While leaving my wifes grandparents I took a header down the concrete stairs. I twisted my ankle, and scraped up my arm. While I was face down heading down the stairs my M&P fell out on the stairs but thankfully unharmed. Gladly no ER trip, but it was close.
At 1am, the pain in my thumb was to much. I took a candle, needle, and vice grips and poked a hole in my thumb nail. It's amazing how it didn't hurt *stunk* and the instant relief it created... now it just kind of tingles instead of full throbbing pain.
I have a better way... get a small drill bit, sterilize it and slowly hand turn the bit till your nail opens. You are less likely to get a puncture or infection.