Last week I stubbed my thumb ... And while this may not have seemed like a major injury, I came to realize the cost on my productivity.
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The thumb is something that we take for granted. And we use the phrase: “we are all thumbs”. This phrase usually refers to clumsiness. The reality is that the thumb (in opposition to the other fingers in the hand) is a very precise and versatile instruments.
Last week I stubbed my thumb. The injury led to an infection. Over the course of a day a blister appeared and spread. The green puss grew. My knuckle started to ache. And by the end of the day, my whole hand was sore. I could not enjoy the new Wii Console we had bought for my sons. I could not even type effectively. In fact, I tried to relearn the way I used the keyboard to avoid using my thumb. Try to train yourself not to use your left thumb for the Spacebar, Alt and Control keys.
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By the next day, the growth of the infection had stopped, but my thumb was a pretty ugly site ... It was covered with a layer of green and red puss under the skin. My children would not touch me for fear of infection. I could waive my magic thumb, and they would instantly loose their appetites ... great for dieting. The little infection still has a scar over a week later as the skin underneath is healing. I am now a little more cautious with my thumb and have gained more respect for the critical role of the lowly thumb.