Ok, so on Christmas Eve I got 3rd% burns on my left leg/thigh & on my right ankle/foot. I literally saw the skin melt off. I am in such agony & feel like I am going out of my mind with the pain. I asked my husband to take me to the ER. He called his nurse sister instead. She said to keep it clean, Motrin (3 every 6 hrs) & I should be fine. Well I'm NOT fine. It hurts so bad still!!! If I could have driven myself I would have. And now the thigh burn is black in spots. The ankle is very bloody. I just want to scream! ANY ADVISE FROM ANYONE??? What can I do to feel better?
THANKS SOO MUCH everyone for such great advise & support! I am amazed at the kindness I received. I did go to my DR Friday night. I do have 1st, 2nd, & 3rd% burns. I have to be seen several times a week untill it all heals. On Monday my ankle & foot was debrined. Silvadine WAS prescribed as well as an antibiotic & percocet for pain. I may have to see a surgeon next week. It still hurts alot, but I'm so VERY THANKFUL for EVERYONE that cared enough to respond & help! God Bless all of you!
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A.F.
answers from
Columbia
on
You really should go to the doctor. It's nice to have a medical professional in the family but, with something like that you really should have it looked at. The doctor may need to get the dead skin off and if it's that bad they can graft skin from other places. You also may need an antibiotic. I'm not a medical professional by any means but, I would definitely have it looked at by a doctor just to be on the safe side. Good luck.
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M.F.
answers from
Atlanta
on
You really need to go to the hospital...my husband had a third degree burn on his hand you could see flesh...the nurse that gave us advise was nice but out dated, they will give you better medication for the pain and you may need some better cleaning (which by the way if your sister-in-law says they use wire brushes No they don't that was years ago) you need silvadine cream and maybe even pig skin, yes pig skin put over your burned area please don't wait any longer go to the hospital and get looked at ASAP!!!!...motrin is not strong enough.please let us now how it goes....my thoughts are with you...
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A.P.
answers from
Columbus
on
If your thigh is turning black you should see your doctor. Black areas usually indicate necrotic (dead) tissue and it needs to be removed. As far as the pain medicine, if what they have given you is not helping you also need to let your doctor know so he can prescribe you something stronger. Burns are very painful and pain is subjective, no one can tell you how much you're hurting. I would see your doctor.
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D.W.
answers from
Atlanta
on
You need to get to a doctor immediately. Not only can the area get infected (if it hasn't already), you are going to scar terribly. My brother had the same thing happen to him when he was a child and they took him to emergency. They put on special wrappings that prevented him from scarring badly and kept the area clean. These wrappings were removed and re-applied DAILY for weeks.
Please go with your gut and get to a doctor. There are clinics that are reasonable if you need to pay out of pocket. If you have insurance through your husband's employment, even better.
Your sister-in-law did not see your wound and is NOT a doctor. Don't let her decision impact your life forever.
Get to a doctor soon. Best of luck!!
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A.L.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Oh Honey! you need to go to the Hospital NOW!! first of all that is a 3rd degree burn, and any where you read it tells you that you must have medicla attention, mainly to control pain AND prevent infection. The sign of your skin turning black is an indication that is highly traumatized. I am shocked to hear that the nurse just recomended Motrin, nothing is strong enough to numb the pain. At the very least she should have recomended the doctor because the best oitment for burns is Silverdine, which is only sold with a prescription. That is for the pain AND to prevent infection. It seems like you have an extended area burnt. Please, don't suffer any longer, just go to the hospital.ER Northside is really great. Also, to help with thepain until you get there, use Aloe or any of those creams to releive sunburn with aloe and put it in the fridge to make it cold...Please hurry to the hptl and let us know how it goes. Good luck and I'll send a prayer up to heavens for you, I know how painful it is!!
All the best!
A.
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D.W.
answers from
Atlanta
on
GO to THE EMERGENCY ROOM!!!!!
It could be infected
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J.A.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
Hi,S.. My name is Jenni. I live in Central. I was going to respond to your message on burns. It sounds awful. I work for doctors and have for years and honestly I would still go to the ER or at least to your physician because they would probably give you an antibiotic to make sure no infection was there and also prescribe some burn ointment for you that is awesome. But that is just what I would do. I hope you feel better soon.
