? for you

[galloping-gourmet]

I posted this in the Eventing forum, because I do that now, and have a clinic and little show in 2 weeks. But…used to foxhunt with RRH, so I know you all have experience, and I just read the ‘rider hurt’ thread.

I came off horse a week ago wednesday (so 3 plus weeks til clinic). Think I cracked a rib, or at least bruised the hell out of it, didn’t go to the doctor, but did talk to my doc, who is a rider.

Hurt like crazy the first few days, now much better, I even rode my steady girl yesterday, w/t/c and was fine. My back muscles are really tight, so advil is my best friend.

Anyway, I would love specific stories regarding rib injuries and back to riding. My doc said they don’t wrap ribs anymore, due to complications, so basically do nothing for it. Just curious. Thanks in advance…

[xeroxchick]

I have had cracked ribs and on another occasion, two very broken ribs. In both cases six weeks was the magic number. The pain just stopped after that. I rode almost all the way through each injury but had to have someone tighten my girth.

[wateryglen]

a nurse weighs in here!

OMG! I think I’m gonna faint…NEVER, NEVER ride or exert or risk falling in ANY way with broken ribs, broken bones…NEVAH!!! :uhoh::mad: You are taking serious risks with your life…honest! One bump and your lung collapses and then there ya go!!! :eek:
Honestly I think sometimes we’ve had too many klunks on the head and have brain damage and have lost our self preservation instincts and common sense. Don’t you people wanna live for crying out loud!!! sheeeeesh…!!!
And please don’t ask for stories! No! No more stories full of bravado and recklessness. That’s why the dressage queens think we’re crazy! We are if we ride with broken ribs!

And with that admonition; WG returns to a calm, upright stance whilst limping from the latest injury du jour on her way out to the barn. Yeah, riding hurts!! :winkgrin::lol:

[galloping-gourmet]

Thank you all, I want to the doctor today, and based on the exam, didn’t think it was broken, so didn’t take an xray. I’m still going to take it easy, though. I feel better each day, so hopefully can ride in the clinic and show in 2 weeks. Fingers crossed…

[xeroxchick]

Wattery, I am properly admonished! Really had no idea that it was that dangerous. I don’t plan on ever having broken ribs again, but if I do, I will be more careful.

[wateryglen]

yup! I’m a nag!!!

Sorry…I am SUCH a bitch!!! :lol: And bruised ribs hurt more than broken ones btw sometimes! I bet laughing,sneezing & hiccuping is a total blast now ain’t it??? :winkgrin: And turning in bed??? Oivay!! :uhoh: The worst part is the “no sex until you’re healed” part from the doctor…right!!! Uh…didn’t your doctor tell you that??? :eek: He DIDN’T!!! Only if you can hold your breath! :yes::yes::yes::yes:

Ya:cool:'ll can always PM me when you need a nag…about anything!!! I’m good for it!! Really!!!

[LexInVA]

Guess that ExoVest is looking more appealing by the day… :lol: Seriously though, just take it easy. If you’re out somewhere where access to a decent trauma center is not something you can easily accomplish in under 20 minutes, do not risk yourself or your horses by trying to ride or other strenuous activities if you have broken ribs. Just sit on the couch, read a book, or watch some TV while having a three-way with Ben & Jerry. You might not like it at first but you’ll get used to it and eventually make it through.

[xeroxchick]

Okaaayyyyy. . . I might be able to stay off the pony for a month (maybe) but no sex?!?!

[Trakehner]

Ah, cracked ribs…always special. I’ve broken/cracked and bruised way too many ribs x-country and on the babies. Was I disgusted when they stopped wrapping them and suggested, “try not to cough”. Yeah, boy, there’s a surprise…and try not to lift anything either.

Once your healed up (5-6 weeks) go on out, do you have a crash & burn vest? Wear it for a bit, it’s a good confidence builder and reminder.

[galloping-gourmet]

Thank you!!!

Well, I went to the my chiropractor today - electric stim on the back muscles and heat, then stretch and gently moving the sub-luxated back ribs. I’m feeling better each day.

We went on a 15 mile bike ride yesterday (I have an upright style bike) and it felt GREAT. It must have gotten the blood circulating, and loosened everything up.

Yep, I think I’ll be riding in the vest for awhile - for anything.

Thanks everyone.

[lizathenag]

actually wateryglen, I hold that NAG title.

however, I have punctured a lung after falling and breaking a rib and it was a long time before I really recovered.

I knew I was hurt when I got up, but it was when I stepped up into my trailer to get my neoprene back brace that I thought would help, that I felt the rib puncture the lung.

major ouch (and I have had children without drugs!)

[Madeline]

I am not a Doctor, but here’s a quick check to se if a rib, or actually any bone, is likely to be broken:

Locate the ouchy spot, then press gently on one end of that same bone. If it hurts at the ouchy spot, it’s probably broken or cracked.

Again, I am not a doctor, but sometimes this information will let you know whether the ER is in your immediate future.