Fractured ribs

[Francesbarbara]

We had a nasty car accident last week ( elderly gentleman driving a large Dormobile from Europe had no idea of the rules of single- track- driving here in the HIghlands of Scotland - I felt quite sorry for him)

I have rather spectacular bruising of right breast - Arnica has been great help - and three ribs are fractured - all from the force of the air bag exploding (I thought I had been shot) Lungs are fine and no other complications but although GP told me to take plenty pain killers, I am reducing them as quickly as poss. because of Pred. Worst pain comes when in bed. Has anyone else had experience of fractured ribs, given that there is no treatment if there is no displacement?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ouch, sorry to hear of your accident.

You can continue to take painkillers so long as they aren’t NSAIDs -and even if they are, you can take short term as long as you take something to protect stomach. At least then you won’t be in so much pain.

Are you okay sitting? If so maybe try a night or two sitting in an armchair (recliner would be good if you have one!) or prop yourself up with pillows in bed.

Hope you soon feel better ❤️‍🩹

This might help -simplyjnj.com/how-to-sleep-...

[Francesbarbara in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, DorsetLady. I have made a note about NSAIDS and the link you have provided is incredibly helpful. Just what I need.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hope he doesn't take it into his head to come here - single track road driving in the mountains comes with hair-raising drops on one side!

Hard luck - I think broken ribs are about the most horrible damage as, as you say, there is nothing much to be done bar painkillers. As DL says, you can take non-NSAID painkillers (if of the opioid family watch out for constipation) and adequate pain relief is absolutely essential and crucial to a good recovery.

Strange isn't it - the item supposed to save us can still cause a lot of damage.

[Francesbarbara in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks. Re your last comment - I was shocked to read of the number of injuries that are caused by air bags but of course they must save people from far worse things too.

[SheffieldJane]

I must say your generosity of spirit will help you heal more quickly too Francesbarbara. I wonder if a specialist reclining pillow would help you in the long recovery period. I have a large sheepskin covered horseshoe pillow that has helped me often with Costochondritis and neck pain. Do you take the homeopathic remedy Arnica or just the cream to rub in? The former is helpful, for the shock too. Get well soon. Did your nice sounding doctor advise any extra Prednisalone? I wonder if that would help ?

[Francesbarbara in reply to SheffieldJane]

I'm so glad you mentioned the horseshoe pillow as I had completely forgotten the one I used to have for Mum when she stayed with us. Have dug it out now. Did not know about the Arnica in pill form so I live and learn, with so many thanks to this forum. V nice GP did not mention extra Pred though I had thought of it myself but think I'm OK.