Fell down. Head injury healing, right chest and back area painful. Advice?
Patient: hi, last monday 3rd June I slipped on a wet area in bathrrom falling sideways onto the outside hob of shower, not drunk either. My head is cut but healing but my right chest & back area is still severely painful. Breathing is slowly improving but difficult to lay comfortably in bed without 6 pillows, propping my left side high to take the weight of my arm off my chest & back area. I doubt i have broken a rib but it sure feels like it. I am better walking around slowly than lying which makes me ache & stiffen . the 1st 3 dys i laid in bed but now i am walking around slowly. could this till be a rib repairing or bruise???  If i went to hospital & managed to get an xray which they are always very hesitant to do usually only with insistence,  i still prob would only be told to rest as no treatment for broken ribs. Yes I have had b4 many years ago,  the lower 3ribs in a car accident. any advice would be appreciated. Doctor: Hi and thanks for this query.i a sorry to hear about this bath room accident you suffered.Knowing the exact problem is always a plus. The management of broken ribs if often rest and pain killers but not ALWAYS. if the Xray should suggest a broken rib and reasons to operate upon, like the edge is pointing to the skin or  the heart or lungs, then operating upon to align it is possible. So, please go and get the xray done. At worse, it will provide answers and reassurance/assurance.If you should not feel better soon, then going to the hospital is a better option. Hope this helps and answers your question.Feel free to come back to us for more answers.Cheers