I am having alot of pain & problems in the rib cage, sternum area. Not a fun area to have pain in, getting alot of chest pain. Anyway started PT & she did a real detailed exam on the ribs. She found that a couple of the ribs are hypermobile, have lot of movement to them, which the ribs should not do. The sternum is super sore & tender, & that area can really become inflamed, kind of gets a bulge in it when it is acting up.
I know I have problems with the ribs & she is the second PT to confirm that. All the doctors I have seen & not one has looked closely into the ribs, makes me so mad.
The pain can be pretty darn bad, especially the sharp chest pain. She is suggestioning that I bind them up & ice them as much as possable, because besides rest there is not much else they can so with the ribs, Which I know to be true. She will continue to due therapy on them along with the shoulder.
The brace or what ever it is called looks pretty big & is actually for the abdominal area. Since the ribs that I am having problems with are higher up I wonder if there is another way or something else out there that can be used.
The surgeon is hoping that as the shoulder improves the ribs will get better & I am willing to try anything to help them along, but I want to do so as comfortably as I can, I know binding them is going to be uncomfortabel no matter what. I am pretty petite so just looking at the size of that brace makes me cringe. Anyone have any suggestions? I am hoping to find something before my next PT appointment, which is next tues. Anyone know what they usually bind the ribs with, or any suggestons? As always thanks, Sammy
I don't really have any answers to your questions, nothing factual anyway. I am asumeig that the reason to brace the area is to give the ribs time to heal whith as little room to move as possible.
I am so sorry that your having so much pain. I know how difficut this has been and continues to be for you and your family.
My heart goes out to you my friend. You are an amazing person to be dealing with that kind of pain.
Truley I hope that some sort of answers and relief is in your future.
Hang in and keep that chin up.
He Sammy: The only thing I can think of is Myofascial Release Therapy, which I have every couple of months. This is a therapy done to help relax muscles that spasm. The best practitioners, in my opinion are Liscensed Massage Therapists, but some PT's have the appropriate training. Some say they do it, but don't have specific training in it.
It should start out very lightly, like butterflies, and then gradually increase in pressure as you become tolerant. This, in my opinion is one of the best ways to combat spasms. (Spasms are a major part of my condition) It may be somewhat temporary, based on what a person's condition(s) is/are. But it can permenantly help heal spasm's that are not chronic in nature.
I would ask your PT about it. It certainly can't hurt. Also, have you been on any muscle relaxers? I have to take them every day. It's hard sometimes, to find the one that works best for you, but they really do help.
Chrissy, as always you are such a dear friend, thank you for always being there for me.
cmp, I will ask the pt my next visit, she is very gentle, almost sounds like what you are describing. I am so sore she is taking it super slow.
I going to call a medical supply today & inquire if they carry something for the ribs. I will try what ever is suggested, I am tired of the pain.
I have thought alot about a muscle relaxer. It is so hard because I try to avoid getting to tired, at least for now, trying to work but pt wants me to pretty much slow it down, in fact she says I need to pretty much need to just rest, no work at all, I wish. Hopefully I will get help at work this week & that will allow me to get more rest in. I know I am going to be left with no choice. Hard when your job is at stake, no work no pay.
I am so bad some mornings that I think I will take something to help the muscles at night, since I can't seen to cool it in my sleep, I know for a fact I am really aggravating everything due to constantly moving around all night.
I pray this pt helps. Sammy
Sammy, I know my pain is the highest in the am. until my doctor moved around my oxycontin and I take it 4 times a day. It might be easier to make sure you take meds around the clock even if you have to set an alarm clock to get up during the night to take a pill. It will keep the pain meds in your system so that you are not trying to play catch up in the morning.
I don't know if you are trying this already or not but its a thought.
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