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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
bruised rib?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
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bruised rib?
by tydiva, Jun 10, 2006 12:00AM
I leaned over a narrow windowsill ledge in an open window a few days ago after dropping something out side and trying to retreive it (stupid, I know), and ended up huring my upper rib(s) on the left side, just under my left breast. It as right where the windowsill was...
It was only slightly painful at first, but that has increased significantly over the past 2 days. It is sore and achy all the time, especially when I lay down at night or first thing in the morning when I have to get out of bed and when I am reaching for and/or lifting something. It gets a bit better as I move around a bit, and is more painful on the side/front area of my upper rib, and there is a little bit of numbness as well.
There is no bruising or any external marks at all.
* I had a TRAM flap surgery (for breast reconstruction after mastectomy) on that same side 4 years ago, and there is a small bulk of muscle in that same place that was folded up to make the new left breast, and I am wondering if I bruised it somehow? or bruised my rib bone perhaps?
It does not feel broken.
Someone suggested Ibuprofen in 600-800 mgs doses, which does help, but it really makes my stomach quite upset.
thanks so much for any information you can give me.
It was only slightly painful at first, but that has increased significantly over the past 2 days. It is sore and achy all the time, especially when I lay down at night or first thing in the morning when I have to get out of bed and when I am reaching for and/or lifting something. It gets a bit better as I move around a bit, and is more painful on the side/front area of my upper rib, and there is a little bit of numbness as well.
There is no bruising or any external marks at all.
* I had a TRAM flap surgery (for breast reconstruction after mastectomy) on that same side 4 years ago, and there is a small bulk of muscle in that same place that was folded up to make the new left breast, and I am wondering if I bruised it somehow? or bruised my rib bone perhaps?
It does not feel broken.
Someone suggested Ibuprofen in 600-800 mgs doses, which does help, but it really makes my stomach quite upset.
thanks so much for any information you can give me.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 12, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 12, 2006 12:00AM
A musculoskeletal injury can certainly be considered. Imaging the rib area with a plain film can ensure there is nothing broken.
Most cases of bruising will resolve in time. Physical therapy can help with the recovery period. You can also consider anti-inflammatories (as you are doing with ibuprofen). You can consider a COX-2 preferential medications like Lodine or Relafen, which may be gentler on the stomach.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Most cases of bruising will resolve in time. Physical therapy can help with the recovery period. You can also consider anti-inflammatories (as you are doing with ibuprofen). You can consider a COX-2 preferential medications like Lodine or Relafen, which may be gentler on the stomach.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I took your advice and went to teh emergency room and got an x-ray and and exam, and thank goodness nothing is broken, but I did in fact bruise my lower left rib. And you are right, it is quite painful!
But I am very relieved to KNOW what it is.
Thanks again.