Have I cracked a rib?
Discussion
I had a bit of an accident in the car a week ago, black ice, car struck the hedge then went on its side, air bags deployed, car written off etc. Anyway, apart from that not too bad and was helped from the car by some friendly motorists who had stopped to help (as well they might seeing as the car was blocking the road).
Injuries seemed slight, considering, and included some bruising where the seat belt passed over my upper thigh, bit of black eye from the air bag, and a bit of bruising and discomfort in the area of my sternum. Since then I've been taking things steady where possible, and apart from some difficulty in turning over in bed at night, and some difficulty in taking a deep breath, have been coping quite well.
Since Wednesday my chest has been becoming increasingly more painful, definitely getting worse rather than better, so much so that I have been considering going to the local surgery and consulting a GP, who will presumably then send me for an Xray? I expect that even if it turns out that I have cracked a rib, there may not be anything that anyone can do about it?
Any comments or suggestions?
TIA
Injuries seemed slight, considering, and included some bruising where the seat belt passed over my upper thigh, bit of black eye from the air bag, and a bit of bruising and discomfort in the area of my sternum. Since then I've been taking things steady where possible, and apart from some difficulty in turning over in bed at night, and some difficulty in taking a deep breath, have been coping quite well.
Since Wednesday my chest has been becoming increasingly more painful, definitely getting worse rather than better, so much so that I have been considering going to the local surgery and consulting a GP, who will presumably then send me for an Xray? I expect that even if it turns out that I have cracked a rib, there may not be anything that anyone can do about it?
Any comments or suggestions?
TIA
Well, I've both cracked a rib and popped a rib. The pain you describe sounds quite familiar so I wouldn't be surprised if you have damaged a rib. I seem to remember the pain getting a little worse before it got better as internal bruising developed.
As you suspect, there's generally little that can be done for cracked ribs (I carried on snow boarding with mine). Worth getting an x ray just to be sure it's nothing more serious though.
As you suspect, there's generally little that can be done for cracked ribs (I carried on snow boarding with mine). Worth getting an x ray just to be sure it's nothing more serious though.
Get yourself to A & E asap. They will x-ray for damage. I'm sure you're man enough to cope with a cracked rib on your own, but what if you risk internal bleeding, clots etc? If you were in the States I could understand your reluctance, but we have the NHS, it's free ffs.
Make the effort and get yer arse down there. It's quiet Sunday nights too.
Make the effort and get yer arse down there. It's quiet Sunday nights too.
pacman1 said:
Get yourself to A & E asap. They will x-ray for damage. I'm sure you're man enough to cope with a cracked rib on your own, but what if you risk internal bleeding, clots etc? If you were in the States I could understand your reluctance, but we have the NHS, it's free ffs.
Make the effort and get yer arse down there. It's quiet Sunday nights too.
Is it an emergency? No.Make the effort and get yer arse down there. It's quiet Sunday nights too.
In which case going to see the GP and they can decide if an x-ray is necessary and schedule a direct access appointment if needed is more appropriate.
Folk moan about A&E waits and then head off there for something that a GP can diagnose.
pacman1 said:
It's quiet Sunday nights too.
No, it's not. A&E is not a rapid access clinic. It is more than likely a cracked rib. There is nothing you can do about it but wait for it to get better. The GP will be a better bet as they can give you a script for analgesia if you need it. If they are worried about anything else, they can organise it from there.
BigAlinEmbra said:
pacman1 said:
Get yourself to A & E asap. They will x-ray for damage. I'm sure you're man enough to cope with a cracked rib on your own, but what if you risk internal bleeding, clots etc? If you were in the States I could understand your reluctance, but we have the NHS, it's free ffs.
Make the effort and get yer arse down there. It's quiet Sunday nights too.
Is it an emergency? No.Make the effort and get yer arse down there. It's quiet Sunday nights too.
In which case going to see the GP and they can decide if an x-ray is necessary and schedule a direct access appointment if needed is more appropriate.
Folk moan about A&E waits and then head off there for something that a GP can diagnose.
If you are so sure, then please tell the OP why you think he should wait to see his GP.
A&E is never quiet on a sunday evening, it is one of our busiest times. They will also not xray for rib injuries unless any concerning factors ie: increase SOB, coughing up blood, evidence of chest infection. They will xray if they are concerend about the sternum though.
As said before, either see your GP or attend a local walk in centre. In the meantime, regular over the counter painkillers, deep breathing/ cough exercises, mobilise and sleep with a few extra pillows.
As said before, either see your GP or attend a local walk in centre. In the meantime, regular over the counter painkillers, deep breathing/ cough exercises, mobilise and sleep with a few extra pillows.
dgb00 said:
pacman1 said:
It's quiet Sunday nights too.
No, it's not. A&E is not a rapid access clinic. It is more than likely a cracked rib. There is nothing you can do about it but wait for it to get better. The GP will be a better bet as they can give you a script for analgesia if you need it. If they are worried about anything else, they can organise it from there.
K77 CTR said:
A&E is never quiet on a sunday evening, it is one of our busiest times. They will also not xray for rib injuries unless any concerning factors ie: increase SOB, coughing up blood, evidence of chest infection. They will xray if they are concerend about the sternum though.
As said before, either see your GP or attend a local walk in centre. In the meantime, regular over the counter painkillers, deep breathing/ cough exercises, mobilise and sleep with a few extra pillows.
There you go OP, the facts. A & E is not quiet Sunday nights, and it appears you aren't going to die just yet.As said before, either see your GP or attend a local walk in centre. In the meantime, regular over the counter painkillers, deep breathing/ cough exercises, mobilise and sleep with a few extra pillows.
Sleep well and if it still hurts in the morning, go see yer GP.
hth.
pacman1 said:
dgb00 said:
pacman1 said:
It's quiet Sunday nights too.
No, it's not. A&E is not a rapid access clinic. It is more than likely a cracked rib. There is nothing you can do about it but wait for it to get better. The GP will be a better bet as they can give you a script for analgesia if you need it. If they are worried about anything else, they can organise it from there.
k do you think I am going to do then? They only come in because they think that they will get a hospital opinion. Guess what? They get a few paracetamol and told to see the GP. NHS funding is a bit strange at the moment. If A&E think that you need to see a specialist, they cannot refer you rapidly, IT STILL HAS TO GO THROUGH YOUR GP or the hospital does not get paid. Even if it might be cancer, your GP is still the quickest way to get a referral.
A&E. Clue's in the name.
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