Praying for you
Jenni
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T.M.
answers from
Savannah
on
you HAVE to go to a doctor! If your tetanus is not up to date it needs to be. You probably also need an antibiotic so the open sores do not get infected. Don't risk losing limbs over this... go to the doctor NOW!
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T.H.
answers from
Columbia
on
Go to the emergency room immediately!!!! even though your sister-in-law is a nurse, she's not a doctor! you need a doctor's help!
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M.R.
answers from
Myrtle Beach
on
OMG!!! Get to the Drs./Hospital. The same thing happened to me Dec 15th with grease burns from bacon grease. I got burns on my face, neck, hand, arm (and hair) I literally caught fire. You NEED to get to a hospital or doctors office and get your burns cleaned! The skin is the largest organ in your body and can EASILY get infected! (I was told all this by a nurse friend when I didn't want to go to the E.R.) They will clean the burns and then dress them properly. You will need to put Bacitracin (sp?) on it or they may give you Silverdine (sp?) which will help the skin grow back faster. Then they will wrap the burns. Plus they will give you pain killers to help with the pain - they gave me Percocet which helped a lot! PLEASE, PLEASE get to a Dr./Hospital!! Take care and let us know how you are doing.
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L.C.
answers from
Atlanta
on
OMG! Please please for the sake of your health - get to a hospital NOW!! Best of luck. L.
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D.
answers from
Charleston
on
S. you need to go to E.R... !!!!!!
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K.
answers from
Atlanta
on
You need to go to the emergency room!!!!
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C.E.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Hi S.,
I'm sorry this happened to you. I am also a nurse, and if you have 3rd degree burns, I would advise seeking medical attention to have it evaluated and treated. However, from what you describe, it sounds like 2nd degree. This type are very painful, red, blistered, moist and weep. You'll need to clean it twice a day with an antibacterial soap and washcloth to scrub it and naturally debrid the burn. Then apply an antibiotic ointment like neosporin or bacitracin and loosely cover it with 4x4's. It takes several weeks to heal and may scar. If the area swells, gets hot to touch or oozes green or foul smelling drainage, it may be infected and needs medical treatment. And continue with the motrin. Hope this information helps. Good luck.
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C.C.
answers from
Macon
on
S.,
As a nurse with just over 12 years experience, some of which is in Burns Care, I suggest that you see a doctor IMMEDIATELY. Burns can get infected so easily, its scary. The fact is that by nw, you may very well need antibiotics to fight infections; plus you need dressing changes o be done using sterile material. Are you currently changing your dressings? Does the Motrin help with the pain and inflammation? Please see a doctor ASAP or run risks of infection....
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R.D.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
Oh, my! I hate to pile on after reading all of these responses you've already received, but... of course you need to see a doctor asap. More importantly, though, you need to have a serious talk with your husband once all of this is over. I have a tendency to try to "tough it out" myself, but I would never ask a family member to do so, especially if I could see what pain they were in.
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J.F.
answers from
Augusta
on
OK From an RN ---3rd degree burns don't hurt cause you have burned the nerve endings sooo- You have 2nd degree burns and You really need to go see a DOC. Bloody is a good thing. Black may just be the dead tissue that will slough off. But you can really loose a lot of fluid thru a burn and be or get dehydrated. If your husband or other family/friends will not take you to see a doc then :: First call a CAB, Second reevaluate the people who are suppose to care about Ya!!!
Hope you get some help!!
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M.H.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Hi S.,
Your sister-in-law is right that you need to keep it clean but that hurts too I know. Melaleuca brand tea tree oil, which is not caustic, is great for 2nd and 3rd degree burns. It heals from the tissues underneath and it will also take some of the pain away. It has an antiseptic quality so keeping it clean will be easy. I also put the Melagel ointment which is a Melaleuca oil ointment on top to keep the Melaleuca oil in place so it can continue to work.
