http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018403131 Mon Jun 3, 2013, 04:22 PM
Star Member panader0 (9,581 posts)
Anyone know a good treatment for cracked ribs?
I'm pretty sure the doctors don't do anything except wrap the area with tape. I took a really good spill the other night (yes, alcohol was involved) and now I'm fairly certain there's one or two cracked ones under my left shoulder blade. The pain is epic.
I cannot afford to go to the hospital.
Tell us the whole story.
Response to panader0 (Original post)
Mon Jun 3, 2013, 04:28 PM
Star Member hlthe2b (47,307 posts)
2. Wrapping does prevent the pull on the chest lining that stimulates nerve endings/pain
That needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. A broken rib does pose a risk for trauma to the lung and what can be life-threatening air in the lung (pneumothorax) so if you experience difficulty breathing or increasing pressure/pain, you really do need to see someone. Also if you need more effective pain management, which they aren't likely to RX for you without seeing you....
Let it go. They'll heal on their own.
Response to panader0 (Original post)
Mon Jun 3, 2013, 04:34 PM
Star Member LiberalEsto (16,832 posts)
3. Sorry for your pain
Last edited Mon Jun 3, 2013, 04:37 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)
If there is any sort of low-cost clinic, I'd suggest going there for an x-ray to make sure a rib isn't poking your lung. I think you're in AZ from your profile; try this website:
http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf?_function=list&state=az
As far as I know there is not much doctors can do except wrap them up and maybe give a prescription for a stronger than OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Ice packs might help.
You might check and see if your supermarket or health food store sells some kind of Arnica gel like Arnicare (you put in on unbroken skin, not cuts or scrapes). I use it for pulled muscles, sciatica and minor arthritis pain, it's safe and helpful.
DUmmy has cracked rib and it suggests a health food store.
Response to panader0 (Original post)
Mon Jun 3, 2013, 05:08 PM
olddots (2,617 posts)
7. I'd say drink untill the pain goes away
but with your luck you might fall down again
I'd bet he got knocked down.
Response to libodem (Reply #10)
Mon Jun 3, 2013, 06:13 PM
Star Member panader0 (9,581 posts)
11. Yeah, it hurts quite a bit to cough
Then when I did there were blood clots.
That means you're on the road to recovery. Don't do anything else.
Response to panader0 (Original post)
Mon Jun 3, 2013, 08:50 PM
Star Member dixiegrrrrl (31,057 posts)
15. The doctors actually do more when you present with a cracked rib.
They check it to make sure there is no danger of a lung puncture/lung collapse.
They show you how to wrap it effectively.
And they prescribe meds to make you more comfortable.
Meds which should not, of course, be combined with alcohol.
Ignore it at your peril, I 'll see if I can get Mr. Dixie to share all the exceedingly painful details of how a collapsed lung is treated...he's had 2, both from falls.
The first one followed a cracked rib which he decided to treat on his own.
Hint: it involves scalpels, inserting a tube, and NO anesthesia.
Ignoring a collapsed lung is an invitation to have the other lung collapse also,
at which point breathing pretty much stops.
Just sharing a bit of bitterly learned lesson........
I had five cracked ribs from a car wreck. It was caused when the seat belt locked up. Three on one side and two on the other. I slept in a recliner for two months.
It ain't fun. You would give anything that you own just to take one deep breath.
