My Dear Alona Lott,

It seems so long since we last spoke!

Your digital problem reminds me a little of our dear friend Ebbie (who still I suspect peeks at those sites) and her recent finger thread which I read thoroughly of course being intensely interested in such medical matters.

I have thought about your particular affliction and, indeed, the advice I may offer here may also benefit dear Ebbie.

My first counsel would be that, in order to avoid "finger in the hole" related injuries of this type, one should not in the first place insert one's digit in such holes, however tempting it may seem at the time!

However, we are beyond that stage now and treatment is therefore needed. There are two important aspects to this. Firstly your damaged finger will need time and the correct conditions to heal and, secondly, the surviving finger will require a degree of protection so that the same fate does not befall them from members of your apparently "unsteady" band.

Here is what you should do. With a suitable length of surgical dressing you should bind the healthy fingers to the palm of your hand, leaving the damaged finger straight and exposed. This will allow air to circulate around it which will aid the healing process. In addition, as the digit may have suffered abrasions that could become infected, you should liberally apply an antiseptic to it such as iso-betadine. This will not only fight any infection but will make the digit highly visible with a bright yellowish-brown coloration.

This being done, when members of your band should "accidentally" drop by, you may alert them to the healing process under way by holding aloft your hand and damaged finger to them in a vigourous manner.

I do believe and hope that this should lead to a rapid cure and remain,

Yours most sincerely,

Dr. Guitar