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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedies For Severe Pain In Ribs Post Fracture

I am a 85 yr old female that have broken ribs on both sides, pelvic fractured on both sides. My question today is I had pains on right and left ribs and at 3:00 pm today took a 600mg tablets ibuprofen. The pain on the right side has subsided; however the left ribs are still hurting. could this be arthritis? I also have osteoporosis?
Wed, 17 Aug 2016
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Emergency Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi There,
I am Dr. Deepak, I work in Emergency Department, where I see many patient with fractures. I am sorry to hear that you have sustain fractures of the ribs and pelvic at the age of 85, I do understand that the pain is very severe in these fracture. I can see that you are having difficulties coping with you daily activities.
Ibuprofen is a strong pain killer. if you weight is around 60 -70 kgs I would recommend you to reduce the dosage to 400mg, as high dosages can have side effects. but if you are weigh around 80kg then the dosage is fine.
If the pain is still persisting after taking the pain killers, You can ask your family physician some other medication which is more stronger, something like Tramadol.
You are a better judge for your pain, you know where the fracture is and if the pain is in that area only then the pain is because of fracture.
It is very unlikely that its because of arthritis, as arthritis affects joints of hands and legs more commonly.
And as you told you have osteoporosis, your bone are fragile and will take longer time for the fracture to join. I would recommend you to take calcium supplement separately.
Thank you
Hope your concern is dealt with and take care of yourself.
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Suggest Remedies For Severe Pain In Ribs Post Fracture

Hi There, I am Dr. Deepak, I work in Emergency Department, where I see many patient with fractures. I am sorry to hear that you have sustain fractures of the ribs and pelvic at the age of 85, I do understand that the pain is very severe in these fracture. I can see that you are having difficulties coping with you daily activities. Ibuprofen is a strong pain killer. if you weight is around 60 -70 kgs I would recommend you to reduce the dosage to 400mg, as high dosages can have side effects. but if you are weigh around 80kg then the dosage is fine. If the pain is still persisting after taking the pain killers, You can ask your family physician some other medication which is more stronger, something like Tramadol. You are a better judge for your pain, you know where the fracture is and if the pain is in that area only then the pain is because of fracture. It is very unlikely that its because of arthritis, as arthritis affects joints of hands and legs more commonly. And as you told you have osteoporosis, your bone are fragile and will take longer time for the fracture to join. I would recommend you to take calcium supplement separately. Thank you Hope your concern is dealt with and take care of yourself.