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

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.

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!:)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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