to make arrangements for his son (an EMT and Paramedic) to be allowed to do it so he doesn't have to return every day.

The worst part is he knows he won't be able to ride until the doctor releases him and that will be a four to six week time frame.

Greg---I assume you and Kim are passing this info along to the other board. If not, feel free to spread the word to those friends of his that I might miss.

Screamin' Eagle

04-24-2008, 09:45 PM

Thanks for the update......

N00DLES

04-24-2008, 11:00 PM

Thanks for the updates~

2yld

04-24-2008, 11:34 PM

Yeah, he left me a message while I was at work. He's getting stoned whenever he wants! What a life! :123: I can't imagine Ernie being off the bike for that long. :rasinghell: I've had to do that and it about kills me. But, he better listen to the Dr.! He sounded good, I'm glad he is headed the right direction and hope his recovery is quick!

ms_tapestry

04-24-2008, 11:35 PM

The good news is that he is healing. . .the bad news is he can't ride. Thoughts and prayers continue for Mr. Ernie. :Angel_anim:

Rewind

04-24-2008, 11:58 PM

More from here too!!!! Dinero.........tell Ernie not to flirt with the nurses too much!!!!

kd5cqt

04-25-2008, 08:15 AM

More from here too!!!! Dinero.........tell Ernie not to flirt with the nurses too much!!!!

Define "too much". You know he's already exceeded the limit!

polarbear

04-25-2008, 08:19 AM

Thanks for the update, Jim. We'll still be thinkin about him as he recovers.

Kenny

SLOWHOUND

04-25-2008, 08:23 AM

Glad to here he is doing much better,yea not riding is going to be harder on him than the hand thing.

Dinero No Mas

04-25-2008, 08:08 PM

I ahd been talking to him about an hour ago when a nurse came in to do whatever it is that they do.

I told him I would call him back in about 15 minutes and that is when the tornado sirens went off. We have no cell service here right now so if anyone (Kim) talks to him, tell him I will call later when service is resumed.

He did have time to tell me that they had repacked and rebandaged his hand this afternoon and that procedure was as excruciating as anything he has gone through so far. Over the course of the next few days, as healing begins that will be less traumatic, but he has to have it done daily for up to thre weeks. They did make arrangements for a Home Health service to do that for him at home.

He is still expected to go home sometime Saturday. He will get the daily torture treatment plus the nurse will hang an IV drip antibiotic for an hour each day.

I know he doesn't feel it yet but I feel encouraged and now the hard part begins. Sitting at home, not able to ride, nurses working on you once a day. But at least he will be home and close to an ashtray:123::), something he misses at the moment.

Dinero No Mas

04-25-2008, 09:22 PM

I fainally was able to get through to Ernie this evening.

He is definitely going home sometime tomorrow and as soon as he is able he will be back online with his laptop.

Many of us have been through the one-handed typing scenario over the years so we know how that will work.

Let's all keep Ernie in our thoughts for a totally successful outcome.

2yld

04-25-2008, 11:39 PM

Sorry I was at work when you made the post above or I would have called him asap. Yep, the packing proceedure is never a comfortable one. And, although I have never done the one handed typing, Mo has.

Desert Angel

04-26-2008, 01:26 AM

Ernie, Hoping the healing is faster than the doctor thinks, and the one hand typing thing is not as bad as some think!!

bluvet79

04-26-2008, 01:32 AM

I am really glad to hear that Ernie is doing better. Years ago I had almost the exact same thing happen to me. Its no fun and I wouldn't wish it on anyone....Get Well Quick Earnie HDB needs you....

ms_tapestry

04-26-2008, 07:01 AM

Thanks for keeping us updated Mr. DNM. . . I've been worried about him. Heal quick Mr. E! :Angel_anim:

2yld

04-26-2008, 09:31 AM

I talked to him last night. He's not happy with his surgeon's attitude, and I don't blame him. It's been quite an ordeal for him. He sounded good otherwise, I will be glad to know he's home. And yes, he's kept his hands off the nurses. It's the twins that come visit another patient that he's had more trouble with that temptation. :)

