So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

[frantically relaxing]

Stupid ice storm..

our back porch and steps are concrete, about 4 steps to the ground. Stepped out of the door Thursday night, in the dark, and next thing I knew my leg went ZING, the rest of me went horizontal and airborne, and I landed about half n half on my side and back about the 2nd step down. I know at least 2 ribs are broke, I can feel 'em moving...

Questions: Is it worth spending several hundred bucks on x-rays only to be told what I already know, which is I have busted ribs, wrap 'em up and deal with it? Or is there a good reason I should go? (the wife doesn't want me to puncture a lung or something)

And, is it okay to hot tub with busted ribs? I don't see an issue, and I'm thinking the anti-gravity effects of the water might feel pretty good.

--we just upgraded to a new tub, we've only used it once so far, I was headed out to open 'er up when I crashed & burned!

I hate winter...

 

[angus63]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

To ease the worry of loved ones and for the potential of further injury, I would seek professional medical evaluation for obvious internal injury. Where everyone draws the line is a personal decision only you can make.

 

[southkogs]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

Talk to your doc. If there's no risk of internal injury, you may just suggest to him ... can we skip the several hundred dollar x-ray and just do what you do for broken ribs.

I've done that in a few cases where the doc was "just making sure" with a gazillion dollar ride in the MRI, X-Ray or whatever else.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

Sorry about your accident FR. Man, that's gotta hurt. Surprised they told you to wrap it. I was under the understanding that leaving your chest unwrapped was suppose to be better and causes fewer issues.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

Should walk like a penguin, or atleast that's what they tell us at work. I just walk normal.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

ive busted mine more than once. if they move then its better to get a x-ray as bone marrow is not good when its not inside the bone. if the ribs are still where they should be (more of a crack) then maybe play on as long as you dont laugh or cough (wife will nag so it might be worth the $500 just to get piece, quiet and sympathy) if they offer to strap try to get out of it as it hurts way worse.
i honestly have a bill on the table from my wifes ribs that were brused after a small boating accident (no pictures so it didnt happen and wasnt my fault....honest....kinda) and after insurance it was about $200 total
sry that you are going to hurt for the next few weeks to months.
time to get some rock salt for the steps its cheaper than the medical

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

Broken ribs on the ice? sure, many other ways too, I have never gone to the Doctor (for ribs)but I can tell you that I have always had a very high tolerance for pain, meaning that I probed and prodded myself to insure I did not have any ribs that were out of place, if I had I would absolutely go to the Doctor.

if you can do that I think you are ok, but a dislocated broken rib can be a very dangerous situation, if you cannot do that I would absolutely go to the Doctor, be ready though, there are many things I would rather do, its gonna be painful..

Other then that I would avoid comedy clubs and anyone with a cold for awhile...

 

[dwco5051]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

Got to agree with the posters that recommend medical advice. A truly broken rib is nothing to play around with.

As far as the pain I can remember breaking one and cracking two showing my buddies how much fun it would be to make a homemade bridal and ride a surfboard towed by a boat.The nose dug into the water and the rest of the board flew up and whacked me one. This was about a month before my hay fever season. It isn't easy to hold a sneeze for long.

My wife who used to train horses and teach hunters and jumpers has broke about every bone in her body including a smashed pelvis which cost her one kidney claims that nothing compares to broken or separated ribs.

Also I have heard from doctor friends that they don't recommend wrapping any more.

Good luck and believe me I can feel your pain.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

Better a couple of ribs compared to a broken hip. :facepalm: Go to the doctor!

 

[aspeck]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

I've broken ribs, but never my own (lacrosse, and a different story), and never on ice. the fact that you can feel them moving, and the wife is requesting you visit the doc are good reasons to go. That said, I avoid the doc at all costs and would probably hold out as long as possible (until wife made appointment and insisted I go).

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

I avoid doctors too. Been 3 times in 15 years, just for checkups. Last checkup cost me $525 out of pocket just for blood tests.

I'll probably hit an insta-care place later this afternoon after my work is caught up...

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: So, who else busted their ribs slipping on ice?

If you have actually separated the rib with a break, then yes, you need to go to the doctor and get it checked out, cracked ribs are another story, but having a bone floating around, that close to your lungs presents a very dangerous situation. I am telling you this from experience, it almost cost my wife her life when she felling during a skiing trip, she broke two ribs cleanly and thought it was no big deal.

The night after the accident, she rolled over in bed and punctured a lung, I almost lost her, so get to the doctor now and get things checked out.