Broken rib - what to do?

[EdSheeran]

I had pneumonia which has cleared but I’ve been left with a nasty cough which I was told is normal and will get better. I woke up on Friday after a bad night coughing with rib pain. My chest X-ray shows a small fracture in my rib but my lungs are clear of pneumonia. I’m taking pain relief but it’s so sore. :( I feel like a wuss but I don’t think I can work or drive like this tomorrow. Has anyone else done the same and how did you manage? I need to cough occasionally and it’s agony.

Ouch. I'm recovering from fractured ribs and torn intercostal muscles. I did it on 18 May and they're still a bit tender.

I took strong over the counter painkillers, holding my ribs when I coughed or sneezed helped a bit but honestly there's not really a lot you can do but wait. Maybe ask the pharmacist is an ibuprofen gel might help?

Nothing u can do for broken ribs unfortunately. I've also broken a rib thru coughing and I literally feel ur pain

Just found this on nhs site
DO’s
painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – avoid taking ibuprofen for 48 hours after your injury as it may slow down healing
hold an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the affected ribs regularly in the first few days to bring down swelling
rest and take time off work if you need to
breathe normally and cough when you need to – this helps clear mucus from your lungs to prevent chest infections
if you need to cough, hold a pillow against your chest
walk around and sometimes move your shoulders to help you breathe and clear mucus from your lungs
take 10 slow, deep breaths every hour to help clear your lungs
try to sleep more upright for the first few nights
Don't
do not wrap a bandage tightly around your chest to stop your lungs expanding properly
do not lie down or stay still for a long time
do not strain yourself or lift heavy objects
do not play any sports or do any exercise that makes your pain worse
do not smoke – stopping smoking may also help your recovery

Do you have a bean bag? I found one brilliant to lean on.

Thank you sorry to those who are in a similar boat. It sucks.
I’m using ice packs and leaning on a soft pillow. I do feel a massive wuss as I’ve been off work with the pneumonia and returned but not sure I’f i can go tomorrow, aaarrhh. If I do, I can’t even wear a bra yet.

I don’t have a bean bag, sadly. I’m doing ok with soft pillows though.

Sadly there's not a lot to do so you have to just suck it up. I broke a rib coughing so I do know how sore it is but not a lot makes it better. Going to work was a good thing as it gave me a distraction. Plus it's better to keep moving to prevent lung problems.

It’s a long drive to work but I think I’d be fine If i can work from home. My boss is usually very flexible, so I’ll see how it goes.