Community Forums

free2wander · 12-03-2011, 11:17 AM

I know this is an RV forum , but since we Full-time I decided to throw this out to the general population to see if anyone can relate to my specific problem!

Last night about 2:30 A.M. I was awakened by a bout of coughing and in the middle of it all, I felt something "pop" where the 2nd or third rib below the sternum meets the cartilage, resulting in extreme agony. Prior to this, there was no pain whatsoever. Now any time I tighten my abdominals, I feel this intense pain, which means it really hurts to even blow my nose or sit upright. The only relief i get is by strapping a belt around my chest with a thickly folded washcloth placed under the belt over the point of pain.

This is not the first time this same scenario has played itself out, but definitively the worst. Has anyone else had this happen? and if so is there a name to it or a treatment? My wife and I are full-time RVrs and not near a medical facility.

bluck · 12-03-2011, 11:44 AM

Sounds like you broke a rib, sometimes happens during a hard coughing spell. I would still get it checked out. Basically you are doing what has been done for broke ribs. They use to tightly wrap the entire rib area with a tight ACE bandage. I belive they use an elastic vest secured with velcro now.

VSPA · 12-03-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by free2wander

I know this is an RV forum , but since we Full-time I decided to throw this out to the general population to see if anyone can relate to my specific problem!

Last night about 2:30 A.M. I was awakened by a bout of coughing and in the middle of it all, I felt something "pop" where the 2nd or third rib below the sternum meets the cartilage, resulting in extreme agony. Prior to this, there was no pain whatsoever. Now any time I tighten my abdominals, I feel this intense pain, which means it really hurts to even blow my nose or sit upright. The only relief i get is by strapping a belt around my chest with a thickly folded washcloth placed under the belt over the point of pain.

This is not the first time this same scenario has played itself out, but definitively the worst. Has anyone else had this happen? and if so is there a name to it or a treatment? My wife and I are full-time RVrs and not near a medical facility.

I do hope and Pray that you are posting this question from a mobile devise while your dearly beloved is taking you to the nearest ER. Severe infections and worst case, even a punctured lung or lining.

LVJ58 · 12-03-2011, 12:34 PM

I would seek out a medical facility ASAP and have the condition diagnosed and treated if treatment is needed. Pain is the body's way of letting you know something's wrong. May not be serious and hopefully it isn't, but warrants checking it out.

Please keep us informed on your condition and best of luck....

Yellowreef · 12-03-2011, 01:27 PM

The name of it is broken rib. Get to a hospital asap.

doc · 12-03-2011, 06:35 PM

Certainly you need an x-ray to make sure there is no danger of lung penetration from the break. Chances are it is a muscle that popped as it pulled away from the bone. Still need the x-ray. Either way there is little that can be done other than tape and time to heal. Probably a round of antibiotics. May we ask your age?

historyljc · 12-03-2011, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc

Certainly you need an x-ray to make sure there is no danger of lung penetration from the break. Chances are it is a muscle that popped as it pulled away from the bone. Still need the x-ray. Either way there is little that can be done other than tape and time to heal. Probably a round of antibiotics. May we ask your age?

So says doc. +1

La-Z-Boy · 12-03-2011, 09:46 PM

It is possible to sneeze or cough and create a Pnuemothorax , which is the lung tissue pulling away from the lung lining with air trapped in the void.
Imagine a loaf of bread airtight to the wrapper except in one small place... See a doctor. Good luck and God Bless!

wa8yxm · 12-04-2011, 12:08 PM

I can not tell you what the problem is but I can tell you where to call 9-1-1!

Get ye to a body shop (Hospital) and do it fast!

I know there are religions who say "If you get sick/ill/injured God will heal"

They are right.. And to aid in that healilng God invented..... DOCTORS!

See one, fast.

Akibase · 12-04-2011, 12:33 PM

I just happen to have my little brother the doctor visiting for a few days at this time and I asked him what his thoughts were. He feels that you may have pulled a chest muscle coughing (he says fairly common), but it is not unheard of to actually break a rib while having a bad coughing spell. The problem is if you are protecting the pain level by taking much shallower breaths, this can bring on pneumonia. Get to a clinic or ER asap.

7521 · 12-04-2011, 02:36 PM

My wife experienced the same problem. She was diagnosed with a separated rib. Please do not take this lightly. Seek medical care asap. If you broke a rib you will need to see a doctor.

toneumanns · 12-04-2011, 02:49 PM

I'm sorry for your pain but do you think this is the best place to get medical advice? Good God man get to a Dr.

Wayne MD · 12-04-2011, 11:55 PM

When you get back from doctor or hospital ER , let us know what it was. Get an informed opinion from the medical group, it will be heal quicker.

hondo122 · 12-05-2011, 09:46 AM

I've had broken ribs several times(don't ask LOL) they need to be properly diagnosed, they don't tape any more because of the shallow breathing and pneumonia, Good luck.