[JoshW]

From everything I read online, not much I can do except keep it cool. Not do movements that cause pain. And take pain killers. Anyone gone through this and/or have advice? I will likely go to the DR tomorrow, but will take any poster advice offered.

[Shark79]

lots of rest and no quick moves ... breathe properly ... thats till u go to the drs tomorrow

[diogee]

When I cracked a couple ribs the doctor just had me take pain meds, limit a lot of movement, and take deep breaths through out the day so my lungs wouldn't fill up with liquid.

[Kellen]

Sounds rough. Just take plenty of vicodin (if you have) and try to relax. What did you do?

[tacomax]

I broke mine when I was drunk last year - didn't hurt at the time, hurt like a mother in morning. And that's probably the best advice for tonight before you see the doc tomorrow. Advil would reduce any inflammation as well as relieve the pain somewhat.

[BadNina]

Try not to breathe.





(I'm just kidding. Sorry you are in pain)

[JoshW]

Wow, good information and quick I appreciate the advice from everyone. Interesting tacomax that your's hurt only later. I didn't feel it bad until about 4 hours later.

I had a MMA class at noon. Today we were doing a lot more throws, getting out of choke holds, and all the resulted in me hitting the mat more than usual. My falls are pretty good (rolling out of them, etc), but I am also a big guy, so is a lot of weight if I don't fall just right.

[Panic]

Wow, good information and quick I appreciate the advice from everyone. Interesting tacomax that your's hurt only later. I didn't feel it bad until about 4 hours later.

I had a MMA class at noon. Today we were doing a lot more throws, getting out of choke holds, and all the resulted in me hitting the mat more than usual. My falls are pretty good (rolling out of them, etc), but I am also a big guy, so is a lot of weight if I don't fall just right.

You didnt break it. I have taken brazilian jutsitsu for the past 7 years and we specialize in submission and retreat. You would know if it was broke. You would have difficulty breathing and basically no movement. Lift both arms over your head, one at a time, can you do this?

[Shark79]

You didnt break it. I have taken brazilian jutsitsu for the past 7 years and we specialize in submission and retreat. You would know if it was broke. You would have difficulty breathing and basically no movement. Lift both arms over your head, one at a time, can you do this?

Good advice ... I dont think there actually broken.

[pico]

go to the hospital?

[Shark79]

go to the hospital?

Dont think its that serious ... however .. he hasnt answered Panics question

[MrX]

Get psychologically prepared to be really annoyed for 4-6 weeks.

I've broken ribs a couple times and it sucks. They'll just start to feel better when you'll do something that doesn't seem like it would involve your ribcage but will result in extreme pain and a setback. You will learn just how many ordinary movements involve your ribs.

It also doesn't help when you're wife constantly forgets and rolls on top of you in bed.

[Panic]

Get psychologically prepared to be really annoyed for 4-6 weeks.

I've broken ribs a couple times and it sucks. They'll just start to feel better when you'll do something that doesn't seem like it would involve your ribcage but will result in extreme pain and a setback. You will learn just how many ordinary movements involve your ribs.
It also doesn't help when you're wife constantly forgets and rolls on top of you in bed.

Yep.

[Shark79]

Get psychologically prepared to be really annoyed for 4-6 weeks.

I've broken ribs a couple times and it sucks. They'll just start to feel better when you'll do something that doesn't seem like it would involve your ribcage but will result in extreme pain and a setback. You will learn just how many ordinary movements involve your ribs.

It also doesn't help when you're wife constantly forgets and rolls on top of you in bed.

OUCH!!

[JoshW]

Panic,

The pain is too great to lift my left arm completely up and keep it there. If I bring it up from the side, the pain is too great to go any higher than an "L" with my arm. My breathing is normal. I don't doubt your expertise in the matter, but I haven't felt anything like this before. And everything I reads sounds like a rib issue. You have an alternative it could be?

I will get to the DR tomorrow, or if I can't sleep comfortably will go to the ER, but I hate the ER, and the pain is manageable if I sit and lay in a certain matter.

