I took a good ole fall at Vail first good one

[S Works]

Well it was Sunday, the second day of riding at Vail and i was 3/4 of the way down Bridges on the way to Marine.

I was going way fast DH and had a quick up hill and I was in my lowest gear hiting it hard to make the hill, well I should have known!!! I hit the hill with major pace and my chain came off with the hard shift and locked up I fliped, cliped in and landed right on top of my right bar, and CRACK. I got the wind kicked out of me and It was like I got hit with a 90 mph fast ball right on my lower right chest.

I had a good rash and some minor bleeding, but the pain that would follow as I gasp for air was the killer. Now almost a week later, I think I broke a rib. I cant sleep on my right side, breathing hurts and I have a welt the size of my fist. I ran for a sec today and had to stop, even speed bumps hurt.

Has anyone broke a rib, and what can I do. Aside from the Vicodin I have for my back???

I know it ant a broken arm or leg but I would like any help B4 I hit the DR.'S and fork out my co-pay to be told oh well just take the vicodin and it will heal in due time??

[Blue Rat]

Ribs can be pretty tricky to heal ... take it from an old fighter. If the rib is just "cracked," then there is very little that can be done short of wrapping your cage to prevent further injury. A sneeze or cough can change a cracked rib into a broken one in very short order.

If the rib is actually broken then you have a pretty good chance of it not properly healing without medical attention. You also run the risk of scratching your lung or doing some damage to the intercostal muscle wall. Is it one of your floating ribs or a full one?

Check this link out for some "real" medical advice: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/broken-ribs/DS00939

[GregMiester]

I broke a rib in 04 when I crashed my dirtbike, I decided to not go to the doctor and stayed out in the desert(as to not ruin anyones trip) by the next day I couldn't stand the pain anymore so I drove myself to the hospital and found out that I had already developed Pneumonia as a result of the broken rib and bruised lung, I ended up on antibiotics and vikes, go get xrayed right away!

[mtnbikerfred]

Sounds more like a crack, or a bruise than a full break. If it were "broken", You would not by breathing well, the pain is overwhelming, and you wouldn't have made it till Tuesday. I'd lay off the hydro-crap-done if I were you. Ibuprofen and warm showers are your friend. Take it easy for a couple of weeks. be careful getting in and out of your car, or doing anything that involves "torso-twisting". Stay off the bike!! Get plenty of rest. Eat Knox unflavored gelatin and get some extra calcium somehow. You'll feel better pretty soon, but that first good sneeze in 3-4 weeks is gonna make you squeal like a school girl at a horror movie

[dstepper]

Been there gone that, time is your friend. In the beginning, I have found it easier sleeping in a reclining chair. Taking pain meds is OK for a day or two, but if you keep at it your body will stop making its own pain medicine and the pain can return with a vengeance. Besides the next thing you know you will be looking for doctors and meds on the other side of the border....can get ugly.

Dean

[bobcat38]

I broke 2 ribs last year. Went to the ER and was sent home at about 3AM. Then I got a call about 9 AM and was told to come back in because I had a collapsed lung and was admitted. So you never know you might just want to get it checked out. The only way I was comfortable sleeping was in a recliner.

[S Works]

I have 1 fracture, 1 full break, major hemotoma and a slight puncture to my Liver. My hemogloben is a tad off, and at this time I am not going under the knife unless the pain gets bad and I have blood in my pee or spit. So no anything for a month, and just take meds. He said the cat, and X-ray, and the ultrasound all show that i have very little liquid in my tummy, and the Liver just ever so slightly got hit by the rib, but was enlarged a tad due to the blow. SO good news I think... I just cant ride, so maybe I'll give the bike a bath

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by S Works

I have 1 fracture, 1 full break, major hemotoma and a slight puncture to my Liver. My hemogloben is a tad off, and at this time I am not going under the knife unless the pain gets bad and I have blood in my pee or spit. So no anything for a month, and just take meds. He said the cat, and X-ray, and the ultrasound all show that i have very little liquid in my tummy, and the Liver just ever so slightly got hit by the rib, but was enlarged a tad due to the blow. SO good news I think... I just cant ride, so maybe I'll give the bike a bath

I'm glad to hear that you'll be alright ... let your body heal and listen to your medical professionals.

[schleppp]

Wow. I am glad you are alright so to speak. I hope you heal well. I am sure we will see you soon, take care.

[Tedroy]

I guess it's the price of admission. Happy Mountain Biking!

[tsinillas]

Wow! Looks like a nasty list of injuries! I'm surprised the doc didn't admit you to the hospital over night. A low hemoglobin, possible liver laceration and fluid in the peritoneum are concerning. Glad to hear that despite what had happen it sounds as though your doing okay.

I just recently fractured my rib and I'm currently living off ibuprofen and taking it easy as well.

[S Works]

Originally Posted by tsinillas

Wow! Looks like a nasty list of injuries! I'm surprised the doc didn't admit you to the hospital over night. A low hemoglobin, possible liver laceration and fluid in the peritoneum are concerning. Glad to hear that despite what had happen it sounds as though your doing okay.

I just recently fractured my rib and I'm currently living off ibuprofen and taking it easy as well.

How long did it take to heal?

I am still in pain, and some nights I cant sleep if I had a long day. I don't take any pain pills for it. I want to be sure I limit my self and don't over do it and end back in the ER.

[tsinillas]

Originally Posted by S Works

How long did it take to heal?

I am still in pain, and some nights I cant sleep if I had a long day. I don't take any pain pills for it. I want to be sure I limit my self and don't over do it and end back in the ER.

It's been about 4weeks now and my rib is still tender but not as painful. for the first week I had a hard time taking deep breaths and it was impossible to sleep on my side. Ibuprofen was my best friend along the duration of the 1st week.