puncture wound numb pinky finger- is surgery needed?

[scurll]

4 nights ago, I stabbed my left palm with a paring knife, right between the pinky and ring finger. It went in pretty deep, but it stopped bleeding after applying pressure for about 15 minutes. I cleaned it up, put  a band aid on it, and went to bed. Both my pinky and ring finger were numb, and very hot. They were also numb but I attributed it to the swelling. 7 hours later, I woke up in pain, and noticed my hand had a lot of blue in it, internally, and also it had bled through the bandage, so I went to the ER.  I had to wait 2 hrs to be seen, and they said I had waited too long to get stitches as the risk of infection was much higher now. They gave me a tetnus shot, some antibiotics, and a prescription. They said the blue was internal bleeding, that I most likely hit an artery, and maybe a nerve. They also said if my fingers were still numb on Monday (2 days later) to see a hand specialist and they suggested one to me. I called and was able to see one same day. He did no tests excepts having me close my eyes, and he pricked me with a metal piece and asked me how many prongs were sticking into me. He told me over and over again that I had severed a nerve, banged up an artery and only surgery would fix the numbness in my pinky. He wanted to do surgery the next day (today) however I am skeptical and want to get a second opinion. They also said I can do it 3 days from now, however the sooner the better. I am now getting a second opinion and was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? The left hand side of the pinky is fine, and now so is my ring finger. However, the right side of the pinky and the tip/part after the joint are very numb  and slightly tingly. It is difficult for me to distinguish between the two sensations. I also have been getting a sore wrist and arm (not too bad but at times) but I have also been getting an electrical shock in the pinky, down my arm, and also in the palm area (if i touch the palm area to put on a bandaid I feel the shocks. I am wondering since it is not the entire finger that is numb if there is a good chance the numbness may go away- maybe the nerve is compressed from swelling. Maybe it is because I have trust issues but he seemed to just look at it, listen to me for 5 mins and then confirm over and over yes I need surgery to make this numbness go away. Thanks!

[Dstyled]

I have the same problem And everything you described is exactly what I have. How is your hand  now?

[allmymarbles]

My recommendation is based on the fact that I almost lost the use of my thumb many years ago because of a very deep cut. But I had a good doctor and today the only evidence of the injury is a pale scar. My thumb is working just fine.

[Maracamama]

I can't give you an answer on what you should do but can share my experience with a similar problem.

About 18 years ago I sliced into one of my fingers fairly deeply and didn't get stitches either, even though I probably should have.  I did slice through a nerve and it was and still is damaged.  I was told by the doctor that since there were so many nerves running through such a small area that surgery could end up causing more damage and wasn't worth the risk.

As I mentioned, this was 18 years ago and it's possible that they have found better ways to fix nerves since then and it was also my finger and not my hand (more room to work in a hand vs a finger).  

In think that if you don't feel comfortable with this doctors opinion you should definitely get another opinion before letting someone cut into you.  I don't think your damage is going to get any worse if you wait.  My finger didn't get worse and still moves but it is numb.  Who knows, maybe it will get better on it's own.  Fingers crossed.

Good luck,

Laura

[allmymarbles]

This is not the sort of thing you want to waste time about, deciding what to do. If you want a functioning hand you had best get this taken care of ASAP. Just check out the surgeon to confirm that he is experienced with this kind of injury.