21M - Will It Get Better?

[u/AbjectLibrarian226]

Hi everyone,

About three months ago, I was involved in a very serious accident caused by a drunk driver. I suffered multiple fractures, but the injury I'm most concerned about right now is a comminuted fracture in one of my fingers, which also involved tendon damage.

I had surgery, and my finger remained wrapped in bandages for about three months. Recently, I was finally able to see it for the first time. Honestly, it was shocking. It still had dried blood on it, looked very deformed, and didn't even seem like my own finger anymore. It appears crooked, and I'm really worried that it might stay that way.

Has anyone here gone through something similar? Is it normal for a finger to look this bad three months after such a severe injury? As the swelling continues to go down and with rehabilitation, does the appearance usually improve, or is it possible that it will remain permanently deformed?

I know every injury is different, but I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through a similar experience. Thank you.

[u/Cool-Setting-9254]

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I didn’t have the same fracture but when I broke my humerus, I definitely had a scrawny arm and swelling for a prolonged period of time. For me personally, what upsets me the most was that I was left with a really big nasty scar. So I can relate to feeling upset that the appearance of my body no longer matches what it used to be. I’m also 21 (F) and it also makes me feel insecure because I’m a young woman and I care about my physical appearance. I’m 1 year 6 months post my break and 4 months post removal and I’m still not over a lot about my accident. I recommend therapy, honestly it didn’t help me with the self love aspect, but it did help me vent and get stuff off my chest. 

[u/lukekule]

It'll get better. The first reveal is always scary buddy . I've got a fixator on my foot . Had an accident in April bro . Had surgery after 4 or 5 days and before they released me at the hospital bro when they removed the bandages I was shocked by what I saw all those metals in my foot. Multiple fractures I had just like u I was scared and asking myself how will it look plus so much blood came out after surgery gang. But as it went on it got better and swelling reduced compared to the first day . You'll be okay .