ErnieS

04-26-2008, 03:09 PM

Thanks for the update Mr. DNM. . .I wouldn't want to be a nurse anywhere near him right now. . .:) Thoughts and prayers continue for a speedy recovery. . . :Angel_anim:
You especially wouldn't want to be my doctor,T
I'll explain soon. Not in the mood for typing right now I'm home so at least something went right.

ms_tapestry

04-26-2008, 05:00 PM

You especially wouldn't want to be my doctor,T
I'll explain soon. Not in the mood for typing right now I'm home so at least something went right.
I'm glad you're home. Get some rest and post when you're ready. . . :kissing: oh and do stay off that bike for a little while, okay? :Angel_anim:

Screamin' Eagle

04-26-2008, 09:01 PM

I'm home so at least something went right.

Awesome news!!!!!! :D

ErnieS

04-26-2008, 09:03 PM

It looks like minimum, 1 month before I'll be able to ride and probably 6 months before I'll have use of my left index finger. Virtually all of the muscle at the base of the finger is gone, leaving bone exposed and more than 1 cubic inch of empty space packed with gauze. The wound will be repacked daily by a nurse who will come here to the house.
Before anyone gets the idea that I may enjoy having this daily visit while Sam is at work, the nurse's name is Joe.

SLOWHOUND

04-26-2008, 09:24 PM

ErnieS

04-26-2008, 09:30 PM

:rasinghell:joe

Screamin' Eagle

04-26-2008, 10:44 PM

:rasinghell:joe

Daaayuuuuum......

That is what I was afraid of!!!!!! :rasinghell:

N00DLES

04-26-2008, 11:11 PM

Glad your back online Mr. E~

Rewind

04-26-2008, 11:57 PM

Glad you're home, Ernie and I'm so, so, so sorry you have a nurse named joe.

Oh and by the way...................

DON'T EVER DO THIS TO US AGAIN!!!

Praying for a quick recovery for you, friend.

2yld

04-27-2008, 03:41 PM

:rasinghell:joe

Wow, they read you like a book, Ernie. :HaHaHa: Sorry I interrupted when you were trying to leave the hospital. Call when you feel like chatting. Glad you're home.:Waving:

Dinero No Mas

04-27-2008, 04:48 PM

Welcome home Bro.

ErnieS

04-27-2008, 05:19 PM

Thanks everyone! Well I made it through the dressing change much better than I anticipated.It was probably 20% as excruciating as the first time. Ive had several visits today, including Josh and the grandkids and have been napping.
Joe was decent enough to give me a half hour notice before coming so I could double up on the oxycontin.
I guess I prefer him to a female nurse, he doesn't require pants. Boxers and a tee-shirt are cool. Needed pants for the granddaughter though.

ms_tapestry

04-27-2008, 11:07 PM

polarbear

04-28-2008, 08:43 AM

Welcome back Ern, glad your home and healing. I know it will be hard that first month not getting to ride, but it will pass pretty fast.

Besides, having that index finger bandaged will give you an excuse to point at all the nurses you don't have that Should be seeing you at home.:HaHaHa:

:polar:

ErnieS

04-28-2008, 09:11 AM

Already jonesing for a ride.... but strangely not so much for a cigarettes. Seven days without a smoke and twenty years today without a drink.

ms_tapestry

04-28-2008, 09:17 AM

Already jonesing for a ride.... but strangely not so much for a cigarettes. Seven days without a smoke and twenty years today without a drink.
Congratulations on 20 years Mr. Ernie! :Angel_anim:

Dinero No Mas

04-28-2008, 09:51 AM

Already jonesing for a ride.... but strangely not so much for a cigarettes. Seven days without a smoke and twenty years today without a drink.

That's impressive.

Desert Angel

04-28-2008, 10:41 AM

Glad to see you are home, Ernie!!!!

2yld

04-28-2008, 02:24 PM

Think of the $$ you're saving without the smokes!

