fractured ribs...any suggestions?

Katnip, RN · Nov 19, 2003

Didn't the doc prescribe anything? I hope you reported it right away. Otherwise, I honestly don't know what to tell you. Applying warm packs might help. moving as little as possible?

nursebear · Nov 19, 2003

sorry bout that...yes doc prescribed percocet...eases it a little...but still can't cough,laugh or cry without being in alot of pain

cannoli · Nov 19, 2003

Did the doctor prescribe a rib belt?, or do they still use those anymore? Like a narrow binder which overlaps with velcro. Might help with stability and maybe lessen the discomfort.

You might ask your doctor if he would advise you to use something like that or not.

renerian, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2003

I had this from an auto accident several years ago and the ER person gave me a splint like the one mentioned above. Without it I would have been more miserable than I already was.

Call the doctor and I hope you get better soon,

renerian

ktwlpn, LPN · Nov 20, 2003

I fractured most of the ribs down one side of my chest a couple of years ago-my doc had me on MS Contin for about 3 and a half weeks....I have NEVER hurt that bad EVER....THey don't do rib belts any longer.The plan is good pain control(don't forget those stool softeners to go with) which enables you to cough and deep breath to prevent resp complications.

BarbPick · Nov 20, 2003

the old fashioned way, we used to use wide tape and make a splint, just with tight tape, it worked well. Best wishes

Speculating · Nov 20, 2003

No, we haven't used splints or rib belts for fx ribs in years. The complication with rib fx is resp, so if you wrap them up tight although it helps the pain it decreases your ability to expand your lungs. The last thing you need is pneumonia. You think you hurt now?

cannoli · Nov 20, 2003

Well, thanks for the info all. Something new every day.

panda_181 · Nov 20, 2003

What's an HH patient?

nursebear · Nov 20, 2003

THX for all the info and support....I really appreciate it..

(HH=home health)