The things you need and shoud do with Broken Ribs.

                                The things you need and should do with Broken Ribs.

This blog is being written today at the suggestion of my friend Beth, her husband Rob fractured several ribs last week falling at work.  I have given her a number of suggestions that have been very helpful for him and she told me yesterday that I should write a blog to help others suffering with the same injuries.

Since Slipping and falling on the snow and ice is prevalent this time of the year and rib fractures can and do happen from that and just about anything. Here goes.

The Coach T list of necessities for dealing with Fractured Ribs:

o    You will need to sleep sitting up- a recliner, a chaise lounge chair or a husband cushion for your bed like this one- http://www.amazon.com/Brentwood-Originals-Brushed-Twill-Bedrest/dp/B002S0NJNK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390760892&sr=8-1&keywords=husband+pillow

o    You will want a nursing pillow like this one- http://www.amazon.com/NurSit-Nursing-Pillow-Removable-Slipcover/dp/B00BWRPB8G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1390760954&sr=8-3&keywords=nursing+pillow . You will want to hold this gentle against your chest every time you need to cough, sneeze, hiccup or stand up for the first several weeks after your injury.

o    Depending on how many ribs you have fractured- showering can prove to be a challenge- I highly recommend either renting or purchasing one of these for your own safety in the shower-  http://www.walmart.com/c/kp/shower-chairs

o    You will want a small travel pillow like this one - http://www.amazon.com/Aller-Ease-Cotton-Allergy-14-inch-20-inch/dp/B004TMMV2A/ref=lp_3732121_1_4?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1390761790&sr=1-4 for the times you need to be in the car- you will want to put this between your ribcage and the seatbelt.

o    Take the pain medications your Doctor prescribes as prescribed- stay ahead of the pain, DO NOT try to suck it up and go without. Remember , Pain medications is notorious for causing constipations so you will want to take either a stool softener like this one- http://www.pipingrock.com/overcounter-pharmacy/stool-softener-docusate-sodium-100-mg-39152?prd=D0000J&CAWELAID=1934925879&catargetid=1941036170&cadevice=c&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CO6e5erBnLwCFYEDOgodCEsAVw  or a gentle laxative.  I got in the habit of taking 1 with each dose of pain medication.

o    You might want to invest in something like this too- http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Deluxe-Laptop-Cart-Black/17479996. Having your laptop to play on might keep your brain amused, and this type of table can easily be used for meals are other things where you are sitting.

o    It’s very important that you REST, equally important that you walk around a bit.  Make frequent trips to the bathroom, walk around your home CAREFULLY! 

o    Follow your Doctor’s orders but don’t forget you know your body best. Do not be afraid to take additional time off if you are not feeling physically up to being back in the world. The Doctors told me 3 weeks, I ended up taking nearly 4 off because of the pain level I was in. YOU and YOU ALONE know your body best.

o    While a heating pad might sound like a very soothing thing to do at first – DON’T.  Heat causes inflammation and you have enough already at the fracture sites you do NOT need to add more.  ICE if you can stand it, especially during the first 72 hours post injury, heat not till much later on.

o    Friends and family will be invaluable the first few weeks post rib injury. YOU really will not be able to do much for yourself. In my case leaning into the washing machine, the dryer, the dishwasher, trying to tend to my cat’s litter box, etc were incredibly painful. Cooking for myself was out of the question, driving myself to doctors appointments, etc was not in the card. My family and friends took great care of me, your’s will want to as well- LET THEM!

o    Protein, protein, protein…. It’s what your bones need to heal.  My coach had suggested I get about 125-15o grams of protein a day.  Remember one once of lean meat protein equals 7 grams so if you are eating a 4 oz Chicken breast you are getting 28 grams of protein. I frankly found it impossible to eat this much protein so I was supplementing with protein shakes. There are several really great proteins on the market. I personally like the Wal-Mart- EAS ones, either the powders or the ready go kind are great.  http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=EAS+Protein&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=4044

o    A good calcium supplement is a MUST. Unless you are under the age of 18 your body is NOT getting enough calcium to your bones for them to heal.  I mean a good quality one- not the stuff made with sidewalk chalk components you buy at your local drug store- I highly recommend this - http://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Standard-Process/Calcium-Lactate.  It’s what I have been taking for a year and half now. You will need to see your local Chiropractor to get it.  My boss prescribed if for me, he is at Reisterstown Family Chiropractic.

o    Lastly- Keep yourself well hydrated.  While I’d love to have one of these- http://www.sportline.com/products/hydration-2/hydracoach.html it’s not necessary. JUST make sure you are drinking at least ½ your body weight in ounces of water each day.  Keep a water bottle at your table side sip it regularly. It really helps.

                It was never in my plan to become the guru of dealing with fractured ribs, but that’s the hand I was dealt. So I hope my experience helps others.

                I wish my friend Rob a very speedy recovery. Listen to your wonderful wife, follow what the Doctors tell you to do, and feel better soon.

                As always Coach T is available to assist you- If you are interested in improving your life and or lifestyle please get in touch with me- Here are some ways you can contact me- coachtlc@ymail.com, https://www.facebook.com/terry.chaney, or www.facebook.com/CoachTerry, or join my on line support group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Coachtslifestylessupport.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah