CT scan results in

9 years ago

The CT scan shows I have 3 fractured ribs. Now they're sending me for a bone density scan.

They're afraid one or some of the medicines I'm on has or had given me brittle bones.

Since I can't remember an accident that fractured my ribs, the doctor said my bones might be brittle & I could have unknowingly fractured them while sneezing or coughing.

The search for an answer continues.

Featured Answer

mamapinky0

9 years ago

Compression wraps are no longer advised for broken ribs as they can prevent deep breathing.. taking shallow breaths is common with broken ribs usually do to pain, try to force yourself to take some deep breaths during the day. Its common to develope pneumonia with broken ribs, its caused from taking shallow breaths and not fully inflating the lungs.

were you told to take anti-inflamatory meds?

The biggest risk is one of the ribs puncturing a blood vessel or organ..so take it easy and don't over do yourself. Rest, motrin, ( ask doctor first) and lots of fluid and they should heal within 4 to 6 weeks.

Paw don't expose yourself to people smoking..secondhand smoke will increase healing time.

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Comments (17)

jemdandy
9 years ago
At least you know the reason for your pain. I bet it hurts when you sneeze.
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Lindsey_CA
9 years ago
I have had one broken rib, and it was close to the worst pain I've ever had. I cannot imagine what you are going through with three broken ribs! Take it easy!!!
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Pawprint
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Jem, my doctor told me to hold a pillow to my chest when I sneeze or cough because it's painful.

Lindsey, see? I've told everyone who will listen, including doctors, nurses, the ER & lab techs about the pain. Everyone was starting to think I was crazy.

I was even thinking I might be crazy too.
hounds_x_two
9 years ago
So glad to know you found out why you are in so much pain. And thankful that it is something that will heal!
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Jasdip
9 years ago
Wow. Are you advised to wrap your chest? I think I'd be doing that as extra support for the ribs. I never thought of sneezing and coughing fracturing ribs. No wonder you were in such pain! Wouldn't that have shown up on x-rays?
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Pawprint
Original Author
9 years ago
Good question. I know the ER said my X-rays showed fractured ribs on my back side, not front. Maybe they read them inside out. I'm just as confused.
chisue
9 years ago
I have had rib fractures from coughing. I was early middle-age. No 'brittle bones'. No link to meds.

Steel yourself to take some deep breaths every hour. Hope you will 'mend' fast!
Pawprint thanked chisue
lindaohnowga
9 years ago
Hubby fell years ago and broke a rib, so he knows the pain you are going through. It just takes time for the breaks to heal. I hope yours heal quickly.
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ldstarr
9 years ago
Glad you've finally gotten some information. I know from my own experiences that even bad news is better than the not knowing and having the medical profession questioning the "reality" of your symptoms.

Go easy and give yourself plenty of time to heal. And...if it won't alarm you too much, I'd look up the side effects of the various medicines you take/have taken. I've learned that the medical profession often times isn't too thorough with this type of thing. They swore that my DFL was not experiencing a drug interaction, yet when we got very insistent that the change the 1 med to something else on an temporary basis, all the side effect issues disappeared.

Take care yourself.

Lisa
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Rusty
9 years ago
Scott, I've been following your first thread on this, and now this one, and I'm glad you finally have a diagnosis, all be it a confusing one. Hopefully you will be able to find ways to ease the pain. Are you able to take any meds to help? Be careful in whatever you are doing, and heal soon! We care about you!

Rusty
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PKponder TX Z7B
9 years ago
Ouch! I broke 1 rib in a bicycle crash years ago. I spent the whole summer and into the fall before I could breathe deeply without pain.

Feel better soon.
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Georgysmom
9 years ago
Many, many years ago a friend of mine had pleurisy and was coughing so hard, she fractured a rib.....she was 9 months pregnant and had to deliver the baby with a fractured rib....not fun! I'm so glad you finally got a diagnosis. You know your body better than anyone else so never let them make you think your crazy. You just have to find the right doctor.
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Pawprint
Original Author
9 years ago
They gave me prescription grade Naproxin. I'm also using liniment & heating pad. (Not at the same time). And rest.
User
9 years ago
Hope you feel better soon Paw!
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User
9 years ago
That sounds horrible! Hope you feel better soon.
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User
9 years ago
Ouch, that sounds awful. Best wishes for a quick and complete recovery.
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