Rib Injury

[jannieC]

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.