The background is that I had flu nearly 4 weeks ago, which included a cough. I have a history of persistent cough (had investigations, nothing untoward), so not really surprised it has lasted this long.
On Monday I became increasingly aware of a sharp and persistent pain in my ribs (started on my right side, but seems to have become worse on my left side now). I am pain free in some positions, lying down is awful, I can't turn without pain and it hurts very much to cough.
Went to GP on Wednesday, he says the pain is not coming from my lungs, it is muscular. I agree with this. He says I need to get the pain under control as it is stopping me coughing and I need to be able to do that to reduce my chances of a chest infection. Ibuprofen wasn't working, so he prescribed co-codamol (30/500).
It reduced the pain a bit, but left me feeling spaced out and woosy, so I didn't feel safe to drive. I can't not drive because I live rurally with two dc and DH is away at the moment.
Just not really sure where to go from here, no point taking a lower dose of co-codamol surely, because it wasn't that great at taking the pain away on a higher dose? Ibuprofen not touching it. Am reluctant to go back to GP, as getting an appointment is like getting blood from a stone, I don't want to deprive anyone else of an appointment when all I need is pain relief.
Would a pharmacist be able to help? What else can I get over the counter? I am so fed up, I just want to be enjoying a nice easter holiday with the dc 😔 It took me about 10 mins to get out of bed earlier because I'd got myself into a stupid position and couldn't move without pain 😔