My nephew who is a volunteer fireman keeps his Melaleuca First Aid Kit in his vehicle just for these issues. He's not a paramedic so he can't doctor a burn victim but he can doctor the other Firefighters with their injuries.
I ditto the nurse that said keep checking for a strange odor. You don't want it to get infected. Call me and we'll talk further. I'm so, soooo sorry this happened.
Regards,
M.
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R.R.
answers from
Myrtle Beach
on
I feel terrible for you!! If you truly have 3rd degree burns, then you should absolutely go directly to the hospital, do not pass go, do not (well, do) collect $200!! If you're having health insurance issues, the hospital will work out a payment plan with you, but to not seek medical treatment on a serious burn is taking a serious risk with your health. How are you supposed to keep it clean? At a hospital, they would keep you separated from nearly all human contact and they would be using sterile equipment to treat you. Please tell your husband that he's just going to have to suck it up and take you b/c it's not getting any better!! Good luck!
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M.M.
answers from
Columbia
on
You need immediate medical attention!! Pleae don't wait. Those places may not heal without professional treatment! Dermoplast may help w/ the pain for some of the minor places. It is a spray that you can get at most drug stores. Please go see a doctor right away!!!!
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C.B.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Go to the ER immediately!!! Burns can become infected very easily!!! Burns (as you know) are also very painful and you probably need to be prescribed a pain medicine. Good Luck!
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K.G.
answers from
Savannah
on
YOU NEED TO GO TO THE ER. The black part is rotting. Have you thought about Gangreen? It's NOT going to be okay with Motrin and keeping it "clean"! Go to the ER and get a neighbor or SOMEONE to take you if your dear husband will not. ASAP.
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A.D.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
Hey there,
This is A. Davis, I hope you are feeling better. I sell Aloette. We use pharmesuetical aloe vera in our products. It is the same grade that it used in burn centers and cancer treatment centers. It will heal your skin and help with the scares. If you are interested let me know.
Have a blessed day, A.
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C.S.
answers from
Atlanta
on
S., that sounds much too serious to treat at home. Any health professional would say that you need to be seen by a doctor immediately. A burn that serious can get infected very easily and the black spots you describe are not anything to treat at home. Please insist on a trip to the ER.
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M.A.
answers from
Columbus
on
I will second everyone here. Go to the doctor! My husband is a doctor but he wouldn't treat me at home for something as serious as that. A cold is one thing but burns are VERY serious. Your sister-in-law obviously did not know it wasn't a regular kitchen burn or she wouldn't have given you such horrible advice. Get to the doctor now!
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T.A.
answers from
Atlanta
on
I agree with everyone hear! GO TO THE DOCTOR NOW!
I truly hope that later today you will have an update letting us know that you did make it to the doctor. I'm sure there is someone in your area that will take you. I would take you if I were nearby.
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M.C.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Being involved in Boy Scouts for several years, I think you should seek medical treatment ASAP.
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H.H.
answers from
Charleston
on
S., I am so sorry for your injury. Please go to the Doctor. As it happened 10 days ago, you will probably have scarring; however, I make a product called Mother & Child, all natural, organic butter. My daughter fell into the wood stove and received third degree burns from her wrist to her elbow and I used nothing but this(after going to the ER), she had no pain and has no scarring. It is made from the herbs of lavender, chamomile, calendula and lavender essential oil with other botanticals. If you call me, I will deliver some to you personally tomorrow as I will be taking my kids to see their father after school. Let me know if I can be of service to you. You can go to our website to learn more www.hempessentials.com
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L.B.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
You need to have that seen, and soon. Burns can be very painful,I know I have been there.
You need to keep them clean. There is a silverdine ointment you can get over the counter. it will ease the burn and help heal them, Its even better if put into the refrigerator.
I too am a RN of 26 years and your sister n law should have known better as a nurse. If your husband wont take you have a friend drive you, If not dial 911 and have them take you in.
How in the world did you burn yourself so badly? I had 1,2nd and 3 rd degree burns on feet ankles and calves. took me 10 months to heal.Motrin isnt going to help much.
Hope you feel better
L.
