fell on brick steps on the edge and it really hurts, I am using a bag of peas on the site but it s making me?

Anne2,

You are correct, ribs are not bound up now, it stops the lung from expanding and can lead to pneumonia. I would suggest that provided there is no excruciating pain and no bleeding when you cough (if you can cough!), to leave them alone. The fracture (or bruise) usually heals in about four weeks. Good pain relief during this time helps you to breathe and cough properly. Simply putting up with the pain is not a good idea as it can lead to shallow breathing, lack of coughing and chest infections. For severe pain, another option is a nerve block with local anaesthetic near to the injury. An Xray would either exclude or confirm a fracture and where it was and if there was any imminent danger to any organs in it’s vicinity. You would likely be prescribed strong to mild pain killers and sent on your way rejoicing! To minimise any pain on breathing when you sleep – and this is when you start with your sleepless nights for a while – try to sleep on the injured side as this will minimise any movement of that side of the chest. A forearm pressed against the injured side assists with movement that may produce pain like going down stairs, stamping your foot in anger, coughing and laughing – if you can laugh at all! Other than that, there’s not much to say except that I hope you mend soon.

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Hope this helps

matador 89