Dude, I had my right thumb almost completely severed (smashed)off. It was fixed with a pin running the full lenght of both bones and a button sewn on the fingernail to re-attach the tendons. After 4 weeks I removed the cast myself as well as the stiches, button and the pin. Yes I did the pin my self with a pair of needle nosed pliers (I still have the pliers). It hurt like a mofo for the next few months. Do what you can tolerate as far as pain goes. I actually learned to mentally channel the pain into a good feeling. It takes practice. In hindsight, I should have let a doctor do it.

Lee Wicklund