Rib pain - this might help others

[pippinleaf]

I have been having awful rib pain. Just on the right hand side, at the back where my bra strap is. I'm 28 weeks pregnant.

I went to the Nhs physio my midwife referred me to. She prodded and checked my alignment (perfect) and despite me leaping a mile when she prodded me said it was rib flare, all normal, unfortunate etc. gave me some stretches and said to go back in three weeks.

I've been doing the stretches, sitting and moving how she showed me and the pain was getting worse. To the point that I have been in tears on my drive home from work and spending all evening lying flat and feeling really desperate.

Last night my lovely osteopath friend had a look and treated me. She said I've actually dislocated a rib, due to the pregnancy, and that everytime I had been doing the physio stretches it was pulling the rib more out of place and twisting it. She put the rib back (ouch!) and I'm in agony as the ligaments and muscles are so torn and bruised. Because the damage (thanks physio) is so bad the muscles and ligaments will probably not be able to hold it and she thinks it will pop out again. She will keep putting it back until the muscles heal enough to hold it.

I just wish id seen her sooner instead of waiting weeks to see the useless physio. I am hopeful that I may now be fixable. Had I carried on doing what that physio said I might have ended up with permanent damage.

[muthafuzza]

how dreadful. make sure you tell her her mistake so she might not make it again. i suppose they are only human. i hope you get lots of rest and nice relaxing baths and things to help you heal, it can be scary when we put our trust in someone and they turn out to be wrong.:(

[Peaceloveandbiscuits]

Ah you have my sympathy! I went from doctor to doctor trying to find a reason for my agonising rib/shoulder pain. The reasons ranged from a pulled muscle to a blood clot in the lung (disproved in A&E thankfully!). It turned out to be costochondritis; inflamed ribs from an earlier virus. Of course the treatments I had been offered for a pulled muscle hadn't worked and had made it more painful, but as soon as I tested it completely for a week I felt better. It's disappointing to be told wrong information, especially when you're in so much pain and want an answer NOW, but doctors are only human and not magicians, and they do make mistakes sometimes. Especially being pregnant as they don't like to x-ray, which would make for a quick diagnosis sometimes! I really hope you feel better soon. Will your GP prescribe you some strong painkillers until the pain eases?

[Peaceloveandbiscuits]

*rested, not tested!

[pippinleaf]

I was told I could take paracetamol but I'm being over cautious about the possible link to ADHD and I'm not taking anything. I'd bloody love a voltarol and a beer! I'm less annoyed with the physio and more advising other women to go to an osteopath sooner!

[Jodie1982]

I'm experiencing the exact same pain, had it in my last pregnancy as well. MW and Doctor haven't been helpful at all, my Co-Dydramol are not even relieving the pain. Towards the end of the day the pain is quite deep, a burning horrid ache. :(
I think I shall have to resort to tears when I see MW or Doc next, they might listen then. Thank you for your advice Pippin.