Injured My Ribs, Still Feeling the Pain
As a 40-year-old man, I unexpectedly slammed a beverage tray against a wall, with the other end colliding forcefully into my lower left rib area while I was on duty last Friday, which was six days ago. Although I didn’t experience the sensation of having the air knocked out of me, the sharp pain forced me to the ground momentarily due to its intensity. After taking a moment to recover, the discomfort subsided to a manageable level, so I continued with my day and carried on throughout the week. While the pain has remained consistently present, it hasn’t escalated, yet I’m disappointed to find that it hasn’t improved much after almost a week. There are no signs of bruising, and I have no issues with my breathing. However, it does seem that a full belly exacerbates the pain. It’s a dull ache—unpleasant but not severe. Basic movements, like getting up or lying down, elicitate discomfort that can cause me to grimace. I must confess, I haven’t been taking it easy at all; I’ve continued working and accumulating a significant number of steps daily. What could this injury possibly be? I really hope I don’t have to see a doctor since I lack health insurance.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 10:31:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you may have sustained a rib injury, such as a rib contusion or even a mild rib fracture. Given that you've experienced consistent pain but no severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or bruising, it is likely a soft tissue injury that typically resolves with appropriate care and time. However, it's also crucial to ensure that it isn't something more serious.
Explanation
When you experienced a forceful impact to your rib cage, the sharp pain could suggest damage to the muscles or ligaments around the ribs, or potentially a rib fracture. The fact that the pain is exacerbated by activities such as deep inhalation or engaging your abdominal muscles further supports the possibility of a rib-related injury. Since you've been active and not resting, this could hinder your recovery.
Next Steps
-
Rest: Prioritize resting your body and minimizing activities that require upper body movement. This is essential in allowing your ribs to heal. Consider taking breaks and reducing your daily steps for now.
-
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
-
Ice the Area: Apply ice packs to your lower left rib area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
-
Gentle Movements: While resting is important, you can also gently stretch your back and sides to maintain some mobility without straining the area. Just listen to your body and stop if it worsens the pain.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your pain levels and any new symptoms. If you start experiencing increased pain, trouble breathing, or signs of injury worsening, consider seeking medical attention as a priority.
It's understandable to be apprehensive about seeking medical care, especially with concerns about insurance. However, if your condition worsens or you have persistent pain after a couple of weeks, you may need to reconsider that option. In the meantime, prioritizing rest and self-care will be your best bet. Let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance.
Related Questions
Seeking Support Through My Challenges
I sincerely apologize for the length of this message, but I truly hope that even one person takes the time to read it. I find myself uncertain about where exactly to begin. It’s crucial to share my background of trauma and significant medical procedures that have occurred in my life leading up to the present day. In November 2018, I received a diagnosis of Cervical Dystonia, specifically Anterocollis. Unfortunately, life took another tragic turn in March 2019 when I lost my sister to stage four cancer. By October 2019, I suffered a cardiac arrest, resulting in a diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema and Right-Sided Heart Failure, yet thankfully, surgery was not required. Eight weeks later, I had to return to the hospital where treatment with intravenous Frusemide helped clear my lung issues. I experienced four additional hospital visits before an echocardiogram revealed severe damage to two heart valves, including one that had completely detached; specifically, my Mitral and Aortic valves. This condition wasn’t present upon my prior discharge. After assessments by five different registrars, the only theory they could propose was that my issues stemmed from exposure to an odorless toxin. Eventually, I underwent surgery to replace both valves with tissue ones. Concurrently, I grappled with my cervical dystonia diagnosis. After the valve replacement, I returned home to a long and arduous recovery, which thankfully saw some improvement. However, managing cervical dystonia came with its own set of complications including constant chronic pain, feelings of social isolation, anxiety, and depression. I began attending a Deep Brain Stimulation clinic, which linked my condition to an antipsychotic called Abilify. Following my medication's cessation, the team suggested waiting for up to two years to see if my cervical dystonia would improve, but that did not happen. Meanwhile, my sternal wires broke, necessitating their removal in February 2024. In March 2024, I found myself in the emergency room three times, ultimately being diagnosed with appendicitis. Due to scarring from a bowel resection performed twenty years ago, there was concern regarding the appendectomy. I was placed on antibiotics, which initially resolved the issue, allowing me to go home. Unfortunately, I returned to the ER just a week later, leading to a decision to perform an appendectomy. During the surgery, the surgeon attempted keyhole surgery but ultimately had to perform an open procedure due to significant scarring from my earlier surgery. As I coped with these medical challenges and continued my visits to the DBS clinic, which required a three-hour journey, I felt an overwhelming weight at the thought of undergoing yet another surgery, with my history of five major surgeries looming over me. Yet, I felt determined; I wanted to reclaim my life. Throughout this time, I was also managing diagnoses of CPTSD, major depression, and anxiety from two decades ago. Additionally, I received a diagnosis of Combined ADHD in August of last year. Finally, on May 13, 2025, I underwent the DBS operation, which occurred just three months ago. But now I reach the crux of what troubles me: four days following the DBS, I was hit by an extreme level of fatigue that has persisted ever since. It feels as though I’m carrying an unimaginable weight around, leading to days where if I exert myself too much, I find myself bedridden for a couple of days. My muscles ache; moving is a struggle, whether it’s retrieving myself from the couch or rising from bed. I often have to coax myself into action. At day’s end, I struggle to shift from the couch to my bed. Although the DBS operation itself was successful and I’m regaining movement in my neck, I still encounter ongoing health concerns. I consulted with my GP who ran tests on my heart and blood, all of which returned normal results. He then advised me to see my psychologist. I subsequently contacted my psychiatrist, who increased my antidepressant dosage with Agomelatine. Honestly, I feel that if it weren’t for this crippling exhaustion, my mental health would be manageable. This isn’t clinical depression—it feels different. I have followed the psychiatrist's advice and started taking the increased dosage of Agomelatine. Yet, my mood tends to drop when I become overwhelmed by fatigue. Additionally, my recent ADHD diagnosis has likely impacted my dopamine levels, which I already struggled with significantly. For example, tasks that used to take me an hour and a half now take me a week—like removing nail polish and trimming my nails, which underscores the challenges I’m currently facing in accomplishing even the simplest of tasks.
