Chopping an onion often brings tears, but for one woman, it also led to an eye-watering hospital bill.
Her ordeal quickly went viral on Reddit, amassing 13,000 upvotes since February 3, before being removed. The post was titled: "The root of an onion splintered off into my thumb, sending me to the [emergency room] for phlebitis and cellulitis."
The woman, who goes by Suitable-Mission7422 and is from Pennsylvania, spoke to Newsweek about the kitchen mishap. The 37-year-old explained that while chopping a week-old onion, a piece from its dry root end lodged into her thumb. Initially, she didn't think much of it and said it was "no biggie," despite not being able to get it out.
However, by the next morning, her arm was swollen and painful, with red streaks running up from the affected area. Alarmed, she scheduled a virtual urgent care appointment, where a doctor warned her: "Whatever was on that onion was bad."
According to Gardener's Supply Company, onions should be stored in a dark, dry and cool place (35–40 degrees Fahrenheit) with good air circulation using mesh bags, baskets, or ventilated boxes to maintain flavor and prevent rot. Mild onions last a few weeks, while storage onions, after curing for two-four weeks, can keep for up to a year.
However, this didn't seem to be the case for the woman, who was told to head to the emergency room.
However, doctors determined she didn't need blood cultures or IV antibiotics.
"They removed the splinter, sent the pharmacy a script for oral antibiotics, and sent me on my way," she said. Then came the bill—$400, which she discovered wouldn't be covered by insurance due to her $1,000 deductible.
"Living in the U.S., I expected the cost to be much higher," she told Newsweek.
What Are Phlebitis and Cellulitis?
Phlebitis is vein inflammation, often occurring in the legs due to infections or blood clots. It can cause redness, swelling, tenderness and sometimes a visible red streak.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that develops when bacteria enter through a break in the skin. It typically leads to redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth, most commonly in the lower legs.
Reddit Reacts
"Wow! I didn't even know you could get an onion splinter!!" said one user, and another wrote: "New fear unlocked."
A third commenter was able to relate, saying: "Had something like this from one of those pointy garlic clove bits. Had a nice infection going."
The woman told another user that it was "the most expensive onion" she has ever bought.
A fourth user joked: "Imagine dying from (checks notes) ... grabbing an onion," said one comment with 7,600 upvotes, and the woman responded: "My life flashed before my eyes."
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