Some of you already know that I broke another rib last Saturday before I had to leave for work. I was trying to get a piece of wet laundry out of the washer and it was not cooperating. I heard and, of course, FELT that telltale crack that told me I was in trouble. The broken rib is just above my back brace so if I move in the wrong direction, it is constantly being irritated. I made it through work, wanted to strap an ice pack on but I didn't think I could do it. YES, it hurts...broken ribs are horribly painful and just like quitting smoking, there is no way to speed up the journey.
I have had recurrent nausea ever since last Saturday night, I vomited every single night and had terrible pain in the area of the break. I put myself on clear liquids and had one night without vomiting and instead had it in the morning. I made an appointment with my doctor for Monday morning just to be sure that this pain is all from the rib. It's under the rib and I swear that it seems to be swollen. I cannot touch it without wincing and I have a history of ulcers...they were always in the same area and the pain was very much like this and I vomited every night when I had them. I was put on Prilosec and had miraculous results. I considered going to get some but I have decided to let the doctor decide what is best at this point. My stress level has been through the roof since my husband's heart attack...he seems so disconnected from reality and contributes nothing financially to our expenses. I am overwhelmed and there is nothing I can do other than what I am doing, taking this one day at a time, one step at a time. I am paying bills...working every Saturday (heading out shortly) and meditating to see if I can release some of this stress. I KNOW that smoking would not help, it isn't even something I think about. I am looking forward to seeing the doctor...oh, I didn't vomit last night and so far, have no vomited this morning...maybe just making the appointment released something.
This too shall pass...I just wish it would pass FASTER. It's really hard to take a deep breath when my rib shifts every time I try. I am using the Incentive spirometer and forcing myself to cough...crying wee, wee, wee, wee all the way home.
Smoking would NOT help...smoking helps NOTHING.
Have a beautiful Saturday.
Love,
Ellen
