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I think I need stitches, but I'm afraid of going to the hospital or calling my doctor. What will happen when I do?

23 Answers
Last Updated: 05/19/2020 at 9:38pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Top Rated Answers
Erynn
- Expert in Self-Harm
March 7th, 2015 2:23am
I have received stitches at both walk-in clinics and the ER. If you are not bleeding heavily yet need stitches, I would advise going to a walk-in clinic because i have found them quicker and more compassionate. The ER took a while and there were long breaks between seeing people; the doctors and nurses were also more business-like and brisk (probably because I didn't see the same person twice, people just rotated in and out of the room). Both places were respectful and kind though. They took my information and stats, then examined the wound, washed the wound, and a doctor came in to stitch me up. After that the nurse bandaged me. I was offered (multiple times) to speak with a psych and they asked me if I was suicidal. Because i was not suicidal I could opt out of seeing a psych. They asked if I saw a counselor and said if I wasn't they could help me find someone. After that I got my paperwork and went home. This is in the USA. From what I hear, my experiences have been normal. Nurses have occasionally made small comments that were ignorant, but never hurtful and always meant well. In most instances, they have all been professional and kind.
AfterDarknessComesDawn
September 22nd, 2014 2:32am
They might ask about bleeding, or the depth of the injury. Getting stiches doesn't hurt, it's only a little uncomfortable. You can do it!:)
kokako
May 3rd, 2015 4:55am
If your need for stitches refers to self-injury, please go to a hospital to get medical care. The health professionals there will be solely focused on taking care of your physical health needs.
Biancac6373
September 14th, 2014 11:24pm
He will ask what happened, just tell him the truth, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. It's happened to me a couple of times and they are very understanding and helpful.
Emily1891
November 15th, 2014 4:52am
Going to the hospital can be a little nerve wracking, it can be helpful to bring someone along if possible. When going to the hospital you'll be triaged, which means a nurse will figure out how quickly you need to see the doctor. The nurse will ask you questions like when you hurt yourself, with what and if it was clean. From there you might need to wait for a little bit depending on how busy the hospital is. When you see the doctor they will look at your cut, see if it can be held together with something else and if not they will set up for stitches. This involves cleaning the cut and getting the right lighting. They will freeze the skin around the cut and sew the skin together. Afterwards a nurse will bandage you up and soon you will be on your way home.
RaleighC
October 23rd, 2014 2:00am
You should seek medical care immediately if you feel you need it. Your physical well being will be the first thing addressed, because it is the most pressing concern. The circumstances of your injury become important after you have been physically stabilized, and might take the form of a recommendation to see a therapist or doctor on an outpatient basis, for example. Be honest with the doctor treating you so that all of your needs are cared for, and you will be okay.
pixielatte
October 24th, 2016 9:25pm
Don't hesitate to get medical advice if you need to - or if you think that you need to! It is always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you're scared, doctors are trained to help no matter what the situation, without judgement. It'll be okay.
littlemisscurious
June 21st, 2016 1:05pm
It's so important to take care of yourself and get your wounds treated properly! I think it's a good idea to see a doctor you already know and whom you can trust. Maybe you also wanna take a good friend or family member to support you and do the talking in case you feel like you can't do that yourself. Most doctor's I've seen in those situation were absolutely kind and compassionate. It's their job to help you. Keep in mind that it's a brave step to seek the medical care you need!
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 7:54pm
You will most likely be looked at to see if you do need stitches or not and if you do, the hospital or doctor will help you and you will get better in no time.
Anonymous
March 14th, 2017 6:46am
You might have to wait in the waiting room for a bit, fill out some forms (or have someone else do so if you are unable), and after all the information is entered you will then be taken into a hospital room. The doctor will most likely explain the procedure of getting stitches to you and certain things that may help relieve your anxiety. The length of that procedure depends on how deep the cut/injury is. After that, the stitches will stay in for a bit and may be taken out at a later time. But that honestly depends on the situation.
GiaShepurn
February 29th, 2016 7:01pm
Doctors at the hospital are trained professionals, the sooner you visit them the sooner you will get healed.
Anonymous
October 26th, 2015 4:38pm
Doctors are scary but they are there to help you. When you call them they will check out your inury and explain how they can help. they will do everything in their power to help you
enigmaticBraveheart19
December 7th, 2015 6:10pm
nothing. they will help you get the attention you need. the worst thing that will happen is the bill at the end of the procedure
VerseArt
May 19th, 2020 9:38pm
Nothing. You won't feel a thing. Trust me. I had stitches near my eyebrows without anesthesia. I didn't shed a single tear. It was quick and helpful. And you don't even know if you need stitches for sure or not yet. Go to the hospital like a brave person, fake it till you make it. And ask them if you need stitches or not that too with or without anesthesia. They are just there to help you feel better. They will do their best to make you feel comfortable and will be more eager than you to send you back home quickly and happily.
SympatheticPrune2001
September 12th, 2016 11:34am
They will be sympathetic. It's better to go in and be told you are fine than stay out and have something wrong.
creativeDay52
February 22nd, 2016 12:50am
The doctors will ask you how the accident occurred. They will disinfect the wound which may hurt and then they will stitch you up and may give you some antibiotics
virtua1hugs
September 21st, 2015 6:54pm
If you do not go to a hospital, there is more of a chance that things could get worse. The main thing I would suggest is changing your mindset. Do not see the hospital as a negative place so much as a place to heal.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 3:50am
Getting stitches aren't such a bad thing; they're natural. When someone gets stitches, they're not treated any differently.
Jxde
May 8th, 2015 10:55pm
I highly suggest you tell somebody, if the open wounds were to get infected that would not be a very pretty sight 0.o
WhatACatchKelsey
November 16th, 2014 8:04pm
Please, notify a family member or go to the hospital. You don't need to be afraid, medical professionals are there to help you and they will ensure you get proper care. And whatever happens, happens for the best.
Sputnik
November 12th, 2014 6:48pm
It is always safe to consult with a doctor if you need stitches or not. And if the doctor advices you for sutures you have no other way to go through it. It will be painful but it is more manageable and it can heal fast rather than letting the wound heal on its own. Sutures are mainly done for quick healing and less pain in the future. So there is less to be afraid of.
AnotherBlessing
November 8th, 2014 8:57am
They will be happy that you came to actually take care of yourself and they will be happy to help you. I'm a nursing major, so most likely they will talk you through it guide you through it and be your biggest support and making sure your happy.
emilycraft
November 2nd, 2014 7:13am
If you think that in anyway you need medical help, get it. Yeah it seems like it'd be embarrassing or hard, but imagine the consequence if you don't.