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Suggest Treatment For Broken Ribs And Constipation After An Injury
Question: Hi
I fell down my stairs last Tuesday and was told without thorough examination or an X-ray that I had not broken anything but had been in extreme pain. Unable to get to the surgery I spoke with my GP on the phone who prescribed co codamol 30/500 for the pain and a visit to a physiotherapist to deal with the pain in my back - I thought my lat muscle was torn. On visiting the physio I have been told that a couple of my ribs ( on my back) are broken. I have had no appetite due to a swollen abdomen since the fall but decide to eat this evening and the swelling has increased phenomenally. I am on laxatives to counteract the constipating effects of cocodamol.....I have also gained about 8 lbs in weight since the fall. Stupidly I have been reading the blogs online and am concerned I may have internal bleeding.. I never learn! What do you think?
I fell down my stairs last Tuesday and was told without thorough examination or an X-ray that I had not broken anything but had been in extreme pain. Unable to get to the surgery I spoke with my GP on the phone who prescribed co codamol 30/500 for the pain and a visit to a physiotherapist to deal with the pain in my back - I thought my lat muscle was torn. On visiting the physio I have been told that a couple of my ribs ( on my back) are broken. I have had no appetite due to a swollen abdomen since the fall but decide to eat this evening and the swelling has increased phenomenally. I am on laxatives to counteract the constipating effects of cocodamol.....I have also gained about 8 lbs in weight since the fall. Stupidly I have been reading the blogs online and am concerned I may have internal bleeding.. I never learn! What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be internal bleeding but get examined!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fall and the pain that you have reported. Unless it is a very slow leaking bleed, it is very unlikely that you could have internal bleeding and go for a week without having symptoms of severe hemorrhage. However, a complete physical examination and basic x-rays are needed to establish the exact lesions you sustained as a result of this fall and more so because disturbing information about possible broken ribs has been reported by your physiotherapist.
I will suggest you get in contact with your surgeon. If this proves difficult, your primary care doctor should be able to approach this problem, do a proper investigation and refer for expertise input if findings suggest so.
Rapid weight gain over a short time is more suggestive of fluid retention than bleeding. What the exact cause of this is would be difficult without a comprehensive evaluation. Has there been any change in your urination habits?
In all, get a full examination to establish all the lesions you sustained and get them managed appropriately. You are unlikely to have internal bleeding unless from a very slow leaking vessel which seems very unlikely given the provided information.
I hope this helps. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Thank you so much for using our services.
Unlikely to be internal bleeding but get examined!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fall and the pain that you have reported. Unless it is a very slow leaking bleed, it is very unlikely that you could have internal bleeding and go for a week without having symptoms of severe hemorrhage. However, a complete physical examination and basic x-rays are needed to establish the exact lesions you sustained as a result of this fall and more so because disturbing information about possible broken ribs has been reported by your physiotherapist.
I will suggest you get in contact with your surgeon. If this proves difficult, your primary care doctor should be able to approach this problem, do a proper investigation and refer for expertise input if findings suggest so.
Rapid weight gain over a short time is more suggestive of fluid retention than bleeding. What the exact cause of this is would be difficult without a comprehensive evaluation. Has there been any change in your urination habits?
In all, get a full examination to establish all the lesions you sustained and get them managed appropriately. You are unlikely to have internal bleeding unless from a very slow leaking vessel which seems very unlikely given the provided information.
I hope this helps. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Thank you so much for using our services.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Many thanks. That is reassuring....I was very uncomfortable last night with a very tight chest, I have since had a large bowel movement and things seem to have settled down. I seem to be retaining fluid but imagine that will settle with time once the muscles start to heal and the excess fluid comes out. If things do not improve in the next couple of days, I will see my GP and request an X-ray. XXXXXXX x
Brief Answer:
Thanks!
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy to hear you are doing a lot better. Do well to update me as the days passes by.
I wish you well.
Thanks!
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy to hear you are doing a lot better. Do well to update me as the days passes by.
I wish you well.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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