Okay standard disclaimer You are not my Doctor etc…
Second provision is that there is probable GQ answer to this but I am operating under two different jurisdictions that have different standards of treatment, in fact in some ways opposing. One is the regulatory clinic one is a western medical service
Basically I broke four ribs ( at the back, the weakest structural point) from a small fall.
My western medic gave me pain killers, we did the x-rays and cat scan and then a procedure called an intercostal nerve block.
Bingo its fine! 10 days later I can go back to work. Obviously taking it easy.
However now the regulatory agency insists that before I can get clearance to work I need five weeks recuperation plus wear an elasticated type corset for a minimum of two to three weeks. :eek:
Because I demonstrated my mobility they have shortened the recuperation period to just another two weeks but I still have to wear this thing.
I’ve worn this now for two hours and honestly I want call my western clinic and try repeat the nerve block as I am experiencing pain which I hadn’t previously.
The Regulatory authority clinic says that this is because my ribs haven’t been held in the correct position to heal as they should. The wrap around bandage is putting them where they should be. I smell bullshit
I want to rip this thing off and even after a few glasses of vodka am eyeing the Tramadol with affection.
I will get a consult tom so please feel free to give me your opinions on what exactly is the gold standard treatment for damaged (broken or fractured ribs) near the spine
I have broken many ribs, not sure how close to the spine they were. Treatment was basically, “Go home and say a few prayers. Burn some Jesus candles if you want quicker relief”.
Your vodka + tramadol would be my recommended approach. But, as you mentioned, I am NOT your doctor.
actually I have until this time stayed off the vodka and tramadol, because I expected a call up to the regulatory clinic and they always D&D test you ( even if you just drop in to ask directions!)
Am just so frustrated to be having to sit in this place another coupla weeks. Am seriously considering kicking it to the curb n going home
I broke a couple ribs from coughing recently after a bad chest infection. My doc said they don’t recommend any binding or bandaging as it can inhibit ones breathing which can in turn increase the risk of pneumonia.
Every deep breath or cough felt like what I imagine getting stabbed in the back felt like. Good luck.
Another “not a doc but have broken ribs.” Never used any wrap/brace. ISTR that getting out of bed was the most painful thing.
No idea what the reg clinic is, and why they would require such extreme precautions. Who are they trying to protect? Is Workmens Comp - or some similar program - involved?
And yes, the first two days before the nerve block, getting out of bed was almost impossible. At least 45 minutes and ending up covered in sweat with the pain and effort.
Broke a few kickboxing. Ain’t nuthin you can do. Can’t walk, can’t breathe, can’t do anything other than finding that one exact perfect position to sit in and try not to breathe too deep or scratch an itch…good luck.
I broke a couple ribs on my back a few years ago. After finally seeing the doctor, they didn’t do much for me. They did give me a little device that measured how much air I was inhaling. I was to take deep inhaled breaths every hour or so. I would try to hit a target amount on the device. I think the idea was to get the lungs to stretch out the ribs so they set properly.
I didn’t sleep much the first few nights, then figured out that I would be much more comfortable lying on my recliner couch. So I ended up sleeping there for a few weeks until I could lie down, and get up, without much pain. I could recline into a comfortable position, and the recliner mechanism helped me get up without as much pain. Not fun times.
Yeah taping up broken ribs is pretty out of fashion in western medicine nowadays except in odd cases. And it’s not like your ribs can be immobilized like other broken bones- you need rib movement to breathe.
It lasted a few hours and I took it off. I’m gonna gift it to my lesbian/trans friend who is more inclined to flatten the chest area. I think it will be far more appreciated and have a better home there than with me.
You should tell your doctor of your physical discomfort wearing it. I would also suggest that you ask him if it is ok to stop wearing it. There may be a medical benefit to you by continuing wearing it. You don’t want them having to rebreak and reset your ribs because you wanted to forgo some discomfort, do you?
Actually Little Pig, The Ortho was a typical old style soviet doctor and would not, did not take questions or objections as that was questioning his authority. He was taken aback by the fact that I can speak reasonable conversational russian and because I queried him and showed my mobility he reported to me to my company suggesting I was either drunk or under the influence of pain meds. Just as well the head HR dude actually drove me to the clinic and knew my demeanor! What a twat!
Anyway I also covered my ass and went back to the western clinic, got another X-ray showing no damage to my lungs, no fluid accumulation and therefore the ribs will heal okay without this corset
Also: how will the medical people know whether you’ve worn the corset thingy? Unless they’re stalking you at home and looking in the windows… Just put it back on when you next have a visit, and don’t tell them you haven’t worn it in the interim.