Mr. X, tell me this doesn't affect sex for over a month. Surely some positions will be ok. :|

[Panic]

Panic,

The pain is too great to lift my left arm completely up and keep it there. If I bring it up from the side, the pain is too great to go any higher than an "L" with my arm. My breathing is normal. I don't doubt your expertise in the matter, but I haven't felt anything like this before. And everything I reads sounds like a rib issue. You have an alternative it could be?

I will get to the DR tomorrow, or if I can't sleep comfortably will go to the ER, but I hate the ER, and the pain is manageable if I sit and lay in a certain matter.

Mr. X, tell me this doesn't affect sex for over a month. Surely some positions will be ok. :|

No doubt there is a rib issue. I hope I didnt give you the impression that I thought otherwise.

As long as you can breathe normally while you make movement with your arms, you're alright. You did a strain. It will hurt like a bitch but if it doesnt restrict your airflow, you'll be okay. Best advice, go to your doctor anyway and have him check it out.

[JoshW]

Cool, appreciate it.

[purecarnagge]

basically you have to chill, and you'll find chilling out aint as fun/good as it use to be with a rib broke.

[mofome]

oh man, im sorry to hear that buddy. i hope you get well soon, ive never had any rib issues so i cant offer any good advice.

[onlooker]

Damn, sorry to hear that Laker. I never had any rip issues, so I can't even imagine the pain. Take it easy and get well soon bud.

[MrX]

Mr. X, tell me this doesn't affect sex for over a month. Surely some positions will be ok. :|

Oh, it will affect it for sure, but it won't ruin it.

[JoshW]

Panic, you were right man. No rib issue it looks like. Slept on it and this morning was much better. Had a friend who is a DR look at it, and he said likely just bruising on muscles, maybe a strain. Based on how much better I was doing today doesn't seem to serious. Will take it easy for a week and I expect to be back to 100%. Thanks for all the advice from everyone.

[pokernut9999]

Great news, hope you feel better soon.

[RageWizard]

From everything I read online, not much I can do except keep it cool. Not do movements that cause pain. And take pain killers. Anyone gone through this and/or have advice? I will likely go to the DR tomorrow, but will take any poster advice offered.

I have a plate holding two of my ribs together from a car accident. Take some pain medication mixed in with a beer or two, and for gods sakes don't watch anything funny on T.V. Try not to move for the next 6-8 weeks if you can.

[Shark79]

Panic, you were right man. No rib issue it looks like. Slept on it and this morning was much better. Had a friend who is a DR look at it, and he said likely just bruising on muscles, maybe a strain. Based on how much better I was doing today doesn't seem to serious. Will take it easy for a week and I expect to be back to 100%. Thanks for all the advice from everyone.

[Doc JS]

The Doctor is now: IN

You have basically gotten pretty good advice from folks in this thread. I'll chip in my 2 cents worth, as well.

Two major difference between bruised/contused ribs and broken/fractured ribs:
1. Broken ribs can sometimes poke holes in important organs like lungs, heart, liver, spleen, etc. This can be potentially life threatening. This is usually associated with pretty significant trauma - ie car wreck, etc. Obviously, this doesn't happen if the ribs aren't broken.
2. Bruised ribs hurt for about three weeks. Broken ribs hurt for about 6-8 weeks. Otherwise the pain is just about the same. Both hurt like hell.

Treatment
1. Pain meds - mostly narcotics ie vicodin/tylox , etc.. There is some data to suggest that anti-inflammatories (advil/aleve) can retard healing of fractures. This is still open to debate.

2. Limit movement - if it hurts - don't do it!

3. Deep breathing to prevent the possibility of pneumonia.

4. Rib Belts - essentially like a women's corset. There is some debate about rib belts. They do effectively splint you and prevent movement. There is some thought that they also prevent you from taking a deep breath (see #3 above).

Hope this helps.

Doc

[Panic]

Panic, you were right man. No rib issue it looks like. Slept on it and this morning was much better. Had a friend who is a DR look at it, and he said likely just bruising on muscles, maybe a strain. Based on how much better I was doing today doesn't seem to serious. Will take it easy for a week and I expect to be back to 100%. Thanks for all the advice from everyone.

Back to normal in no time.