Fractured ribs

[thikasabrik]

Yesterday I fell from height onto a solid object and had a fun Sunday at A&E where they said I have fractured 2 ribs.They said there is no treatment and told me to take painkillers. The bottom of my ribcage now sticks out at one side & looks like an extra boob. The pain is horrendous. If anyone has had anything similar, can you tell me when it will stop hurting, how long will it take for them to heal, will the odd shape stay or go, is there anything I can do to help myself? (I'm going on hols later this month & am worried about lugging a heavy case.)

Thanks.

[Morrisonker]

I'd got to your doctor, I'm sure that you're supposed to be bound up in a girdle/corset type thing, especially if the bone is making a bulge.  At the very least your GP should be able to give you more painkillers and a one on one consultation so you can get questions answered.

[thikasabrik]

Thanks for your answer morrisonker. The only reason I'm asking on AB is because the doctor at A&E only had a tenuous grasp of the English language and didn't seem to understand or be interested in my questions. I tried for a GP appointment first thing today (Mon) but the surgery has a stupid system for appointments & I can't get one until at least Wednesday or Thursday.

[Kay]

Sorry about your accident thikas. The binding of ribs was stopped several years ago. You're right in what they told you."Take painkillers". My hubby had the same problem and I could'nt believe that binding had been stopped.That was 3 years ago.

[FP]

Poor you,

My husband did exactly the same, fell from a height and broke two ribs falling hard against a stepladder.  That was some 20 years ago and he was only given painkillers and told to rest, so binding has long gone. The bulging is probably swelling from all the bruising.  I have never known anybody in recent years that has had any treatment for broken ribs,  except for painkillers. 

Has the doctor prescribed any painkillers for you?  - I would think you need quite strong ones.  Ibuprufen and Paracatamol can be taken together, Iburprufen will help take down the inflammation and paracetamol will give extra help with the pain.   Only take the recommended dose of each.  Your pharmacist will advise on this.

If you are really worried about the swelling,  I would present yourself at your local hospital again (they are not allowed to turn you away).  Has your GP practice not got any set up for emergency appointments?

I hate to say it but the pain from cracked ribs takes quite some time to go and you might ache for quite a long time.  I wouldn't think lugging a heavy case would be a good idea.

Best wishes thickasabrik for a speedy recovery and hopefully a good holiday.  I do feel sorry for you.

[netibiza]

They don't bind anymore in case it causes a break., Very painful for you - just take the painkillers.

[smudge]

The pain from broken ribs can certainly take the wind out of your sails - I remember it well from when I slipped off a doorstep at work & fell flat on my front! I also cracked a collar bone. The only treatment I received at the hospital was x-rays & strong pain killers.

I would either just turn up at your Doctor's surgery & insist on being seen, or go back to the hospital & explain to the receptionist that you wish to speak to someone who can understand you & you them.

Good luck & I hope you feel better soon thikasabrik!

[thikasabrik]

Thank you all so very much for taking the time & trouble to answer. I'm stocked up on painkillers and I'm taking it easy at home. This is the first time I've been off sick in years and I have to say that I never realised daytime TV was such crud! Thank goodness I have my PC.

[gazzawazza]

I cracked a rib years ago and the pain was almost unbearable so you have my sympathy.  It hurt even to laugh and I seem to remember the pain lasted about a week (in the really bad phase) but I didn't have any sticking out or bruising so I suspect your injury could be worse than mine was. 

Just as an aside, I actually did it whilst sat on a high stool holding my baby daughter when a sudden uncontrollable sneeze took over and I tried to protect her from the contents of my nose!!!  Perhaps it wouldn't have cracked if I'd just "let it all go!"

[Gilli]

I cracked a rib about 9 years ago after I was knocked over by another skiier.

I was bound .... with "elastoplast" type  brick-orange coloured fabric plaster about a foot wide (I kid you not). This was wrapped round me twice !!

I ought to add .... it was in Bulgaria !

As that's been the only occasion I've ever done this, I have no idea if it would have hurt less/healed faster without the plaster ..... however, wearing a fabric plaster which gets wet (when you shower/bathe), & the edges get all rumpled, sticky and dirty was not pleasant ..... nor was getting it off again when I'd finally had enough .... it left a horrid rash.

[Noweia]

They don't bind fractured ribs any more as they discovered it wasn't really effective, so now the fractures are left to heal on their own.

[Lorcan]

Just thought I'd mention that when I cracked a rib as well as painkilling pills (cocodemol I think) I also applied Deep Heat gel.

[elk hunter]

Hi Thikasa

I fell off a small ladder on Saturday and hit full bore on my left side back., resulting in not only damage to my back muscles but to my ribs on my left side.

Yesterday, I had a good involuntary sneeze that just about sent me into the skies. The pain in my ribs was excrutiating. Then I started hearing and feeling the bones or cartilage or tendons popping when I move.

Did you have these poppings going on?

Bluddy terrible, I can tell you. Stoopid too., because of the way I set the ladder.

6 weeks per the Sawbones.

Elk hunter, Albuquerque, New Mexico