Because all I really wanted was some long-term pain
"Yeah, you most likely cracked your rib", the doctor said "but there's not much I can do. It will heal on its own, but it will take 4-6 weeks. If the pain gets worse I can give you some medication for it." He was talking to me and unfortunately I don't have an exciting bar brawl story to tell. Still, I'm glad because now Lincoln really can't complain anymore about me going to bars because they are so safe compared to like, taking out the dog. (I told you so. Let me go to the bar already!)
So here's what happened (very boring, since I already gave you the ending). I was taking the dog out in the morning after the kids were already positioned at the breakfast table, after I had dressed and cleaned them against their will, after I was up with them several times the night before for no reason other than their need to cry at least once in a 3-hour-period. It was the second day of Lincoln's business trip. I was by myself and I was cranky. There was fresh snow on the grassy patches behind the patio. It was neatly covering the ice that was neatly covering the entire grassy area behind the patio. I stepped on the snow confidently, in a hurry, and also completely scatterbrained-ly. Immediately I started falling and as I realized what was happening I was thinking how annoyed I was going to be afterwards. Even more annoyed than I already was and I was hoping I had reached the end of annoyed. I am annoyed so much lately. So I'm falling on my back (ouch!) and somehow on my side (ouuuch!) and on my left elbow (wince) and the elbow cracks my left ribcage somewhere. I was in so much pain I couldn't breathe. I thought how this was probably what one of those TV fights must feel like. Anyway, I got up, Digby peed and we came back in and I was still in pain. After a few hours I had to get an Ibuprofen. Then later two more. I thought of going to the emergency room, but why ask a doctor when there is the internet? It said how there was nothing to be done but wait it out. Unless you punctured your lungs, then they might collapse. I decided I didn't puncture anything because the thought of dragging two toddlers to the emergency room for several hours seemed far worse. Also the emergency room is $100 upfront. So I didn't go. I just pretended it all didn't happen, except when I had to take a breath.
Then the next morning I woke up and the pain was still there only now I could actually feel my ribs cracking every time I took a deep breath or turned or yawned. It feels like pulling your finger joints, only I don't have any joints where the cracking was going on. The punctured lungs came to mind. Lincoln thought going to the doctor might be a good idea after all. Luckily he came home that day and I could go... only to find out that the internet was almost as good of a doctor. "Try not to lift too much" the real doctor said. Uh... yeah, sure. "Is sitting on the couch good for a broken rib?" I asked. "Yes, very. Sitting on the couch is recommended. I'm writing it down for your husband."
I suppose the real doctor has a better sense of humor.
Posted at 03:07 PM on March 09, 2007
Poor Dinka! I hope you feel better very soon.
Ouch!! You know what I'm going to say already, don't you? I don't know how you northerners deal with the ice and snow! If I were you I probably would have cracked all my ribs already. Kudos for making it this long before having an ice related injury! I hope lots of couch-sitting and ice cream eating will help that rib heal up right quick. ;) Wait...aren't you flying overseas soon? Will this complicate things for your trip? I'm sorry you are in pain and I really wish you well. Quick healing for that rib! (No x-ray from the real doc?)
~Lindsey
Lindsey,
He did suggest x-rays but more if i wanted them than he considered necessary... because all it would do is confirm that i indeed have a broken rib and then he would've said the same (pain medication, wait until it's over) and i so do not want to get x-rays. I don't have free time anyway and then to spend it on sitting around waiting in the lab etc etc. I'm not paying a sitter for that, no!
Oh, Dinka, OUCH!! This happened to my mother a few years back and she described the same thing at the doctor's office... how there isn't a lot they can do other than wait it out, pain killers, etc. I think she wrapped a warm towel or something around her chest as well but I can't remember the details. She was amazed how long it seemed to take to recover but she is doing well now. Whenever winter arrives she makes a point to remind me a few times during the season to be careful, watch for ice on the stairs and the sidewalk, etc.
I hope you have some interesting things to read while you sit on the sofa! I have been ill with some virus or another the past three weeks and was appalled at what is on the television during the day! Yikes! Course, I'm sure the kids will make sure you get all the rest you need. *grin* BIG HUG!
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that! Is someone helping you out with the kids while you heal? You could always use the time to do more writing-- I loved your last pieces in Multilingual Living (I keep forgetting to come here and tell you...Ooops!) I hope it heals quickly!