Rewind

04-28-2008, 03:13 PM

Glad to hear you're doing so much better Ernie. Alot of the folks at the Arena have wished you well also!!!

txhawg

04-29-2008, 12:08 AM

Quitting smoking was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have been smoke-free for 3-1/2 years now.

Hang in there bro!

ErnieS

04-29-2008, 06:06 PM

Well, 8 days and today was tough. I had my first visit to the new Dr today.He rides and I've run into him before. Due to a few emergencies, he was running 3 hours behind schedule. My oxicontin had worn off and he needed to debried the wound.He removed a good deal of dead tissue without any meds (allergic to lidocaine). Obviously I was not happy and wanted him to stop. He said he would, but he would also schedule surgery to amputate my index finger. There's still a 20% chance of that.I start therapy and more debriedment tomorrow.I WILL be amped up on oxi though.

ms_tapestry

04-29-2008, 06:18 PM

Dang it Ernie. . .that had to have hurt like all get out. . . put in oxi in your pocket from now on. . .just to be on the safe side!

ErnieS

04-29-2008, 09:53 PM

Oh yeah! Got another vicodin scrip today too. Gonna come in handy

2yld

04-30-2008, 12:27 AM

Wow, he's good. This Dr. has already figured you out.

ErnieS

05-11-2008, 08:59 AM

I figure it's time for an update.
Today is day 20 without riding. I still feel like crap, nausious most of the time and just as soon as I was no longer bound up from the meds, I developed the opposite problem.
Food tastes like crap all the time so I have to force myself to eat. I'm 5'9" and usually weigh 135-140. Yesterday I was 117.5. My calves seem to have tightened up for some reason so I need to walk a couple hundred feet in moderate pain before I'm comfortable on my feet.
I know that burning a tank of gas for no apparent reason would at least get my head back on straight, but I can't pull the clutch more than once. I've been working on the hand and have made great progress with the flexibility, some improvement in strength too. The way it looks now, I'll be getting skin grafts to close it up on Wednesday and will have the hand immobilized for 10 days after that to give the graft a good shot, so after that, I'll have to start over, reconditioning my hand. Realistically, it will be another 3 weeks before I'll be able to ride. That's a bummer 'cause my boy Greg will be down from CT Memorial Day weekend, and we won't be able to ride to the Keys together.
If it sounds like I'm whining and a bit depressed, yup, I am. This pretty much sucks and I feel pretty much helpless.

N00DLES

05-11-2008, 09:04 AM

Put on your summer jacket and A glove and ride \\T// ON BACK!~

N00DLES

05-11-2008, 09:05 AM

HECK , take the car!! Get out of the house!!!

Dinero No Mas

05-11-2008, 09:58 AM

kd5cqt

05-11-2008, 10:49 AM

Yeah, just had the horrific thought that it has been over a year since I straddled a running Harley, and it is really working on me. You'll be back on the road before you know it. I was months just getting rid of the casts.

ErnieS

05-11-2008, 10:59 AM

How well I remember not even being able to get up off of the recliner without help and the frustration that goes along with it.

This too shall pass.

Wish I was closer so I coud kick you a couple of times.

Hang in, Bro.I wish you were closer too Jim. I'd be happy to ride b&t$h just to get some wind in my face. I'm not the type to be depressed and whiney, but this has screwed up every facet of my life to the point where I get angry at people who offer advice. I go to therapy and anticipate pain before I feel it and I snap at people, Sam included.
In the grand scheme of things, I realize that I have it pretty good. I will be riding in about a month and I'll have all my fingers. I don't have cancer and my heart is in great shape. I'm just pissed off that I can't do what I want. I'm scared that I'll loose so much weight that I won't be able to handle the bike and that food will never taste right again.

Thanks for listening. I appreciate it more than y'all know.

Desert Angel

05-11-2008, 04:07 PM

Hang in there Ernie!!

