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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Pain In Sternum After Injury

One week ago I injured my sternum while cleaning replacement windows . The bottom window actually fell hard on my chest. I did see the DR, underwent exam, EKG, Pulse Ox, CXT, and Xray with attn. to Sternum. It hurts all the time especially with deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, laughing etc. I am sleeping upright but fitfully due to pain. My PCP callled the next day regarding the xray saying that he was baffled because the xray showed a healed old fractured sternum. He said and understandably that the healing was impossible but I have never injured my sternum before. At first Dr. ordered Extra Strength Tylenol to no avail, and then Oxycodone 5 mg. which I am not taking as it did not relieved the pain and only made me feel loopy I first started with heat and now ice. Any suggestions? I am a 58 year old female, 134 lbs, active prior to this ie walking 4 miles daily with a Hx. of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Mon, 2 May 2022
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hi,

As the X-ray did not suggest any fresh fractures, it would be better if you change the pain medication. You can have the following:
1) Tab. Advil dual action containing Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen in the dosage of 250mg/125mg respectively to be taken twice daily for 3 days
2) Hot compressor is to be applied on sternum daily thrice for 3 days
Hopefully with the above measures,you will get rid of your severe pain.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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Suggest Treatment For Pain In Sternum After Injury

Hi, As the X-ray did not suggest any fresh fractures, it would be better if you change the pain medication. You can have the following: 1) Tab. Advil dual action containing Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen in the dosage of 250mg/125mg respectively to be taken twice daily for 3 days 2) Hot compressor is to be applied on sternum daily thrice for 3 days Hopefully with the above measures,you will get rid of your severe pain. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist