Thanks for your comments. I am in less pain now - getting better each day - except if I have to sneeze or cough - ouch!
HI, your symptoms could be due to fractured rib(s). The diagnosis can be confirmed after clinical evaluation and X-ray chest AP view. The recommended treatment for the fractured rib is anti-inflammatory analgesic medications and at times prescription opioid analgesic drugs (e.g. codiene). Try lying on the attected side so that the lung on the other side can expand more and compensate for the decreased air entry on the fractured side. Strapping or lung immobilisation is no longer recommended, as it increases the chances of lung collapse and pneumonia on the affected side.