This is my first thread so go easy on me.

My friend is a big-time redneck. i mean a HUGE redneck. he has 4 cars in his front yard (none of which are funtional),  500 different guns, hunts every weekend, supports the rebel flag, you get the idea.

Well He called me the other day and he said that he just got back from the operating room. He had a potato gun that was loaded with a half a pound of gunpowder. and behind that was a CO2 cartridge bomb. he lit it and for some unknown reason he was holding it as he lit it. it exploded in his hand and blew off his index and middle fingers on his left hand.

They tried surgery on his index finger. they tried to reconnect some tissue to it. its still bandaged up so i dont know we if it will work anymore. the index finger was completely skinned. only the bone was left. on his middle finger, the bone had completely disintegrated. there is no hope for it.

Ive heard that people who ahve had something like this happen to them can develop post traumatic stress disorder or severe depression. he has already been talkin about being depressed.

we all take our fingers for granted. but  if we lose them, then we realize just how important they were.

i need somebody to tell me what to tell him to help him pull through this crisis. hes real depressed right now and my heart breaks for him.

the only i can say is, be there for him. I think it would be what he needs the most.

I agree. There isn't anything you can say that will make it better for him. Just be there when he's emotionally down. Its something he needs to come to terms with and he will, cause he has to. Give him a shoulder to cry on, and keep his mind occupied with friendship when possible.

If he's right handed, its beter it was the left hand, but he'll be sad he can't carry a gun anymore. just give him support- you'll be surprised how humans adapt.  There's no easy way out though unfortunatly

On Aug 5, 2006 9:27 pm, Shalashaska said:

You're right about the depression, however, most of the time people find their way out of it.  Talking about it is important, one of the best things you can do is be there for your friend.

Additionally, there are many, many people out there without all 10 fingers who are completely functional.  It's had at first, but they find ways around it.  YOur friend has a long road ahead of him, but he'll make it with a little determination and a lot of support.  I hope that helps!

Sorry if its too creul: I would kick him in the but and say too him that depression isn't going o solve anything.Just try to live like you are. If it was you mistake than you punished. But Just get over it. Be happy you only lost a finger. theire are people who lost theire whole hand or legs.

that sucks. Potato guns are dangerous and he kinda had it comin if he had a half a pound of gunpowder loading into it. hope he recovers......k i gotta say it

if you've ever had your middle and index finger blone off by a potato gun and a half pound of gun powder, you might be a redneck... Damn you jeff foxworthy and your redneck humor..... it's trapped in my brain and seems to fit the situation. But seriously, he's gonna have a bit of rehabilitating try to only have use of 8 fingers and 1 baely functional. I wish your friend the best of luck on his recovery.... BTW, post a picture after he removes the bandages.

I am so sorry to hear about your freind, Ill pray for him, but in the meantime just show him you care.