Not being able to ride is the worst thing every. Not to many know this but now everyone will. I have not been able to ride since August. I was having black out spells and was told to stop riding by myself. And I refuse to ride bitch. I had a heart problem, where my heart rate went way up for no reason and then I blacked out. Doctors didn't know why it was doing it. Finally had it fixed by having oblasions ( that is where they burn little areas on the heart). Scared the hell out of me. I was so down and depressedd I even thought of selling my bike. And that would have broken my heart. But then the gray cloud that had been with me since August went away and I was released from the doctor to ride till my butt gave out!!!

So, remember the day the doctor says you can ride is right around the corner and summer is calling your name!!

I can hear it, can you!!! ERNIE, ERNIE, ERNIE!!!!!!

ErnieS

05-11-2008, 04:33 PM

Geez glad you're feeling better! That's gotta be scary,
I fired up the bike a little while ago. Pulling the clutch is still a problem, but I could ride if I had to. I mentioned that to Sam and she was kind of sure that I didn't "have to",
I may just go for a short spin Tuesday before the skin grafts on Wednesday just to keep the tires from developing a flat spot, you know. Sam will be at work. Who'll know?

Stoney61

05-11-2008, 07:34 PM

Glad to hear you're getting better Ernie. Don't rush the bike ride, you'll heal up plenty fast.

Dinero No Mas

05-11-2008, 08:43 PM

Rewind

05-12-2008, 11:11 AM

Hang in there Ernie. I know it's tough but you will get better. And you can vent, here any time you like!!!

ErnieS

05-12-2008, 05:08 PM

I went to therapy and the Dr. this morning/early afternoon. The doc is so happy with the way I'm healing, he says I won't need a graft! The open wound is down to about the size of a quarter. The pain is mostly gone except when I try to push it for strength or mobility. The doc asked if I was riding yet. I gave him my best blank stare and he said I could try some limited riding. I took the bait and did almost 20 miles around town. The hand is tired, but I did pretty good.. I'm a long way from 100%, but it feels damned good!

Dinero No Mas

05-12-2008, 05:38 PM

:241::party1:

:fam02:

Rewind

05-12-2008, 05:45 PM

WHOO HOOO!!!!!!! That's great Ernie!!!

SLOWHOUND

05-12-2008, 09:43 PM

Yea fun..in haw,great news Ernie.

ErnieS

05-12-2008, 11:07 PM

Dayum it felt good! It hurt like hell but it was a great feeling to be able to ride. I've been a mess the last couple days with the loss of apatite and the weight loss, but 20 miles did a lot for me. Food is starting to taste good again and I was actually able to joke around with Terry and Hope this afternoon and with Sam this evening.
Sam's been through a lot, trying to find things that I can eat and God knows it has been frustrating for her to work so hard on a meal only to have me tell her that the food tastes like shit (quite literally). I've been trying to make it clear that it's me and not the food, but my mood has been so bad that I don't think she has realized how much I appreciate her effort.. I think I made a lot of progress in that respect tonight Hopefully I'll start putting the weight back on soon.

Rewind

05-13-2008, 12:54 AM

You better give her a few extra hugs, Ernie!!!

bluvet79

05-13-2008, 02:20 AM

Way to go Ernie glad to have back among the riding again. Those spirits will pick up to normal real soon...Hell they might even just go above normal like a kid in candy store......

polarbear

05-13-2008, 08:19 AM

Glad to hear your doing better Ern, not needing a skin graft is great news. The healing will go faster now and just maybe the exercise you get from pulling a lever just may help the therapy.:241::nanaguitar:

:polar:

ErnieS

05-31-2008, 12:26 PM

I figured a report is in order. I'm getting more and more mobility in the hand every day and the hole that started out about 1 1/4" x 2" is completely closed. There is still some swelling in the palm and index finger and I don't use the index finger on the clutch yet, but over all, I'm real happy with my progress.
In the picture, the area circled in red was all open after surgery and the area that is still pretty irritated was gone right down to the bone. I'm going to see if the therapist can scan photos she took on my first visit. I may post them to a file share site and link them here with a caution that they are pretty gruesome.
I really appreciate all the prayers and well wishes you've sent along throughout all this.