Any suggestions for better pain relief? This fracture wasn't caused from trauma,so will have a ct done.
I have a cracked rib. The dr. has me on hydrocodone 5 mg/500mg. and it is not helping the pain?
Question posted by sweetsusan935 on 12 Dec 2011
Last updated on 15 December 2011
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4 Answers
nucproff
13 Dec 2011
Ditto on your other replys, the thing with a rib fracture is that nothing will keeps the pain away due to the breathing we must do, what you have also injured is called the costal cartilige. the thin membrane if you will, between each rib (bone you can feel) and actually tore or separated the bone from the cartilige, hense the painful area. Try a tight band, called a binder, get at any local drug store, they run about 22-30 bucks. Do not make it so tight as to cut the circulation off, but snug and firm to ease the pain of breathing, you will feel the relief immediately, and find it easier to breath. The other suggestion is deep breaths may be off limits, so shallow breath slowly until you can get a good deep breath in and exhale just as slowly, this will build and help the healing process of a fractured rib. Take your medication as directed, more will not make it work better either, or combining meds not prescribed to you.
Careful combining OTC meds with the prescripts, call if it worsens, or hurts more, or becomes unbearable, or difficulty catching your breath. Always check with the physician/ER whomever before starting any new meds with what you have already been taking. Also one more little tid-bit, try placing a pillow at the site of injury, then push in slightly on the area through the pillow, and with the binder on if you should buy one, and breath.
nucproff
geekygranny
13 Dec 2011
Couple of things you could try. Can you get into a hot bath with epsom salts. I think your pain may have inflammation involved and epsom salts will help with that.
Also, if you get your medication upgraded, go for 10/325. You don't want more acetaminophen. It's bad for the liver. And maybe talk to your doctor about a muscle relaxant that would lessen the pull on the rib.
Just some thoughts..
Inactive
12 Dec 2011
I have had many broken ribs from having severe osteoporosis. Unfortunately I haven't found anything that really helps with this pain I am on 15mg of oxycodone for my chrontic pain, & with a broken rib it didn't touch it. It's the breathing in & out that causing you the most pain, but can't stop doing that! Unless someone has a majic answer, I think you are going to have to suffer through this. You don't want to be so drugged up you can't even remember your name, & that's probably what it would take. It will heal in time, & you will then wonder what all the fuss was about. I assume you have had it xrayed so it isn't poking into your lung or anything. Just try to bare with it & all will be better soon... Mare632009
sweetsusan935
15 Dec 2011
Did the dr do a bone density test to determine that you had osteoporosis?
Inactive
16 Dec 2011
Oh yes, dear, I have had it since I was 40. My doctor took one look at my Mother whom I had talked into seeing my doctor for her back pain, & when he saw how stooped over she was at 62 he sent me straight away to get a bone density. I had 43% loss at 40. I am on Forteo now to see if it will help, & after 1 year there has finally been new bone growth! Yeah! Good idea to get a DEXA scan to see if you need medication for your bones or not...
Inactive
12 Dec 2011
Hi SweetSusan,
I am very sorry to hear that you are in pain. I am in pain every day and it really sucks. I have Fibromyalgia and a host of other illnesses including Chronic Everyday Headache with Migraine. I am very familiar with pain medications. I have a few suggestions for you. Some doctors are very hesitant nowadays to even prescribe them. There has been so much flack and hype in the media about them. How does your doctor seem in regards to prescribing them, is he pretty open to discussion? Here are some suggestions.
First, you could go to 7.5/750 milligrams of Hydrocodone. It is a little stronger dose of what you are on, and you should see some relief. You could also try the Fentanyl Transdermal System. But this is usually for a more severe, permanent pain. But it does deliver pain relief on a regularly delivered schedule.
You could try Percocet. Percocet is a good pain reliever also. Percocet and Vicodin (Hydrocodone) are both narcotics and you must be very careful when taking them. No alcohol or driving. No machinery usage. I would also talk to your doctor about a muscle relaxer. Some of them are really good. Maybe Ultram or Soma or Flexeril or something along those lines might help. You could also try the Lidoderm Patch or the Voltaren Gel. The Voltaren Gel is a Diclofenac Sodium solution in a gel formula that you rub in topically. You can use this with Hydrocodone. Maybe this would help you. A Lidoderm Patch is a pain patch you apply on the painful area. You switch off every 12 hours.
I hope I helped you. If I can think of anything else, I will post it. Feel Better Soon!
Karen
I would approach your doctor openly and honestly and tell him that you are not getting the proper pain relief and see what he suggests.
sweetsusan935
15 Dec 2011
I also have fibro,so this "added" bonus of a cracked rib,is making my muscles spasm more. For some reason,don't know if this is at all related,have had a severe,constant headache(top & frontal) and am wondering if my breathing,fibro is the cause or possibly sinus.Tired of feeling crummy. Thanks everyone,for the kind advice. Take care.
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- Hydrocodone uses and safety info
- Hydrocodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Hydrocodone (detailed)
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