Dealing with a Finger Infection for a Week
I’m a 30-year-old female who accidentally pulled a hangnail about five days ago, and that's when the discomfort began. Within just 24 hours, my finger became swollen and felt warm to the touch. The following day, I sought treatment at urgent care, where I was advised to continue taking my prescribed antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, as they should also help with the finger issue. Currently, I’m on day seven of a ten-day course of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (875-125 mg). Also, I’m in my 11th week of pregnancy. By the third day, I noticed pus forming just beneath the skin, but there’s no way for it to escape. The medical team advised against trying to drain it myself, which terrifies me, especially since it's quite painful. To make matters worse, it seemed to have doubled in size overnight. Is there anything additional I might try at home to manage this situation? I intend to revisit urgent care soon, as I don’t have a primary care physician right now due to my previous doctor relocating and the new ones not yet being available. P.S. I included a photo of the infection in the comments, marked as potentially graphic for those who find such images unsettling.
Concerns About Bumpy Texture on the Head of My Penis
At 27 years old, I’ve noticed that certain areas of the head of my penis have a noticeably rough texture when erect. Zooming in, this region appears as small, bumpy patches. I frequently engage in masturbation, often edging myself to prolong the experience. However, when I use lubricant during this activity, it tends to dry out, leading to a rough feeling and irritation. I recollect experiencing temporary redness in that area, but it resolved quickly. Despite the roughness and the small bumps—one of which is slightly larger—there’s been no accompanying pain or itchiness. To address my concerns, I consulted an online dermatologist due to financial constraints preventing a face-to-face visit. He diagnosed me with a form of balanitis, albeit with atypical symptoms, such as the absence of itching or pain, only rough and bumpy skin. He prescribed a topical treatment containing 2% miconazole nitrate and 1% hydrocortisone. My research into these medications has revealed troubling side effects like skin thinning and increased redness. Given my symptoms, I wonder if this is genuinely balanitis or perhaps another condition entirely. If it is indeed balanitis, should I proceed with the current treatment, or are there alternative options with fewer side effects?
Managing Anemia Linked to Chronic Disease (Lupus)
What is the best approach for treating anemia of chronic disease when the underlying condition isn't currently "active"? As someone diagnosed with lupus, I recently had a follow-up appointment with my rheumatologist's nurse practitioner, and I learned that I am experiencing anemia again. This isn’t a new development for me, as I have dealt with anemia intermittently, primarily categorized as anemia due to chronic illness. However, I have recently noticed additional symptoms related to my anemia that I have not encountered before, and I find myself without treatment alternatives suggested by my doctor. Some of the troubling symptoms I’m facing include: * dizziness * shortness of breath * an accelerated heartbeat * a strong pulse * persistent fatigue With all my inflammation tests coming back normal, my treatment remains limited to the plaquenil that has been a part of my regimen for several years. So, what options do I have for managing this anemia? Would it be advisable to consider medications like Celcept or Prednisone again, or are there other strategies available for addressing my anemia effectively?
The Consequences of a Bone Fracture in an Alzheimer’s Patient
I am a 22-year-old whose mother, aged 58, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her diagnosis came in August 2022, but the signs had been noticeable around 8 to 10 years prior. The progression of her dementia is quite pronounced; she is unable to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences significant aphasia. Additionally, she faces incontinence issues, visual hallucinations, frequent difficulties with eating, and loss of motor coordination, among other concerning symptoms. Listing every issue would indeed take more time than I have. Last night, she had a fall at her care facility. The nursing staff reached out to my father, who was celebrating my birthday with me far from home. They initially informed him she had fallen but reassured him that there seemed to be no major injuries beyond some presumed bruising. However, earlier today, my father informed me they were preparing for an ambulance; the nurses suspect that she may have fractured her leg. It appears deformed and she is experiencing considerable discomfort. They are taking her to the hospital for further examination, but the staff now seems quite convinced of a fracture. I’ve come across information indicating that bone fractures might exacerbate the symptoms in certain Alzheimer's patients—most of what I’ve found pertains to hip fractures specifically. I’m looking for insights from individuals who might have dealt with similar situations, as I prefer personal experiences over general medical sources. Thank you for any guidance you can provide!