Fractured rib(s)-now what???

[Marin Mom]

Can't believe I could be so careless- my daughter pulled a shower curtain down and while awkwarldy trying to put the rod back up I slipped and fell hard against the side of the tub. Went to ER and opted not to be X Ray'd. MD was very understanding and I was happy to say didn't push it and said as long as there was no internal bleeding it wasn't imperative that I have it done although he did recommend it.

My question is, has this ever happened to anyone else here and what would be a good protocol to speed healing? I picked up the painkilling and muscle relaxant meds but I am trying not to take them. Strangely I can sit at the computer but am not good for much else!!

So far all I had today was a green smoothie with vitamineral green and limited fruit.

Thanks!

[rawrawks]

Hmmmm sorry this happened. I would rest and eat as you have been. Amazing live healing food. Get well.

[Revvell]

Oh yeah. Not much to do. IF you can get in and out of a tub, epsom salt baths will ease the pain some. Might consider wrapping with ace bandage and see if that helps. Keep a pillow handy for holding against you when getting up or down and DO NOT SNEEZE!

[katchmoleen]

The biggest danger with fractured ribs is pneumonia because it hurts to breathe so people take shallow breaths and secretions build up in the lungs. So it is important for you to FORCE yourself to take deep breaths. Like set a timer for every hour and when it goes off, take 10 deep breaths, as deep as you can stand. Then brace your ribs with the pillow and cough. Ideally it would be a deep cough, but not at first, cause it will hurt like everything. But as time goes on you will be able to cough more.

This is really important. Other than that, rest, fluids, nutrition. Some people find it helpful to bind a towel around their middle and pin it tight, And that is fine as long as you continue to deep breathe.

So sorry this happened to you!

[Marin Mom]

Thanks, I will deep breathe but you are right, it does hurt.

Okay I won't sneeze. Laughing is out too I guess. :mad:

[Revvell]

For me it was laughing, coughing, sneezing and deep breathing. I've gone through it about 3 times. Never heard that about pneumonia and never had an issue with it. If you're going to deep breath I'd suggest sipping slowly as far as you can, as deep as you can then let out slowly.


Thanks, I will deep breathe but you are right, it does hurt.

Okay I won't sneeze. Laughing is out too I guess. :mad:

[katchmoleen]

Have seen it myself numerous times, even my own dad who got bucked off a horse and broke some ribs and ended up in the hospital for a week with pneumonia. Since your health is so good and nutrition so superior, you dodged the bullet!

[Revvell]

You don't that about me. Wasn't even vegetarian the first time and was asthmatic; was dairy eating junk food vegetarian the second two times. Laid my motorcycle down one of the times. Not saying it can't happen, just saying it may be something to be aware of yet, not fearful of. Breathing deeply is always good yet, slow and steady for the first couple of weeks and DON'T SNEEZE!!! :)



Have seen it myself numerous times, even my own dad who got bucked off a horse and broke some ribs and ended up in the hospital for a week with pneumonia. Since your health is so good and nutrition so superior, you dodged the bullet!

[katchmoleen]

You don't that about me. Wasn't even vegetarian the first time and was asthmatic; was dairy eating junk food vegetarian the second two times.


Holy moley, an asthmatic to boot? You were REALLY lucky!

[Revvell]

That's how I get into doing the work I do.... needed to heal the asthma ~ or die.


Holy moley, an asthmatic to boot? You were REALLY lucky!

[Marin Mom]

Thanks girls. Now how to deal with my husband who thinks the muscle relaxant prescribed to me will heal me and I should be taking it regularly? I took just one last night and I'm still a little groggy and don't wish to take it again. I havn't taken the pain meds and don't intend to. I'm hoping I will heal faster this way but this is so darn inconvenient!

[Revvell]

Drugs don't heal; they mask what's really going on. Broken ribs are not about muscles, it's about breaking bones. Doctors are nuts. They just like to prescribe drugs. For me, when I injure myself, I'm always curious about the healing process... what's happening minute by minute, day-by-day. Can't be aware of that when taking drugs.

... AND muscle relaxants relax ALL your muscles, not just the ones around the injury which is why you're feeling groggy.

I don't go to doctors for anything I can take care of myself and, I took care of my ribs myself ~ every time. But then, that's me! :)

How to deal with your husband? I dunno. Just tell him it's your body and you don't want to put drugs in it. You know the body has an internal pharmacy. It'll heal itself given the right nutrients, movement and rest. It's that simple.

[Veganforlife]

Doctors are nuts. They just like to prescribe drugs.

Legalized drug dealers...

[katchmoleen]

You can tell him a nurse who knows what she is talking about said this: The muscle relaxants are comfort measures ONLY, not for healing....but that you don't want to take them. I wouldn't be averse to taking them at night if I needed help sleeping, but that is just me, as I see sleep as healing also.

A natural alternative would be herbal valerian.

[DopeRawAbundance]

Legalized drug dealers...
Aren't they all Veganone... aren't they all...

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[Care4raw]

Hi Marinmom,

Sorry to hear about your rib!
I used to break my once unstable ankle a bit. I tried comfrey and it was mind blowing how quickly i recovered. I think you can use it, (its an herb) a few diff ways..poultice , tea,tincture, etc.I see theres even combos herbs and they called bone knitting powder. Thats actually another name for comfrey too..bone knitter.
Heal fast and painless!
Oh try a deep tissue massage when you are well healed and ask them to massage your "inter-coastal muscles".The muscles between your ribs. They are respiratory muscles. Unknowingly if they are contracted, (which they will get) your breathing will get shallower and that starts a whole loop of stuff..
Gosh don't mean to sound too serious!just have a lovely massage afterwards lol.

[Green_Woman]

Best wishes to your rapid healing in the RAW!!!

[oceanluv]

I rely on homeopathic arnica, comfrey as well.

[Marin Mom]

Thanks all. I caved and took the meds until my comfry arrives later..........hopefully between that and the arnica a friend picked up for me I can avoid the pharmaceticals.

About comfry- what's better-tea or tincture? Anyone have experience with this?