This morning I went to my friends ‘, Pat and Julie’s, house to help them install the electrical into the new home.  Before we got started Pat and I were moving some old glass pieces that were in the attic above the living room.  I was carrying them over the rafter boards and handing them down to Pat on the ground floor.  It was going smoothly until the last couple pieces when one of the sheets shattered in air and a piece came down slicing down to my shin bone.  I looked down instantly there was pool of blood already soaked through my shoe and collecting on the board.  It didn’t look that bad and Pat hollered up to see if I needed any assistance.  I froze when it happened, holding onto the remaining pieces for they were ready to drop as well.  Pat laddered up to find broken glass, pool of blood and I stating the cut was not that bad, just a gusher.  He looked at the cut and didn’t quite agree after seeing the flap of skin folded down my leg.   

I didn’t have my insurance card with me so I had to make some calls to get my information of my health plan.  Judy, my uncles secretary at the insurance office got me what I needed for my doctors visit.   Joy, a lady from the church brought me in and with only a two hour wait at a walk in health clinic I got to see the doctor.  I was contemplating stitching it myself but since it was on the shin I thought it may be a little harder to do by myself, for the skin is tight there. 
I made small talk with the doctor for a bit and then let him know I am a Do-It-Yourself kind of guy, so if he could walk me through everything he is doing and using I would appreciate it, and if were any bit annoying he should tell me to shut up and let him do his job.  He appreciated that, and then proceeded to lay out everything explaining everything.  Most of it, I already knew but a few things I took note of.  Like, the type of stitch and the double squared knot.   He gave me 6 or 8 interal stitches with Polysorb thread and then 10 or so stables on the outside.  I stopped him before the staples, to let him know I wanted to take the stitches out myself and wanted to know what it would take to take staples out at home. 

“A special tool” he said. - Doc

“One I can get on the street.”  - Me

“Afraid not.” - Doc

“Shucks what can I use at home then.” - Me

“ Wire cutters and a needle nose pliers, but I do not recommend it.” -  Doc

“I think that is the practicing physician in you speaking.  Right?”

“Perhaps.” -  Doc

“If you were I, in my case, what would you use?”

“The special tool.” -  Doc

“And where can I get this special tool? “

“How about you just come in, in 10 days, and I will let you take them out yourself.” -  Doc

“Only if I don’t get charged for the visit.”

[Laughs] -  Doc

“Well, then can I take home one of these ‘special tools?’”

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable practicing in such a way.” -  Doc

“Lets say I find one of these tools….”

“Yes, you would easily be able to do it yourself.  A toddler could probably even do it for you.” -  Doc

“how much are they?”

“Next to nothing.  We only use them once and then toss them, because it cost more to sterilize them then to use a brand new tool.” -  Doc

“Think I can get one from a vet?”

“Any vet that does surgeries, probably has them.  They will defiantly be asking questions when you go asking around for it though.” -  Doc

“Oh, I forgot.  This is California.  Where in many cases animals are cared for more than people.”

[laughs]….  “Well, I will see you in 10 days.  And if I don’t, I know you got it done yourself.  Also, off the record, I wish more people like you would come through this door, or maybe not even come through the door.  From your curiosity, knowledge and confidence, you could have easily done this whole thing at home.  I have sawn myself up quite a few times, works just fine and it is a whole lot cheaper.“