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H.W.
answers from
Atlanta
on
My advice would be to call a family friend to come & pick you up.....If you can't do that; call an ambulance.....
Burns are not something to mess around with. SO many things could go wrong, staff infection, mold, any kind of infection. I don't really understand why your husband wouldn't want to take you. In my opinion you have to ask yourself how important to you are you feet & legs????
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A.H.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Young Living Lavender essential oil is what you need. Look it up and get some from your local health food store.
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L.C.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Are you serious?
Go the the hospital!!!!
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L.J.
answers from
Savannah
on
All though your sister in-law is correct, you should still go to see a doctor. The doctor can at least give you medication, and keep an eye out for infection. The doctor might also be able to help keep it clean and bandaged so there is little scaring. I really hope you get it looked at by a doctor.
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S.P.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
Go to the Emergency room now.
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C.H.
answers from
Augusta
on
Because none of us are there to actually see the burns and if your in that much pain, I'd call someone that WOULD take you to the doctor.And then kick your husbands butt later for not being more caring and less selfish. I know how you feel when your in pain and noone seems to think your injuries are as bad as they are. I fell backwards off a 4 wheeler once and brokw my colar bone. Everyone including my husband was either 2 tired to take me to the doctor or to busy b/c they all thought my arm was just bruised...and this is why you don't let people who are not doctors give you a dignoses.No matter what you do, make sure you go to the hospital and have it checked out, burns like that can become infected really easily.
And for the comment made by someone that you may need a skin graft..that is very much true. Recently someone I knew jumped from a moving car and she showed up at my house with severe road burns. And they had to use the skin grafting just on hers and if you are burned that bad you may need the same. Go to the doctor.
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A.B.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
S.,
I am an RN in the ER here in Spartanburg. You need to seek medical attention. The black spots sound like necrotic tissue (dead tissue) that may need to be debrided (cut away.) Healthy tissue cannot grow if there is dead tissue that is not removed. You could end up with a serious infection and scarring that could be debilitating depending on where the burn is on your ankle. If it is near the joint and scar tissue forms that is not monitored it could limit the use of your ankle. Another concern is infection. Burns are high risk for infection. You could possibly need to be on antibiotics to prevent infection. Normally we give our burn patients a certain creme to reduce scar formation. I am not saying you need to go to the ER but you do need to contact your doctor and make an appt ASAP.
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M.N.
answers from
Savannah
on
Tell your husband your not fine and that you need to go to the docotor ASAP!!! His sister was not there to see what had happened, and she should have recommened a DR. as well. If he won't take you, do you have anyone who would? Don't wait around for this to get infected or scar up really badly. If he really cares, he'll understand your pain and take you to the Dr. I go to Dr. Bohler family practice in Brooklet. They take walkins everyday, so if you need to, go with your children by yourself if you can drive.
Good luck.
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D.L.
answers from
Atlanta
on
I would get myself to a doctor asap. You can't fool around with your health! There are some great doctors around here. I don't believe we should always let family doctor us! I pray for quick healing for you.
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L.S.
answers from
Augusta
on
Hi S.,
Unless you are adamantly opposed to going to the doctor, I'd seek medical attention.
If you wish to continue to treat this at home, find a sulpher-based soaking solution--such as Epsom salts and soak your leg and foot a couple of times a day. Pat dry and see if you can get a hold of some Silvadene burn cream. You may be able to find it over the counter or your nurse sister in law can get some--and cover loosely with gauze wrap. Continue the Ibuprofin.
If your burn continues to ooze and you see a red line making it's way up your leg...you are at serious risk for a systemic infection and need to seek medical help immediately.
Hope this helps!
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S.T.
answers from
Atlanta
on
I'd see a doctor but that's me. I really hope you'll feel better soon!
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K.H.
answers from
Savannah
on
no offense to your sister in law but I would go to the doctor because she is not a doctor. The burns could be more seriousthan what they appear. also a doctor will be able to give you a prescription for stronger medicine than motrin.
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J.M.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Go to the doctor. They will probably give you antibotics to prevent infections or it may already be infected. Plus they can give you some prescription strength medication to apply.
