Any advice or wisdom for coping with fractured ribs after resuscitation?

[Milwaukee]

Hello this is my first post. My husband had a heart attack, followed by 2 cardiac arrests last Wednesday. I am grateful that he is still here!! He is home now resting and recovering but the pain from his fractured ribs is quite bad. I think it can also make him feel anxious as it’s somewhat similar to heart pain. Any advice or wisdom would be gratefully received!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,I am sorry to hear about your husband's cardiac arrest, you have both been so much.

I live with a type angina which is very difficult to treat, so I often experience chest pain.

I fell and broke my ribs earlier in the year. It really hurts and there were occassions when I had competing pain from my ribs and heart. Sometimes I would have both together which nearly took me into hospital.

I found holding on to a cushion when I sneezed, coughed or laughed helped. However my ribs would hurt alot after a sneeze.

My family were banned from cracking jokes😂.

I also found sleeping slightly upright supported by pillows helped me to sleep.

I was also prescribed some paracetamol and codeine for pain relief. A hot water bottle helped ease the pain too.

If your husband is ever worried, I suggest he gives 111 a call.

[Milwaukee in reply to Milkfairy]

Hello! Thank you so much for your response. Very helpful and I’m sure he would agree, we have to stop making him laugh!