Broken / fractured rib

[naffa]

Following a cycling accident last week I've had increasing pain in the left side chest / rib area so I booked in to see my GP but couldn't see him for a couple of days.
During last night the pain increased so I went to A&E and they said broken or fractured rib and gave me a guide card to read.
I work in a supermarket and went there to tell them the news. They're expecting me back to work next week, is that reasonable considering theres a lot of lifting, pulling, pushing etc involved in my job?
Still going to see the GP tomorrow but I dont really know what to expect timewise as I've never had any fractures or breaks before.

Thanks Nathan

[Sheets Tabuer]

Next week? you'll be lucky.

[RemainAllHoof]

Sheets Tabuer said:

Next week? you'll be lucky.

After "getting something wrong" when skating on a vert ramp and landing on the coping on my side (it looks so easy on TV!), I got a similar thing. Took a good few weeks to sort itself out. Good luck!

[stevensdrs]

Doc will sign you off for 3 weeks.

[Busa mav]

you are going to be in agony for near on 8 weeks.

Do not cough or sneeze

[condor]

Make sure you ask the Doc for a sick note.

Cracked/broken ribs are very painful. I had them via a skiing accident.

[naffa]

Official line is to cough regularly to help prevent infection.

But you're right about the agony.

[bigbubba]

I have broken/cracked a rib on two occasions, both by misjudging things when skiing.

I couldn't twist or rotate my torso for at least 6 weeks.

HTH

BB

[jas xjr]

I have broken my ribs on three occasions . Six to eight weeks of pain to come I am afraid. Once when I thought they had repaired themselves they went again whilst I was having a shower.

[Sheets Tabuer]

When I did my ribs it took about 5 weeks.

When I crushed my foot it took 6 months

[Riff Raff]

jas xjr said:

I have broken my ribs on three occasions . Six to eight weeks of pain to come I am afraid. Once when I thought they had repaired themselves they went again whilst I was having a shower.

What in the name of God were you doing in the shower to break a rib?

FWIW I bust a few ribs once when I fell off my motorbike. It was painful for weeks and weeks. I wouldn't plan on lifting ant heavy weights for a while, but the Doc will advise when you see him to get signed off.

[hman]

Do not sneeze.

If you don't want to feel like you have been shot.

[Rotaree]

I've broken ribs twice. The first time I did it the doctor said "Six weeks, it's always six weeks with ribs" and he was right, almost exactly six weeks and the pain went. The second time I did it another doctor said the same and, again, it was pretty accurate.

[jas xjr]

Riff Raff said:

What in the name of God were you doing in the shower to break a rib?

FWIW I bust a few ribs once when I fell off my motorbike. It was painful for weeks and weeks. I wouldn't plan on lifting ant heavy weights for a while, but the Doc will advise when you see him to get signed off.

I was just having a shower . I just think they had not
Knitted together properly. It's ok I gave her a tenner for the taxi

[RemainAllHoof]

Perhaps an idea to speak to HR? I mean they wouldn't want an ambulance chaser knocking on their door when you collapse in an agonising heap after trying to stack shelves.

[silverthorn2151]

Broke some ribs karting about 6 years ago.

Nothing you can do but suffer. Took me about 2 weeks before I could sit up in bed unaided.

[The_Doc]

naffa said:

Official line is to cough regularly to help prevent infection.

But you're right about the agony.

not cough, deep breaths to prevent infection

by all means bring something up if it needs to though.

underinflation of the lung due to pain is the enemy, therefore good painkillers mandatory

[naffa]

Been to see the quack today and he found the tale of my cycle accident funny, esoecially the fact that I ended up completely submerged in the Birmingham mainline canal.

Hes given me a note for 2 weeks initially, see if i'm well enough to go back then 'ey.

[croyde]

Also do not laugh.

Bad luck fella, I've done a few of mine in a motorcycle accident, right next to my spine so I counted myself lucky.

[StevelKinevil]

Concur with the 6 to 8 weeks recovery time. I did two of mine falling through the ceiling above my daughters room, landing on my ribs on the joist.

Still gives me jip now seven years later at times, having to 'crack' and wiggle out the discomfort for relief.

Went to A&E, had X-ray, told to go home and suck it up.