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A.C.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Go to the ER!!!!!!
If you can't drive and your husband won't take you call a friend or neighbor. Without meds and treatment it'll damage the skin more and hurt for a while until the nerves die and then you won't be able to feel anything.
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K.L.
answers from
Atlanta
on
I would go to the ER or see a doc immediately. If it gets infected it could be horrible for you.
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K.F.
answers from
Savannah
on
you need to be seen by a doctor my son was burned on 45% of his body and was taken to Augusta to the burn center also you need some silvadeen to put on the burn the silvadeen is for burns i burned my right foot with scalding water the same year my son was burned and i had to drive myself to the doctor with 4 children in my van my oldest was 13 and my youngest was 2 at the time and my spouse was at work had to call him to come and get me believe i know
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A.P.
answers from
Atlanta
on
This sounds serious and you should see a Dr - stat! However, for a follow up treatment in addition to the Dr, I have found that Porter's Liniment Salve is amazing. I have only been able to find this good old fashioned salve online. I usually order from www.kygeneralstore.com or you can Google it. It is specifically good for burns and easing the pain. Use a lot and cover with gauze.
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S.L.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Go to the ER immediately... and find out his sister's creditials and get her repremanded or fired.
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M.W.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
you need to be seen at the er and possible burn center. 3rd degree burns are nothing to fool with. The black spots are infected dead skin. Please go to your doctor and be seen.
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B.I.
answers from
Atlanta
on
S.,
This is B. (deaffmommie) on the lists. As others have stated, "Go to the ER!" I will also chime in here. I am a BURN SURVIVOR of third degree burns. I also saw the skin "melt off my fingers and nose. If I was NOT taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and grafted I would have stayed dead!
What you have described in your post is tissue DYING. and you may need to be grafted to heal.
PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE go to the ER and seek medical help. It's available and there isn't any need for you to deny yourself proper care burns HURT, and you may need the Burn Unit at Grady. This is where I personally would go. I survived my burns (over 50% of my body and I am deaf as a result, but better deaf than dead).
If I can help more please email me off list at bar345ing at yahoo dot com. (insert proper symbol)
I will be saying some prayers on your behalf. No One needs to suffer needlessly with the medical care available here in the USA.
Hope this will help,
B.
deaffmommie
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A.F.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
OMG!! You need to go to the hospital right away!! If you need someone to come and pick you up to take you, let me know. It is CRAZY to not have a doctor look at something that bad!!!
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M.P.
answers from
Augusta
on
You Need to go to the ER. You could get a serious infection. They probably need to debride what is there and maybe even put some fake skin on. They did this to my husband when he burned his leg. We didnt have any insurance but they gave us the materials and told us how to treat most of it at home. You NEED to see a Doctor.
If you live in the Augusta Area.
Doctors Hospital has the best burn unit in the Region. Please go there.
If you live in the Augusta Area and need help, I could probably give you a ride. I am a stay at home mom as well. I have 2 girls and a boy. My email is ____@____.com.
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S.T.
answers from
Atlanta
on
You need to go to the hospital! The blackness could mean it is infected...go immediately!
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A.H.
answers from
Atlanta
on
Go to the doctor! Burns like that can get infected and serious problems...including staff infections- which can be deadly. That is worst case scenario, but you shouldn't let it get worse before you get treatment.
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C.A.
answers from
Spartanburg
on
You need to go to the doctor about this. If it gets infected in you will be in even more pain. 3rd degree burns are serious. Your husband should have taken you to the hospital.
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A.C.
answers from
Athens
on
Honey, go to the doc. If your husband won't take you call someone who will. Call an ambulance if you have too! Burns are serious. They can easily get infected. And nurses are ot doctors so don;t listento your sis in law. Don't wait another minute. If I knew where you lived I would offer you a ride to the doc myself.
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J.B.
answers from
Columbia
on
go to the hospital before it gets infected, and they can prescribe you some meds that might actually dull some of that pain. It isn't right to deny you medical care, even if his sister is a nurse. Burns cannot be diagnosed over the phone. Would he do this with one of the children if they got a bad burn? I hope not.