I fractured a rib in the middle of my rib cage in november of

I fractured a rib in the middle of my rib cage in november of 05. unfortunately the er at the hospital didnt see the fracture. they gave me pain pills and sent me home.
it hurt for weeks to lie down, breathe, etc. Finally after reading the report from the hospital my dr gave me 2 steroid injections in between the painful ribs in my back
on the right side. The pain eventually went away about a week after xmas. I started packing to move a week ago and the ribs were getting a bit sore again. This past week
I bent over a box and coughed a small cough I heard a soft pop and was hit with
excruciating pain. Going back to the dr he suggested more injectionsl. I suggested more
x-rays. sure enough i had reinjured a healing fractured rib that is in the midsection
of the right side of the back. he showed me the callous that had started to form and i had also injured that. i cough profusely every night from ard. i also vomit from the
acid because im choking on acid and bits of food. could this be why i injured my rib
and why is it taking so long for this small fracture to heal. it has been since nov of 05 and now its march of 06. thank you for your response.

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Female , Age: 44

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

If it is not a severe fracture then you should be back in action from between 3 to 6 weeks so long as you rest. If you do not rest then it will not be given the chance to heal. The average for full healing should be three moinths. As you have re-injured it another month should be added.

I believe that the excessive coughing from the acid reflux you mentioned is a definite factor in the increased the healing time.

Did you mention this to your doctor? I would ask him for a presription for PROTONIX. This is a pill that you take once a day that will end the reflux and the associated cough. You could also try any of the OTC acid reducers like Pepcid or Prilosec. Ask the pharmacist for help in selecting one of these if you do not want to go back to the doctor.

Also, try raising the head of your bed. If you have two old phone books, or wooden blocks to place under the headboard, the elevation combined with using an additional pillow will also help control the acid.

Try not to lay down directly after eating and perhaps you could try eating dinner a bit earlier as this will help control the acid reflux. Some people fimd they have more acid at night if they are heavy coffee, tea or soda drinkers.

Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask.

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I fractured a rib in the middle of my rib cage in november ...

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