Pain from bruised ribs?

Question

I fell in the shower on Thursday and broke te door and thought I was okay. I woke up at 3am sat/sun morning in the most severe pain I've ever had in my life (other than when I had open heart surgery) I went to the ER yesterday (I already had Vicodin 500 for chronic back pain and 800 Motrin but neither does anything for me) The doctor told me I brusied my ribs and he gave me Percocet which seems to work (a little) Seriously! It's 5 mg. I am still in a great deal of pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Example: I'm laying on the couch and I cant look up (in back of me/life myself up) to see the time! And I can't do anything with my left side at all! If I even reach for water with my left hand, the sharp pain in my ribs is so severe pain and sharp!!! Is there anything else I can do to lesson the pain??? And does anyone know how long I'll be in pain with bruised ribs??!!! Thanks a lot for answers :) connie

Yes, doctor did x-ray my ribs. He said that he doesn't think they're fractured. They're not broken but they're badly brusied was his final conclusion

Answer 1

bummer, I just cracked something in my ribs too, think it's cartilage though, because thought there is pain, it's manageable.
sometimes rib injuries take a long time to heal because they get re-injured all the time.
be really careful. I'm sorry....it's just going to take time.
Good Luck:)))

Answer 2

I believe she asked what OTC pain medication she can get, and Tramadol is RX only, but that Dr who wrote that would obviously know that right? And Tramadol is an opiate, so make sure you dont have any allergic reactions to narcotics before taking it if you do. It seams if you have pain from either, or all of those problems then you should be seeing a Dr. But off hand I would take some Advil, or generic ibuprofen to see if that helps. Try ice or heat packs, see if it soothes the swelling. With a concussion I was more thinking you want to really watch out what you take for drugs even OTC. This question is best for REAL medical help.

Answer 3

I have both bruised and fractured a rib so I know what the pain is like, I'm very sorry. Did the doctor X-ray you? If not you should go back. Unfortunately, if it is a fractured rib there is nothing that can be done except rest. A good idea is to visit a chiropractor so he can adjust your ribs, they could be moved out of place.

Answer 4

I broke and bruised my ribs a few months ago, and all I can say is GO EASY ON YOURSELF!

I had to sleep upright for a few weeks, and be careful not to cough or laugh - both of those actions would send shooting pain.

Pain is temporary, and only use the meds when you need them. Time was the best healing for me.

Answer 5

you might try to wrap your chest but not too tight with ace bandages, it will give you some support. Anytime you move or lie down, you put a lot of stress on your ribs. It will take at least 6 weeks to completely get the soreness out, longer if it broke.

Answer 6

Did they take an x-ray to make sure you did not crack a rib? A buddy of mine just recently cracked one of his ribs and the (severe) pain lasted about a week.

Answer 7

Ribs are PAINFUL, and you may have cracked one(s). Get better pain meds. It could take 6 weeks to see inprovement. Eat a LOT of Jello to help the bones.

Answer 8

Well, my case was a bit different, but I healed up in 2-3 days. I'd guess that yours is more severe, so say a week.

Answer 9

That's a tough one because your lungs are always expanding your chest, so that will make the healing proses take a bit more time.

Answer 10

It can take up to three months for some.