Rib Injury

jannieC · #1 10-26-2005, 10:12 PM

Last month, I developed a wicked cough. It turned into bronchitis and became a WICKED cough. On October 3 (not that I'm counting), I noticed a slight pain in my rib when I coughed. A little while later, I had a major coughing fit and felt a pop(!) in my rib area. The pain was incredible. It progressively got worse; to the point where talking and even breathing was agony.

ANYway, I went to the doctor (wth no insurance-you KNOW I was desparate) and as it turns out, I didn't break my rib, but rather bruised it when the cartiledge separated from the rib (Costochondral Separation). They gave me a shot of demerol with phenegran and a prescription for painkillers, antibiotic (for the damn cough) and cough syrup.

The first two weeks were really intense, but now (day 24)- I am still in major (though not unbearable) pain.

The internet searches I've done indicate this could take 6-12 weeks to heal. Calling to doctor to find out when I can expect this to heal is like trying to get through to the president.

Has anyone experienced a rib injury like this? Anyone in the medical profession (Curtis)?? I'm DYING over here.

ontheEdgeof17 · #2 10-26-2005, 10:14 PM

Is it painful when you cough or when you breath in general?

Try to brace it with a pillow when you cough and bend over and stuff like that.....

gldstwmn · #3 10-26-2005, 10:16 PM

My goodness. I'm not a medical professional but I'm sure someone on here can offer some words of wisdom soon. Were you not offered painkillers of any kind?
Take Care!

jannieC · #4 10-26-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

Is it painful when you cough or when you breath in general?

Try to brace it with a pillow when you cough and bend over and stuff like that.....

Oh god yes. Initially, the only way I COULD cough was if I braced myself against the wall with a pillow.

strandinthewind · #5 10-26-2005, 10:18 PM

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jannieC · #6 10-26-2005, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

My goodness. I'm not a medical professional but I'm sure someone on here can offer some words of wisdom soon. Were you not offered painkillers of any kind?
Take Care!

Yes, but the problem with me and painkillers is that I can only take them with phenegran, which makes me sleepy. So I was only able to take them at night. I am getting better, I'm just wonderig how long it will take to fully heal. The internet sites are conflicting.

Thank you for your well wishes!!!

ontheEdgeof17 · #7 10-26-2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannieC

Yes, but the problem with me and painkillers is that I can only take them with phenegran, which makes me sleepy.

If you are nauseated with your pain meds, they should have been switched to something that doesn't give you GI upset.

jannieC · #8 10-26-2005, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

If you are nauseated with your pain meds, they should have been switched to something that doesn't give you GI upset.

I switched to Darvocet which stopped the nausea, but obviously isn't quite as effective. I'm out though, I need to gt a refill.

gldstwmn · #9 10-26-2005, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannieC

I switched to Darvocet which stopped the nausea, but obviously isn't quite as effective. I'm out though, I need to gt a refill.

Just out of curiousity, what does Darvocet run without medical insurance?

jannieC · #10 10-26-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

Just out of curiousity, what does Darvocet run without medical insurance?

I think it was relatively cheap- under $20. I was spending so much money all at once, I don't really remember. Just looked in my checkbook, it was $18.

Red · #11 10-26-2005, 10:35 PM

I'm really sorry to hear about this, you must be in so much pain.

I fell head over heels down a flight of stairs a year ago and got pretty banged up - off work for a couple of weeks, part time for another two.I absolutely HAD to take painkillers to make it through a work day. Here's your plan:

Take nothing in the morning until around noon (so you can get stuff done with a clear head) and the pop a painkiller so you're only high for HALF of the day (percocet is my personal fave). By the time you get home, your ready for sleep.

This is all of course assuming that you can't take time off, because if it is remotely possible, do it. Your body needs time to heal.

Feel better soon!!!

AliceLover · #12 10-26-2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannieC

I switched to Darvocet which stopped the nausea, but obviously isn't quite as effective. I'm out though, I need to gt a refill.

Aww im so sorry this happened to you. Sounds so painful. I really feel bad!

Take care!

catinthedark · #13 10-26-2005, 11:03 PM

Jannie, this sounds so painful. So sorry. I ahve no advice - I just cringed reading your post. Hope you feel better soon.

crylove77 · #14 10-27-2005, 01:59 AM

I get bronchitis twice a year like clockwork and over the last ten years have bruised my ribs three times, and cracked one, from coughing. I hate to tell you, but each time it has taken about 4 months for the pain to fully go away.

Wrapping your torso tightly helps some, but it's hard to do that for months. My doctor told me ribs are one of the slowest areas to heal because it's nearly impossible to not use that part of your body unless you're bedridden. And he didn't want to prescribe painkillers for that amount of time. So I was stuck with Tylenol.

Mari · #15 10-27-2005, 06:54 AM

Wow! That sucks. Get well soon!
I've been coughing for two weeks now, hurrah, but not THAT bad

Doesn't help much with your ribs, but I can give you a pretty decent homemade anti cough remedy that helped me get through the night:
two tablespoons of brown sugar, dissolve it in a glas of water, add one finely chopped onion and leave for at least an hour. Then take sips each time you feel a cough coming up. Apparently the onion numbs your throat. I didn't have much faith in it but it really works.