*Warning to anyone that might be grossed out: This does contain info regarding a medical procedure and the gory aftereffects. *
This story actually begins back in March, when I had an ingrown toenail. Now this was a new experience for me, but it was a result of shoes that were a little tight, not a clipping (or lack there of) issue.
I went to the doctor and he had to cut part of my nail and the skin at the nail off. (I was properly numbed at the time, so this was not the painful part.) He then sewed the end of my skin to the top of the nail that was left. Ouch. The next 3 days were excruciating pain. I could not work, I could not walk, I could not sleep, I could not think. All I could do was writhe in pain. Once the stitches were out the pain had subsided and I began to heal.
Fast forward to a month ago. My nail had not completely grown back across, but was almost there. I caught the end of it on something and it ripped off (not the entire nail, just a portion). I didn't know this at the time, but a piece of the nail stayed in the skin and grew down, becoming ingrown. Last week my toe was red and sore so I went back to the doctor. He told me he would have to cut it again. I immediately regretted my choice to have it looked at.
He did cut the same as he had previously, but this time, instead of sewing it up he cauterized it. Let me just tell you, the difference between this time and the first was incredible. The first few days I felt no pain. Zero. (Side note: I was placed on an antibiotic both times to kill the infection.)
Currently, it is a little sore and starting to scab over. I clean it daily with hydrogen peroxide and then cover it with a band aid (mainly to prevent people from vomiting at the sight of it).
Needless to say, I can't wear any shoes that cover my toe at this point. Hopefully it will heal enough within the next day or two that I can head back to the gym.
Anyway, that is the story of the unfortunate toe situation.
