
Suggest Treatment For Broken Ribs And Constipation After An Injury

I fell down my stairs last Tuesday and was told without thorough examination or an X-ray that I had not broken anything but had been in extreme pain. Unable to get to the surgery I spoke with my GP on the phone who prescribed co codamol 30/500 for the pain and a visit to a physiotherapist to deal with the pain in my back - I thought my lat muscle was torn. On visiting the physio I have been told that a couple of my ribs ( on my back) are broken. I have had no appetite due to a swollen abdomen since the fall but decide to eat this evening and the swelling has increased phenomenally. I am on laxatives to counteract the constipating effects of cocodamol.....I have also gained about 8 lbs in weight since the fall. Stupidly I have been reading the blogs online and am concerned I may have internal bleeding.. I never learn! What do you think?
Unlikely to be internal bleeding but get examined!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fall and the pain that you have reported. Unless it is a very slow leaking bleed, it is very unlikely that you could have internal bleeding and go for a week without having symptoms of severe hemorrhage. However, a complete physical examination and basic x-rays are needed to establish the exact lesions you sustained as a result of this fall and more so because disturbing information about possible broken ribs has been reported by your physiotherapist.
I will suggest you get in contact with your surgeon. If this proves difficult, your primary care doctor should be able to approach this problem, do a proper investigation and refer for expertise input if findings suggest so.
Rapid weight gain over a short time is more suggestive of fluid retention than bleeding. What the exact cause of this is would be difficult without a comprehensive evaluation. Has there been any change in your urination habits?
In all, get a full examination to establish all the lesions you sustained and get them managed appropriately. You are unlikely to have internal bleeding unless from a very slow leaking vessel which seems very unlikely given the provided information.
I hope this helps. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Thank you so much for using our services.


Thanks!
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy to hear you are doing a lot better. Do well to update me as the days passes by.
I wish you well.

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