How Long???

[Elesta]

Almost 5 weeks ago I awakened to a pain in/around my rib on my right side.  It's the 2nd rib from the top.  Sometimes it felt like something was trying to pull my rib to the opposite side of my body.  The pain was on both ends and along the rib with feelings of pressure/swelling as well.  After a week, the pain got so severe I went to the ER.  They did x-rays and diagnosed it as a pulled muscle.  I was given lortabs and flexeril.  

The pain is still with me, not as severe as the beginning, but it feels either like swelling or someone punched me or tingling sharp pains like several dozen pins.  I've also been trying ice and heat and naproxen.  Before I had the lortabs I tried tylenol and ibuprofen.

My question is, when is this pain going to start to disappear???  I'm in my late 50s and overweight and very out of shape, and I know that makes it worse.  But I'd hope, even in my state, that it should be getting better soon.  Anyone have any ideas????

Thank you.

Elesta

[Tuckamore]

Have you contacted the office that handles you local state insurance? Often their are state programs or state insurances that can help. If you've tried once than try again. There are changes in the programs frequently. Even the eligibility levels change.

D.O.'s do offer treatments similar (but better in my opinion) than chiropractors. If there is one in your area I encourage you to call the office and ask if they will see you without insurance.  

I wish I had better answers for you. Please stay with us and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates.

Tuck

[Elesta]

Both I and my ex-husband had good experiences with a chiropractor ages ago.  And the first thing they require here is a full series of x-rays and payment.  Then you are given a series of treatments, each requiring payment.  I can not afford any of that.  

It's funny, the chiropractor I went to 25 or more years ago asked me how I managed to walk at all.  His x-rays indicated I have severe arthritis in my spine.  He believed I should be in a wheelchair.  He didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.  I've suffered with it since childhood.  But no regular doctor I've ever seen would give me the same diagnosis.

As far as my weight is concerned, this pain is taking care of that.  I've already lost 25 pounds while dealing with this pain.

Elesta

[Clarkkent1]

I am sorry to hear about your pain and maybe I can help? I pop my ribs out of place all the time and the pain is very strong in the spine and in my chest.  I go to my chiropractor and he puts my rib back into place and the pain goes away immediately.  If I do not have him put my rib back into place the pain lasts as long as the rib is out of place.
Chiropractors are great and they do not cost as much as a MD.  You also will not need to take any pain medication.
Chiropractors are also becoming well known for helping people to lose weight in a very natural and healthy way.
I hope this has given you some different ideas as to what may help you.

[Elesta]

Thank you all for responding.

Part of my problem is that I have no medical insurance or $$ for doctor visits.  Just that trip to the ER will result in a court visit.  

As far as my breasts are concerned, the pain and pressure is there whether they are leaning on the ribs or not.  And the worst of the pain started at my spine.  Then it continued around my chest.  But both ends of the rib is where it feels most of the time like someone has punched me (and continues to punch me).  And there's no bruising or rash or anything like that.

I don't know what caused this.  A couple of years back I pulled a muscle in my lower back, and I know exactly when I did it.  I felt the pop.  I just awakened with this.

I'm just losing the ability to deal with daily/hourly pain.  After 5 weeks.  I'm not a person who could ever live with any illness that causes permanent pain.  I know that for certain.  I admire folks who can, but I know I could NOT do it.  Just the thought of having to deal with this for another 2-3 weeks has me crying.

Elesta

[Tuckamore]

Hi Elsa,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad you found us but sorry to hear about the pain in your rib area.

Muscle injuries can take weeks to heal and are painful. You may very well have a pulled muscle and please don't think I am doubting your diagnosis.This is just a thought but an x-ray is only a good diagnostic tool for bones. ER's rule out life threatening conditions are are not always the best at diagnosing other conditions.

You may want to see your PCP for further diagnostic studies. After seven weeks I would think muscle pain would have decreased to some degree. In my opinion you should be having at least a few days that are less painful.

Please keep us updated and let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to hearing of your progress.

Take Care,
Tuck

[bgb1976]

This is going to sound awful, but on right side I had the same thing, Feeling of swelling on right side. I would lift my right breast up and off that side, and it would take pressure off. I know it sounds silly, but the weight of my breast made it feel like there was a pressure in that spot.

[Mollyrae]

Hello Elesta:

Sorry to hear that you're still suffering. Infections or injuries of the chest area take quite a while to heal. You need to be patient with this. It could take as long as 8 weeks.

I would suggest that you do as little as possible be careful of the area until it feels better. If in this time it isn't any better then it's time to see your Doctor again.

If you should have concerns with the healing process, it might not be a bad idea to chat with him sooner.

I wish you a great recovery. Take care,
Mollyrae