Need advice - Ribs

[Alex]

I had an unfortunate incident during a triathlon in late June. I dislocated a rib (above my breast), tore some rib cartilage, sprained my wrist, and more. I learned that a PT could possibly help, or a chiropractor could pop it back into place. I couldn't get in to see a PT for a week and I was in a lot of pain. I have a great chiro, and he fit me in right away. He popped it back into place, and his massage therapist worked on it, too. I went back 2 more times over the next 2 1/2 weeks. I was back on the bike about 3 weeks after the injury. My wrist was badly sprained and I could only ride in aero position, so I started back on the indoor trainer. I was back running at the end of 2 1/2 weeks. I felt the rib injury longer when I was swimming, so backed off on that for a little longer. Weight training was an issue for about 4 weeks, but I was able to work around the injury.

Having a pillow handy to press against your ribs when you feel a sneeze coming on helps a little.

Good luck. I forced myself to wait out the recovery and not push too soon. (And in case you're wondering, I did finish that Tri, although the pain caught up to me during mile 5 of the run, when I puked twice in full view of the aid station workers!)

[grey]

There's really nothing they can do for cracked or broken ribs. I've had cracked ribs twice, they huuuuurt! Breathing, coughing are torture, and it's not cool when someone cracks a joke, you start to laugh and ...
It'll heal, just go slow. Totally feel for you, this is no fun.

[ShubieGA]

Thanks ladies! My doctors said it was not a break. So keep hugging Advil and see how the treadmill works out (next week). I am so relieved. But man, if this hurts this bad, I can't imagine a full break! I picture my cat hanging upside down by the claws if someone touches it. I like the idea of pressing the pillow against the side when coughing. I go back in 3 weeks. Crossing fingers for quick healing!

[Alex]

That's good news! Both ice and heat seemed to help mine, along with advil and arnica. It was funny when it finally stopped hurting to breathe. I was sitting at my desk at work and I thought, "Something is different. What is it?" Then I realized that I could breathe without pain. Sneezing and coughing still hurt like the dickens, but breathing was blissful!

[kermit]

See if you can find a rib belt, or ace bandage, it helps when the sneezes come. Feel better.