Broken ribs won't heal

January 15, 2010 4:11 AM

What to do with broken ribs that have never healed.

My father (aged 72) broke ribs a couple of years back. As usual, doctors simply left them to heal themselves.

But they didn't heal. They're still broken, and it appears that the ragged ends of the broken ribs have grown to form nubbins. This means they never will heal.

All this would be bearable were it not for that fact that coughing causes the most excruciating, distressing pain - so much so that he lives in dread of catching a cold.

This is a major problem, as he has a life-limiting condition (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) which has weakened his immune system, leaving him open to (you've guessed it) coughs and colds.

We live in the UK, and the risk of infection after surgery is such that he doesn't want to go under the knife.

Can anyone suggest a course of action which might make his last few years on earth more bearable?

Thanks for your help.

posted by Blackwatch to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

When he does have to cough, he can hug a firm pillow tightly to the area that's hurting to brace it. Has he spoken with his MD about the pain he's still having?
posted by jennyjenny at 4:31 AM on January 15, 2010

He needs to see a pulmonologist to effectively deal with this. Has he?

Is pain medication an option? What is the course of action to treat the cough? Would his doctor consider a course of steroids to reduce inflammation? That carries its own risk of immunosuppression, too. But it is worth asking about. Without the inflammation, you cough a lot less.

I'm really sorry that he is in such pain.
posted by FergieBelle at 6:45 AM on January 15, 2010

Blackwatch, your dad should go and see his GP and see if they think a referral to a chest physician or chest surgeon or (possibly best) an anaesthetist is warranted.

I can tell you first hand that fractured ribs are notoriously painful for a long time (yes, years). He might find get some comfort from bracing a pillow against his chest when he coughs (assuming the pain is in the front or on the side where he can reach). It won't eradicate it but it'll make it a bit easier to cough.

In my opinion there is insufficient information here to offer up anything more and of course the syndrome complicates matters enormously. It might be possible to do nerve block injections (hence the anaesthetic thought) but everything will rest on the physical examination. Seriously, go to a GP or get another one if you're not happy.
posted by peacay at 7:28 AM on January 15, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks for the responses so far.

Just to clarify: he doesn't have a cough all the time. It's only when a cough arises that the broken ribs cause him huge difficulties and distress.

Just wondered if anyone had a similar experience and if there's anything that can be done to ease the situation.

Thanks again.
posted by Blackwatch at 7:29 AM on January 15, 2010

I am sorry to hear of your father's pain. I am 69 years old and have had similar problems as the result of improper healing after heart surgery. While I had to have a second surgery to relieve the damage from the first surgery, I found the most relief by wearing an athletic compression shirt daily. It gives support to the chest area and helps squeeze the chest when I cough, sneeze or hiccup. You can find them at stores that specialize in athletic wear and are made by Reebok, Under Armour, etc. If he decides to try this out, suggest that he get a size smaller than he would wear in a regular shirt. They are a little bit of a challenge to pull on, but they really make a difference to me.
posted by Old Geezer at 7:51 PM on January 15, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks Old Geezer - that's a great idea.
posted by Blackwatch at 2:56 AM on January 18, 2010